New Sprinter panel van arrives in dealerships

The latest generation range of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel vans has arrived on the Irish market. Priced from €21,950, excluding taxes and charges, the spaciously-large, high-spec, high-tech Sprinter brings new levels of intelligent connectivity, superior comfort and – for the first time – a front wheel drive version to the market, plus a new 3-years warranty now standard across the entire Mercedes–Benz van range.

A popular choice in the large van segment worldwide since it was first introduced in 1995, Sprinter has sold in excess of 3.4 million units worldwideand over 8,000 in Ireland. All previous Sprinter models won the Irish ‘Van of the Year’ award in the years of their introduction, before going on to become the distribution vehicles of choice amongst many high-profile names in food, drinks, courier, parcels, and in engineering, manufacturing and servicing sectors.

Mercedes-Benz has a goal to surpass its two predecessors to become a frontline choice by making beneficial use of latest technology – some drawn from its passenger cars.

A first drive in the new van suggests that these goals have been achieved by the enlargement of the load volume and lowering of the rear floor height.  They have also improved cab comfort and driver access thanks to the offer of front-wheel-drive

within the engine mix. A new infotainment and connectivity system has been added, the benefits of which will be seen in better fleet management, lower operating costs and maximum cost effectiveness.

Arguably, its most innovative feature is a new networked, online connectivity system that gives operators comprehensive fleet control. These easy-to-operate additions – Mercedes PRO Connect and new MBUX multimedia system – help fleet management, whether of a large, multi vehicle business or a small company fleet. Functions monitored include vehicle operation and supervision, fleet communication, maintenance management and a digital driver’s logbook.

Mercedes PRO Connect provides eight connectivity packages that make for greater efficiency, lower operating costs, improved vehicle availability and optimised communication within the fleet. It works by linking the fleet manager to the vehicle and driver, allowing assignments to be managed online, while vehicle information such as location, fuel level or maintenance intervals can be accessed in real time.