History/Overview
The Mercedes-Benz Vans Sprinter was the first of the modern European-style tall vans to make it to Canadian dealers. That happened back in 2001, and while it has been sold under a variety of nameplates including Freightliner and Dodge, it's the same Mercedes bones underneath. The van has just entered its third generation, combining Mercedes-Benz car technology in the cabin with commercial van bones. The Crew Van is a new offering designed to combine passenger capacity with cargo hauling.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
For 2021, Mercedes-Benz added a new four-cylinder gas engine option as well as giving the V6 diesel available 4x4 drive.
Available Trims
Sprinter Crew is offered in 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbase configurations, both with the high roof. The van is offered with a 161 hp four-cylinder diesel, 188 hp diesel V6, and a 188 hp gas four-cylinder. The V6 offers AWD, and Mercedes offers four payload grades, including 2500, 3500, 3500XD, and 4500.
Standard Features
Standard equipment inlcudes hill-start assist, 7-pin trailer socket, power heated mirrors, crosswind assist, cruise control, and active brake assist. It also has a standard 7.0-inch MBUX-enabled touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as business telemetry and connectivity features.
As the Crew Van name entails, this version adds a second row of seats for three in the rear of the van. It also gains a window on both sides for those passengers.
Key Options
Extensive add-on packages include cargo protection and storage upfitting. There is also a driver convenience package with blind spot and attention assist, premium package with active lane keeping and wet wiper system, premium plus with leahter wheel, 10.25-inch infotainment, parking package, adaptive cruise, wireless charging, digital dash, and traffic sign assist.
Comfort package adds upgraded driver and front passenger seats with lumbar supports and armrests while comfort plus adds heated and power-adjust front seats.
There is also a Crew Van comfort package that adds upgraded seats for rear passengers, two-stage sliding foor opening, and electric sliding door closure assist.
Fuel economy
The heavy weight capacity of the Sprinter Crew vans means that fuel economy estimates are not required, so, like other van makers, Mercedes-Benz doesn't supply them.
Competition
The Sprinter Crew van is unique in the market thanks to the seating for five combined with a large rear cargo area. It otherwise competes with the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
