The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is designed for commercial use as cargo, passenger, or a chassis-cab van. This van is praised for its interior capacity, many available features and its driving ease.
The passenger van can seat up to twelve people using 4 rows of bench seating. The Sprinter is available in 3 lengths with option of 2 roof heights.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Van | Base Price: $36,290.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 26.4 gallons (99 l) | MPG: NA |
| Length: 232.5 in. (590.5 cm) | Wheel Base: 144.3 in. (366.5 cm) |
| Height: 96.3 in. (244.6 cm) | Width: 79.7 in. (202.4 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5098 lbs (2312 kg) | Ground Clearance: 6.9 in. (17.5 cm) |
| Cargo Capacity: 318 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 2 people |
| Engine: V6 DOHC Turbo-Diesel | Displacement: 3.0 Liter |
| Horsepower: 188 HP | Max RPM: 3800 RPM |
| Torque: 325 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs (2268 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:2500 144 WB Passenger | MSRP: $40,320; MPG: NA |
| Option:2500 170 WB Crew | MSRP: $42,720; MPG: NA |
| Option:2500 170 WB Cargo | MSRP: $42,785; MPG: NA |
| Option:2500 170 WB Passenger | MSRP: $45,050; MPG: NA |
Engine & Performance
The Sprinter is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo-diesel that generates 188 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 325 lbs-ft of torque at 1,400 rpm. The engine makes this van more fuel efficient than other vans, and with the ample amount of torque, the sprinter has adequate power for suburban and urban settings.
This engine is mounted on a 5-speed automatic transmission with rear wheel drive. Sequential sport shift is also standard in all trims. The Sprinter 3500 cargo models with regular wheelbase and high roof have a maximum towing ability of up to 5,358 lbs. The 2500 models can haul up to 5,000 pounds. Other performance related features include: power rack and pinion steering, independent front suspension and rear leaf springs.
Exterior
The Sprinter comes with a great rectangular exterior worth a second look. The rear doors open to the van’s full height, swinging open to 270 degrees. Standard exterior features include: 16-inch steel wheels, power locks, windows, integrated wide-angle mirrors, and one-touch triple-flash turn signals. Optional features include side doors in place of sliding door, heated windshield, roof rails, bi-xenon HID headlamps, 16-inch aluminum wheels and rain-sensing wipers.
Interior
The passenger Sprinter van accommodates 12 people comfortably, with two sitting up front and the rest sitting in the remaining three rows. Crew vans are meant to carry 5 people in addition to cargo. All in all, every model is fitted with front bucket seats. It is loaded with standard features that include: CD player, air conditioning, front seat armrests, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and automatic climate control.
It comes available in option packages such as a mobility package, trailer hitch package, and cold climate package. The cargo Sprinter van has a maximum cargo capacity of 547 cubic ft, while the passenger van has a cargo space of 141.3 cubic feet which increases to 494 cubic ft when the seats are removed. It comes with a low step-in height than most vans, which eases getting in and out even for tall people. Loading and off-loading of cargo is also made easier.
Safety & Reliability
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes with standard safety features that include front disc brakes, electronic stability control, front tow hooks, daytime running lights, driver and passenger airbags, side head airbag, brake assist, traction control and rear drum brakes.
For reliability, the Mercedes Sprinter comes backed with a 3-year or 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and a 5-year or 100,000 mile warranty for corrosion on the outer body and the powertrain. The powertrain warranty beats that of Ford E-Series.
Pros
- Optional features
- High quality interior
- Class-leading interior height
- Adequate cargo volume
- Many configurations
Cons
- Underpowered engine
- Fewer seats than competitors
- Expensive than most other vans
The 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter provides an easy and fun to drive experience making it one of the top ranked work vans in its class. With its standard exterior and interior features, comfortable rides and more than enough cargo space, the Sprinter remains a top choice for business and transportation of people.
The GMC Savana (MSRP $38,540; 11 city / 17 hwy) and the Chevrolet Express (MSRP $38,540; 15 city / 20 hwy) also use a Turbo-diesel engine. The one difference is that the Sprinter is only a V6, while two American vans are V8s.
Overall Rating
58 out of 100
What others say:
“As you would expect, Sprinter leans considerably in fast corners. A surprisingly tight turning radius aids close-quarters maneuvering.”Consumer Guide
“The Sprinter is aimed at the commercial market and offers cargo and passenger versions. Developed by Mercedes-Benz’s commercial truck division, as evident by the Mercedes switchgear inside, the Sprinter is sold at Freightliner dealers as well.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter commercial van looks to challenge the monopoly held by Ford and Chevy by offering more features, more options, and better fuel economy. The Sprinter brings to market a very European idea of what a commercial vehicle should be.”KBB
“Unmatched interior size with walk-through cabin; wide variety of body styles; superior fuel economy; relatively maneuverable; huge number of features; Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship…Mercedes-Benz price; engine lacks power and towing capacity.”Edmunds
