“Go drive the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter,” said the fine editors at auto123.com.
They didn’t have to ask me twice. I was stoked.
Here was a chance to channel my “inner trucker” and drive something different than another compact crossover or hybrid, which seems to be genres currently preoccupying the hearts and minds of the respective R&D departments of the world’s automakers.
I also had to move a sofa.
The Test Vehicle
On the appointed day, I stopped off to buy a clipboard, to make sure I looked the part, and headed over to Mercedes-Benz Canada to pick up the Sprinter 2500 High Roof Cargo Van.
The Sprinter also comes in Passenger Wagon and Chassis Cab versions. Cargo and Chassis Cab configurations can also be ordered in the heavier-duty 3500 series.
Cargo models come in three lengths (standard, long, extra long) and two heights (standard and high roof). Our tester was short and high, and very white, reminding me of the chest freezer we have in our basement.
But unlike that appliance, the Sprinter is made to move, and technically interesting. Power is courtesy of a 3.0-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, good for 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Of course, this is an ultra high-pressure common-rail direct-injection diesel. The engine is hooked up to 5-speed automatic transmission.
Suspension out back is—as you would expect for a work truck—a solid rear axle with leaf springs. But the brakes are 4-wheel discs, with electronic brake force distribution.
List price is $45,400, which includes air conditioning, 100-litre fuel tank, and electronic stability control. Our tester was optioned with: cargo partition ($270); trailer hitch wiring ($35), extra keys ($120); power and heated mirrors ($260); assist handle for sliding door ($30), waistline cargo lashing rails ($230); rear entry step ($180); and the Premium Package ($700), which throws on 12V power outlet, cruise, upgraded driver’s seat, illuminated exits, and heat insulation windscreen. Total package price: $47,225.
They didn’t have to ask me twice. I was stoked.
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| With its fairly narrow body, this large van can manoeuvre around town with the greatest of ease. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
Here was a chance to channel my “inner trucker” and drive something different than another compact crossover or hybrid, which seems to be genres currently preoccupying the hearts and minds of the respective R&D departments of the world’s automakers.
I also had to move a sofa.
The Test Vehicle
On the appointed day, I stopped off to buy a clipboard, to make sure I looked the part, and headed over to Mercedes-Benz Canada to pick up the Sprinter 2500 High Roof Cargo Van.
The Sprinter also comes in Passenger Wagon and Chassis Cab versions. Cargo and Chassis Cab configurations can also be ordered in the heavier-duty 3500 series.
Cargo models come in three lengths (standard, long, extra long) and two heights (standard and high roof). Our tester was short and high, and very white, reminding me of the chest freezer we have in our basement.
But unlike that appliance, the Sprinter is made to move, and technically interesting. Power is courtesy of a 3.0-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, good for 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Of course, this is an ultra high-pressure common-rail direct-injection diesel. The engine is hooked up to 5-speed automatic transmission.
Suspension out back is—as you would expect for a work truck—a solid rear axle with leaf springs. But the brakes are 4-wheel discs, with electronic brake force distribution.
List price is $45,400, which includes air conditioning, 100-litre fuel tank, and electronic stability control. Our tester was optioned with: cargo partition ($270); trailer hitch wiring ($35), extra keys ($120); power and heated mirrors ($260); assist handle for sliding door ($30), waistline cargo lashing rails ($230); rear entry step ($180); and the Premium Package ($700), which throws on 12V power outlet, cruise, upgraded driver’s seat, illuminated exits, and heat insulation windscreen. Total package price: $47,225.
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| List price is $45,400, which includes air conditioning, 100-litre fuel tank, and electronic stability control. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |