Cargo and Passenger King
The name Dodge Sprinter reminds me of the Dodge Slingshot, one of Chrysler's concept roadsters from the last few years. The funny thing is that nothing could be further from the impression that the name might give. The Sprinter is actually the successor of the Dodge Ram Van that began its career in the early 1970s.
In this category of vehicles, very few things have changed over the last decades. The recipe, shared with GM and Ford's full-size vans is to make it big, square, give it a large engine and as few amenities as possible. Mercedes, the brain behind the Sprinter, has a slightly different approach to this type of people and cargo mover.
The least expensive Sprinter, a Cab-chassis, retails for $36,700. With a list of options as big as a phone book, a Sprinter can easily fetch well over $60,000. We tested a 2500 Passenger model with the 3 556 mm (140 inch) wheelbase and the high roof. Its asking price was of $60,985.
Styling
Styling is a strong word to use to describe anything related to the
Sprinter. Although, I will admit that the dashboard is actually pleasing to look at and to use. The plastics do not give the impression that they were taken out of a "leftover" bin somewhere in the back of the assembly plant. Interior panel gaps were very minimal and in fact even in every instance. The seat material feels durable and again escapes the cheap look.
The seats themselves are very firm yet remain comfortable. In essence, all ten seating positions have the same style seat, including headrests, except that the driver and passenger have multiple adjustments. Removing any one of the three benches is minimally a two person job as they are very heavy. All controls are within reach and are deftly simple to use.
As far as the shape of the Sprinter is concerned, it is in reality charming for a van. I could see it as the modern-day version of Volkswagen's Bus. This delivery van is deceptively aerodynamic. Its coefficient of drag is of only 0.36 Cd., as low as many cars. It is, of course, sensitive to crosswinds and passing 18-wheelers.
Technical
The Sprinter makes do with one engine under its short bonnet. It is a
turbocharged 2.7L inline 5-cylinder that develops 154 hp at 3 800 rpm and 243 lb/ft of torque between 1 600 and 2 400 rpm. The only offered transmission is a 5-speed automatic with a manual mode. All Sprinters are RWD and are equipped with a 4-wheel disc braking system. The suspension is comprised of an independent setup up front and rear leaf springs and a solid axle in the rear.
There are three ways to purchase a Sprinter. The most basic form is a plain cab and chassis. The enclosed vans are either available as a cargo or a passenger mover. These last two can be ordered with a 2 997 mm (118 inch), 3 556 mm (140 inch) or a 4 013 mm (158 inch) wheelbase. The Cab-chassis will only be delivered in the two larger sizes.
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In this category of vehicles, very few things have changed over the last decades. The recipe, shared with GM and Ford's full-size vans is to make it big, square, give it a large engine and as few amenities as possible. Mercedes, the brain behind the Sprinter, has a slightly different approach to this type of people and cargo mover.
The least expensive Sprinter, a Cab-chassis, retails for $36,700. With a list of options as big as a phone book, a Sprinter can easily fetch well over $60,000. We tested a 2500 Passenger model with the 3 556 mm (140 inch) wheelbase and the high roof. Its asking price was of $60,985.
Styling
Styling is a strong word to use to describe anything related to the
 |
The seats themselves are very firm yet remain comfortable. In essence, all ten seating positions have the same style seat, including headrests, except that the driver and passenger have multiple adjustments. Removing any one of the three benches is minimally a two person job as they are very heavy. All controls are within reach and are deftly simple to use.
As far as the shape of the Sprinter is concerned, it is in reality charming for a van. I could see it as the modern-day version of Volkswagen's Bus. This delivery van is deceptively aerodynamic. Its coefficient of drag is of only 0.36 Cd., as low as many cars. It is, of course, sensitive to crosswinds and passing 18-wheelers.
Technical
The Sprinter makes do with one engine under its short bonnet. It is a
 |
There are three ways to purchase a Sprinter. The most basic form is a plain cab and chassis. The enclosed vans are either available as a cargo or a passenger mover. These last two can be ordered with a 2 997 mm (118 inch), 3 556 mm (140 inch) or a 4 013 mm (158 inch) wheelbase. The Cab-chassis will only be delivered in the two larger sizes.