Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2016 Review

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 CDI MWB
2016 Large Van Comparison Test

In 2014 the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter benefitted from several new safety systems, a minor cabin lift, a new front end and a fully Euro 5 engine line-up. Our medium-wheelbase Sprinter 316 CDI test vehicle has a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 120kW and 360Nm, the urge fed to the rear wheels via an optional seven-speed auto. The Sprinter range is priced from $44,490 to $71,490 with the vehicle reviewed here priced at $61,105 (plus on-road costs).

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a giant on the large van landscape, with a market share more than double that of its nearest rival, Renault's Master. That fact alone must really irk Volkswagen, whose Crafter shares the same chassis and cab yet has the smallest slice of this market.

The Sprinter's latest revision reached Australia in 2014, with refreshed front-end styling and a comprehensive suite of new safety systems complementing a mild cab update and a fully Euro 5 engine line-up.

Our test vehicle is the Sprinter 316 CDI equipped with a 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine in its most powerful ratine (120kW/360Nm). Only the Sprinter's flagship 3.0-litre V6 engine is more powerful, at 140kW/440Nm.

The vehicle on test is fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is standard) as well as an $1800 Lane Tracking Package (blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, high-beam assist, and auto lights and wipers) and satellite navigation ($950).

There are no A-pillar grab handles but cab access is aided by small handles on the door and a relatively low seat height (only the Transit's seat is lower).

Finding a comfy position behind the tilt-and-reach-adjustable wheel is easy and while the standard driver's seat is fairly basic, with no armrest or lumbar support, the cushioning is supportive. Higher-spec seats are available, including a suspension seat.

This Sprinter is the only van on test without a bulkhead or a twin passenger seat unit, which brings its own pros and cons. The central walkthrough between the driver's and single passenger's seats gives easy access to the load bay, but there's no protection from sliding cargo in an emergency. It's also noisier, while the heating and cooling isn't as effective.

The Sprinter also suffers in terms of cab storage; there's no under-seat storage and the door side pockets are fairly basic, although the lockable glove box is of a decent size and there are twin overhead shelves and three dash-top compartments, the middle one with a lid.

The cab itself is understated but classy, with a quality construction that delivers minimal and uniform panel tolerances throughout. The utilitarian feel is softened with chrome instrument bezels and the use of silver-finished spokes on the plastic steering wheel. In general it's a cut above the Daily and Ducato, but it looks dated compared to the Transit or Master.

The head unit's 5.8-inch TFT display isn't a touch-screen and the menu system isn't as intuitive as some, while the older-style cruise control/speed limiter stalk remains. Once you know your way around the Sprinter's systems there are no issues, but if you've never sampled one it takes a little time to familiarise yourself.

Underway, however, the Sprinter is one dynamically superb package, with a highly refined and capable engine paired with a thoroughly sorted chassis and suspension setup.

The Sprinter blitzed the opposition in our acceleration runs despite the wet conditions. On the road it pulls hard from just off idle, with excellent response and linear urge through to 3800rpm, at which point the 7G-TRONIC (seven-speed automatic) transmission smoothly hooks the next ratio with speed and precision.

This transmission adds $2875 to the purchase price but it is a lovely unit, offering a great spread of ratios to handle any situation with maximum efficiency. Only the eight-speed 'Hi-Matic' auto available in the new Daily offers more gears.

The Sprinter's front-end displays a degree of compliance while it's firmer at the rear. No surprises there, but only the Transit gave a better ride unladen, while with the best part of a tonne in the back the Sprinter's handling was difficult to fault. The Sprinter barely notices the load in terms of engine performance, its uphill charges continuing unabated.

There's a weight to the steering that promotes a sense of security at all speeds, while the Sprinter (and Crafter) has the shortest steering box of the lot, with 3.25 turns lock to lock. With a 13.4m turning circle, the Sprinter falls mid-pack in this company.

There was no idle-stop feature in our Sprinter (it's standard in manual models) and no reversing camera, but without a bulkhead rear vision was excellent. Without parking sensors care was needed to account for the protruding rear footstep. The Sprinter comes prewired for a camera, while a PARKTRONIC parking assistant ($1490) is also available.

The split standard/convex side mirrors are on the smaller side here but the blind-spot monitoring is a worthy extra. Commercial drivers should be mindful of blind spots anyway – as we all should – but an electronic safety net can't hurt.

The load bay is a basic affair without any wall protection but you do get internal pockets in each barn door plus 10 large and sturdy tie-down points. We measured 1340mm between the wheel arches and an unladen load floor height of 590mm, with healthy apertures at the rear and side, but noted the Sprinter's towing capacity was the lowest of the bunch, at 2000kg.

For safety the Sprinter makes do with two airbags but its stability control program includes Crosswind Assist as standard and it can be optioned up with the aforementioned Lane Tracking Package and a Driving Assistance Package, the latter adding Collision Prevention Assist.

We achieved an average fuel economy of 9.3L/100km in the Sprinter. Together with the Crafter it has the smallest fuel tank, at 75 litres, giving it a safe working range of 750km. A 100-litre tank is available as an option ($490).

The Sprinter comes with a three-year/200,000km warranty and three years of roadside assistance, while service intervals are indicated at every 12 months or 30,000km – par for the course here.

Drive the Sprinter and its appeal is obvious. It's a quality affair inside and out, with superb handling, spirited performance and plenty of load space. Yes, the seven-speed auto adds to the experience and many of its advanced safety systems aren't standard, but it's a proven product that can be specified to meet a wide range of needs.

For those undeterred by the hefty purchase price, it's a rock-solid commercial tool with the runs on the board, and its reign looks set to continue for a good while yet.

Related reading:
>> Large Van 2016 Comparison: Introduction
>> Ford Transit (from $47,680 plus ORCs)
>> Fiat Ducato (from $44,000 plus ORCs)
>> Iveco Daily (from $49,501 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (from $44,490 plus ORCs)
>> Renault Master (from $40,990 plus ORCs)
>> Volkswagen Crafter (from $41,990 plus ORCs)
>> Large Van Comparison - The Verdict

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 CDI pricing and specifications:
Price: $61,105 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 120kW/360Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Drive: Rear
GVM: 3550kg
Wheelbase: 3665mm
Payload: 1470kg
Load space: 10.5 cubic metres
Towing (braked): 2000kg
Fuel: 9.3L/100km (as tested)