All-new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter confirmed for 2018

A new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is on the way for 2018, with lower fuel costs and improved levels of active safety kit. The new panel van will reach the UK in the spring and rival the Volkswagen Crafter and Ford Transit.

Mercedes-Benz hasn't provided any actual pictures of the 2018 Sprinter panel van but it has produced an artist’s sketch of the new van, which hints at a sleeker design with sweptback LED headlights and a clamshell bonnet design. The front also gets a larger grille that's flanked by two huge air vents. 

There are no official words on engines yet, but it would be safe to assume that four-cylinder and V6 Euro6 diesels will make it into the 2018 Sprinter, with improved fuel economy and lower levels of CO2 emissions.

The next-gen van should also get a comprehensive range of smart autonomous tech, with automatic emergency city braking, autonomous cruise control and a handsfree parking system that will steer the vehicle into a parallel space. Bluetooth and navigation will also be upgraded and easier to use. 

A cross traffic warning system should also make its way into the 2018 Sprinter and make it easier to reverse out of a parking bay or driveway by warning the driver of approaching vehicles. As with the existing Sprinter, the new version will provide big carrying capacity, with maximum payloads spanning all the way to 2.5 tonnes.