When I saw the list of rides coming my way, this Mercedes really stood out. A two-seat Benz usually means a wind-in-my-hair type of week with a fancy convertible top and corner carving. This week, it was a different outcome. I had sweat pouring off me as I worked hard to make good use of this formidable machine.
It might not be as sexy as other Mercedes models, but the Sprinter is ready to earn its money. The extended 170″ wheelbase cargo van is large with a ton of space. The higher roof means taller items fit easily, and outfitters will have no problem turning this into a proper workspace.
This cavernous van showed up at just the right time as our house was hitting the market. So, it did an excellent job of moving large items that needed to be donated, or just storing many items for home staging. When it came time to move items, the big Sprinter did it all in one trip that would have a taken two or three trips in a smaller van or pickup.
From the factory, the Sprinter 2500 cargo van is ready to work, including an optional hardwood floor with smartly placed D rings to better secure items.
Climb in the driver’s seat and the Mercedes-Benz is all about work with durable leatherette covered seats and a more sterile cockpit. If you choose the comfort plus package, you or your employees will be catered to more comfortable seats and power adjustments.
This Sprinter has excellent forward vision with a large windshield and side windows. There is ample space for two in the cabin with plenty of head room and some nifty storage space for smaller items. The partition hides just how big this van really is. It also keeps any noise from the large cargo area at a lower level, especially on the highway.
Out on the road, the Sprinter is a bit intimidating to drive at first because you can’t help notice the size before you hop in. It was much easier to drive and feels smaller out on the highway. The V6 turbo diesel is a big upgrade over other versions with the smaller four-cylinder engine. It got up to speed quickly and never felt underpowered, even with the cargo area full. That V6 turbo diesel didn’t hurt the wallet as much as I thought it would, either. I managed nearly 20 mpg, which was impressive for a vehicle the size of a small apartment.
The Sprinter 2500 will get attention whether on the road or parked. It sports a more striking view, especially in the optional blue paint. This is a rolling billboard for your company with a very large canvas that allows you to get creative. The cargo version is gifted with one huge sliding door on the right to easily move items in and out. Even the back door opens wide and folds back and out of the way.
Cost: $48,110; as tested $59,555
MPG: I managed 19.9 mpg in 356 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $670 brilliant blue; $60 leatherette black; $276 electric parking brake; $297 roof rails; $331 full-length partition with window; $314 parametric special module; $91 12V power outlet rear compartment; $721 navigation; $253 satellite radio; $469 MBUX multimedia system; $36 interior rear view mirror; $48 electrically folding exterior mirrors; $669 fuel-fired heater booster; $446 blind spot assist; $285 active lane keeping assist; $767 parking package with 360 degree camera; $105 rain sensor; $48 attention assist; $146 trailer cross member, towing capacity 500lbs; $100 specially requested tires; $82 sliding door two stage opening; $32 assist handle with partition; $32 assist handle right rear door; $439 sidewall paneling hardwood; $418 wood floor with six d-rings; $356 rear door opening 270-degree; $86 acoustic package; $269 basic comfort package; $1,904 comfort plus package; $1,695 destination and delivery
Things to know: The Sprinter 2500 cargo van is ready to work with loads of space and a thrifty diesel engine, which means fewer stops and more time on the job.
Pros:
- Ready to work hard with a large and tall cargo area for a variety of needs
- Decent power and even some towing ability with the 3.0L turbo diesel
- Driver will find it easy to drive and with available safety features that add peace of mind
Cons:
- The 170-inch wheelbase version is very large and the tall height means it can’t fit everywhere
- Limited availability for certain models due to popularity
- Might find the cost higher than the competition
