Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2013 – 2018) Review

Based on the second-generation 2006 Sprinter, the 2013 van adds some much needed comfort and refinement to Mercedes-Benz's big van. Admittedly, it still lags behind its rivals on value, but the Sprinter remains one of the best used vans on the market.

The four-cylinder 2.1-litre CDI diesel is the mainstay of the engine range. Entry-level models get 95PS but the most popular model is the 130PS version, plus there's the top 3.0-litre engine with 190PS. The standard gearbox remains the six-speed manual or there's the optional 7G-Tronic Plus automatic.

The Sprinter is renowned as one of the best handling vans on the market, with light and responsive steering that makes it easy to navigate around town or guide the van into a tight parking space. However, there's no front-wheel drive option, which means the loading height is signifcantly higher in the Sprinter than its rivals. 

As well as the new look, the 2013 changes added improved upholstery and seat coverings plus a thicker steering wheel and new air vents. The gear lever has been redesigned and there's a new generation radio that includes Bluetooth and a Becker Map Pilot navigation system. These are small changes but they add up to make the Sprinter feel that bit more modern.

There are also five new safety systems in the new Sprinter including a new Crosswind Assist system which comes as standard. If there's a sudden and strong gust of wind, the ESP system will use the brakes to keep the Sprinter from veering out its lane.

When you first get in the cab of the Sprinter you'll notice the new thicker-rimmed steering wheel, which echoes Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, plus a  gear lever which has a nice feel. But aside from that it's business as usual for the Sprinter with the same basic layout, albeit with a new stereo and some different seat upholstery.

Not that there's anyting wrong with that. It's spacious and incredibly comfortable. If you had to pick one van to spend all day in, this would be it. The seats are firm with good side support and feature a harder wearing fabric cover so they'll be able to cope with years of hard work without looking threadbare. There's also plenty of adjustment in the driver's seat so you can get the ideal driving position.

The engine range remains unchanged from the old van, with the same 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine powering the majority of models. The trusty CDI comes in outputs of 95PS/250Nm, 130PS/305Nm and 163PS/360Nm. It's as good an engine as ever and even the base 95PS version has decent get up and go, although it can struggle to get up to speed with a full load on board. The 130PS version is the best compromise between power and economy and is surprisingly swift.

All the engines are smooth and quiet. BlueEfficiency models that come with engine start/stop and reduced rolling resistance tyres for even better fuel consumption. The most economical version can average a claimed 44.4mpg with emissions of 165g/km.

The standard gearbox is the positive-shifting six-speed manual which now has low friction oil for better economy. Alongside it you can opt for the 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox which although not the obvious choice for many, does work very well and is responsive enough around town.

The top diesel is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder CDI, badged as a BlueTec. With 190PS and 440Nm of torque it's incredibly powerful but also very smooth and ideal if you're going to be towing or for use in upmarket minibuses. Alongside the CDI diesels, the Sprinter is also available with a Euro4 compliant supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder natural gas engine with 156PS.

Thanks to the lowered chassis, the Sprinter is now easier to load and unload than its predecessor, although if you prefer the old height you can deselect the lower chassis as a no cost option. It doesn't make sense too as it's now easier to lift heavy objects in and out of. If you're in and out of the back of the van all day you'll appreciate the lower step too.

Aside from that there's little difference from the old Sprinter. The load area is as versatile as before with load securing rings and lashing rails in the floor, sides and roof as an optional extra - essential if you're moving large and bulky items. You can choose plywood for the sides for extra protection, plus this boxes in the rear wheelarches making the space more usable.

The Sprinter comes with a single sliding door as standard while you can go for dual doors as an option. Electric opening and closing is available as a extra, which is a good choice for minibus drivers. On top of this, there is the option of Keyless Entry and Slide, which allows the driver to open or close the side doors as you approach or walk away from the van.

The rear doors open to 180-degrees as standard to reveal a large cargo opening and these doors can be optioned to open all the way flush with the sides of the van and lock into position. Behind the driver, there are various bulkhead options, including glazed panels or with a sliding door.

As before there are three wheelbases, four body lengths and three load compartment heights to help configure the Sprinter in just about any way you want. There are also dropside, crew cab and minibus versions in addition to the panel van model that is most popular.

A maximum load length of 4.7m and height of 2.14m means the Sprinter can carry up to 17.0m3 of cargo and even the most compact model can hold 7.5m3 of goods. The maximum payload of the Sprinter varies from 734kg all the way up to 2515kg. But remember, you'll need to check your driving licence to see the exact weight of the vehicle you're permitted to drive.

One new safety feature which comes as standard is Crosswind Assist. This world first is designed to stop the Sprinter being blown across the road and into the adjacent lane, in strong side winds. It uses the ESP to brake the relevant wheels and keeps the van in its lane, even with sudden side winds of 60mph. It's a clever bit of safety kit and worked very effectively when we tested it using a special wind machine at a test track.