See all Motoring NewsMercedes-Benz Ireland has confirmed that the new Sprinter van, which goes on sale in June, will be priced from €21,950 excluding taxes and charges. That price, says Mercedes commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady, "is one that puts the new Sprinter comfortably within the budget of the majority of van buyers."
It's the first ever Sprinter model to be offered with front-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive models will also be available), and Mercedes has claimed that, in terms of its technology, it's like a smartphone compared to an old-fashioned button phone.
The Sprinter will be available as 1,700 different variants spread across eight body types, plus will have the option of a V6 diesel engine and a nine-speed automatic gearbox for those who really want to take it easy behind the wheel.
On the options front, the Sprinter will be available with the high-tech MBUX infotainment system, a 360-degree parking camera setup, and even a promised all-electric eSprinter variant, due on sale in 2019.
Of the conventionally-engined versions, the front-wheel-drive models save around 50kg compared to a rear-wheel-drive version, all of which can be added to the maximum payload. Front-drive models will also have a lower rear loading height. Maximum payload, depending on the model, and your driving licence, is up to 3.1 tonnes. Single rear tyre models (and there's a special heavy-load version of that Sprinter) have enough space in the back for a standard pallet to be slotted in sideways.
Basic front-wheel-drive diesel models start with 114hp, while 143hp and 177hp engines are optional. Rear-wheel-drive models can handle up to 190hp from a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine.
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