Mercedes-Benz continues new-gen Sprinter tease

MERCEDES-BENZ has continued to tease its third-generation Sprinter large van ahead of its reveal in February, disclosing shots of the updated interior and plans to bring electrified versions to market globally by 2019.

The all-new Sprinter is slated for an Australian launch towards the end of 2018 following the global release earlier in the year, while the all-electric eSprinter variant will join the local line-up some time after the initial launch.

At the Sprinter Innovation Campus in Stuttgart, Mercedes has previewed the new Sprinter’s interior, showing a technologically advanced cabin that features the Mercedes Pro connect services and new connectivity hardware.

The interior shots reveal a new centre touchscreen display of undisclosed size, which is integrated on a gloss-black tablet-style slab that also houses air-conditioning vents and multimedia buttons.

Underneath is a neatly packaged air-conditioning cluster that features a button for a heated steering wheel, while two large storage bins sit below.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel contains a wide range of mounted control buttons and drivers are also treated to a colour digital instrument display.

Driver comfort is enhanced with an electrically adjustable cloth seat, which also includes heating function.

A glovebox at the top of the passenger’s side dash houses two USB ports, a HDMI port and what looks to be a 12V outlet.

Using its new connect services and connectivity hardware, Mercedes plans to leverage the technology to optimise communication between drivers and fleet managers to simplify fleet management.

Integrated services in the new system includes vehicle status, vehicle logistics, fleet communications, maintenance management, accident recovery and a digital vehicle log.

The technology, which Mercedes says will serve as an innovation flagship for its entire commercial vehicle range, is in line with the brand’s aim to transition from a vehicle manufacturer to a provider of transport and mobility solutions, and continues the ‘adVANce’ theme started by the Vision Van revealed in September last year.

Mercedes has also teased the exterior look of the new large van, which also draws quite heavily from the Vision Van.

Customisation is another key element of the new Sprinter, which is not limited to different body styles, wheelbases or load heights, but also interior features and specification levels.

As part of the company’s decision to electrify all commercial models, a full-electric version of the Sprinter, dubbed eSprinter, will be made initially for the German market, and available globally thereafter.

Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia PR and corporate communications manager Blake Vincent confirmed that the eSprinter was firmly on their radar, and would likely launch sometime after the initial range arrives towards the end of next year.

No further details have surfaced on the powertrain other than it will be fully electric, while the tachometer’s low redline in the interior photos suggests diesel power will be another form of motivation for the new line-up.

Mercedes has also confirmed that the Sprinter’s smaller sibling, the Vito van, will be offered in electric guise, and will land in showrooms ahead of the eSprinter.

More details on the new-generation Sprinter, including local pricing and specification, will be announced closer to its release date next year.