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Mercedes-Benz Shows Glimpse of Future Sprinter

During the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta, Georgia this week, Mercedes-Benz released a design sketch showing the dimensions, proportions, and overall styling of the new Sprinter. The automaker says the new Sprinter “once again shifts the boundaries of its segment” and that it represents the “acclaimed design language of Mercedes-Benz.”

Perhaps the new Sprinter’s most notable features are found right up front? The hood and grille look smoother and more sculpted when compared to current Sprinter models.

Tech Focused

The new Sprinter will have an array of driver assistance packages and connectivity features. A new Telematics system promises a number of benefits for fleet managers. Mercedes-Benz also notes the “considerably extended range of variants” will be better poised to meet the needs and demands of the van market.

“We want to offer the most suitable mobility solution for every sector and for every transport assignment,” explained Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “And that is precisely our focus with the upcoming Sprinter generation as an overall system solution.”

Budding Market

The United States is now the second-largest market for Sprinters just behind Germany. To meet rising demand in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is building a new Sprinter plant in North Charleston, South Carolina and says the facility will reduce delivery times for North American customers. Mercedes-Benz will also assemble the next-generation Sprinter in Dusseldorf and Ludwigsfelde in Germany.

The Sprinter was born in 1995 and is now one of the most commercially successful vans. To date, there have been more than 3.3 million units delivered to over 130 countries. During the first half of 2017, Sprinter set a new record in total sales, increasing to about 96,200 units versus 95,100 for the same period a year ago. The new Sprinter will arrive in Europe during the first half of 2018 with other markets to follow.

“It also goes without saying that the new edition of our iconic van possesses the classical attributes of reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness,” Mornhinweg said.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 

Sketch & Source: MBUSA.