2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Upgrades & First Impressions

With the holiday season well underway, the debut of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is drawing near with its release window between the end 2018 and early 2019. The United States is the remains the second largest van market for Mercedes-Benz consisting of around 3.4 million Sprinters on the road to the date. Having made its initial debut in 1995 and reaching its current second-generation back in 2016, it has been high time that Sprinter had a rework being under the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Dodge badges over the years. The 2019 models mark the transition into the third generation of Sprinters, as this new and revamped line of vans includes a number of technological enhancements and upgrades from its predecessors. Let’s find out more about these improvements:

Overall Drivability Enhancements

Within urban environments and narrow roads, the new Sprinter demonstrated a tight turning radius and its huge windshield visibility make maneuverability easy despite its large size. Crosswind assist aids in monitoring strong side winds for braking adjustments to enable for easier management of the large van when driving. Lane keeping assist with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring provides the driver aided reassurance when traveling on fast-paced highways and dense streets. Integration with the MBUX works for traffic sign assistance being able to pick up whether driving in the wrong direction and to keep track of speed limits. As a first on the 2019s, Mercedes has included a long overdue 360-degree parking camera with 12 individual parking sensors that prove essential when parking and maneuvering the Sprinter in tight parking spaces. Rear-cross traffic alerts go off when oncoming vehicles pass from behind when going in reverse.

Upgrades for Cockpit and Front Dashboard

Behind the wheel, the Sprinter has received considerable enhancements to make driving it better than ever before. First and foremost, Mercedes-Benz has demonstrated how 2019 is to be all about drivers / operators as the cockpit has received a rather much needed facelift. Seating for the driver and co-pilot is more comfortable than ever before with enhanced power options and cushioning for better back support and a significant reduction in driver fatigue. Other enhancements, include even larger and even more cup holders and mixture of standard USB, USB-C, 12-volt and 115-volt outlets. Extra lockable storage compartments are included on the top front dashboard to increase the amount of space for storing personal belongings and other valuables. As a whole, the passageway space between the driver and copilot chairs has been increased that makes maneuvering from the driver or passenger chair to the back of the cabin much easier.

MBUX Infotainment System

The 2019 Sprinter packs a 7-inch or optional 10.25-inch touchscreen featuring MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) Infotainment System. The MBUX has been previously featured within Mercedes passenger cars, which marks the 2019 Sprinter as its first appearance within the line of commercial vans. The display is wide and visually crisp as touch controls are rather responsive. Voice-controls for the MBUX like any voice-assist system require some getting used to, as the recognition was responsive using natural language. To active it, the phrase “Hey Mercedes” needs to be uttered followed by your command. As a whole, the MBUX responded well to conventional commands in a normal conversation-like manner. Furthermore, steering wheel control buttons serve as an alternative and safer method for drivers to interact with the system. Lastly, the MBUX is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Google Auto compatibility, accessed by plugging your iPhone or Android device either in a standard USB slot or by connecting it to the optional wireless charger.  

Under the Hood Specifications

In terms of under the hood, Mercedes plans on releasing the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters in the U.S with a 3.0 turbodiesel V6 engine with nine-speed automatic transmission in either rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Mercedes plans on reintroducing a 2.1 four-cylinder diesel engine with 9-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive as another diesel option. Due to the preference of U.S auto buyers for gasoline over diesel, Mercedes plans on introducing a rear-wheel drive  2.0 four-cylinder engine as a third option. Both the 4-cylinder diesel and gasoline powered engines will not be offered in the initial set of Sprinters launching in the U.S, and will be only offered in the near the future. By the same token, Mercedes-Benz has mentioned of their intention of releasing an all-electric version of the Sprinter, although this is planned to launch overseas first.

Power Sliding Door, Foldable Side Mirrors, Side Step and Mercedes-Benz Pro Connect

In terms of other highlights, fold-able side mirrors are included as a mere blessing to drivers / operators when parking the Sprinter to avoid potential damage from other cars. The passenger sliding door is now able to be motorized to be controllable either through the set of keys or from the driver’s cockpit. Likewise, the Sprinter comes with the option of a side step for easier entry and exit.

Off the road, the Sprinter proves to be even intuitive with the Mercedes PRO Connect that is new online feature that enables fleet managers to monitor all registered vehicles and driver within their respective network simultaneously.  Managers can view the GPS locations and location histories, fuel levels and other important maintenance information.

2019 and the Third Generation of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Seek Impress

The new generation of Sprinters demonstrates how Mercedes on a corporate level viewing their signature commercial van with more seriousness than ever before. The 2019 Sprinters represents the all that made the van exceptional to begin with, along with a much appreciated and noticeable changes. Focusing on comfort, technology and safety the new Sprinters are built to be intuitive and innovative. On the flip side, all Mercedes-Benz Sprinters will assembled in Mercedes’ new manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina to promote faster production times, quicker deliveries and boosting U.S economic activity.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will come in number of variants ranging from a panel van, passenger van, pickup, chassis cab and tractor head models. Such variants aim to cater to the wide range of uses and endless amount of customization options available on the chassis. The Sprinter will be offered in 2 wheel bases a 144- and 170-inch in three different variants: a standard, long and extended.

Looking to Customize a 2019 Sprinter Van?

Of course, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters are built to be tailored to the unique needs of their owners, as the chassis proves to as friendly as ever to performing van upfits and conversions. For more information regarding the new set of Sprinter vans please send us an inquiry, email us at sales@hqcustomdesign.com or call us at 201-592-6939.