2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

While the Sprinter cargo van has received a complete redesign for the 2019 model year, the trim line-up remains the same. It is still offered in a single trim which comes with a lot of configuration options. The single option base trim is priced at $38,630 which is more expensive than most of its rivals, to begin with. For that much money, this cargo van offers features like Manual Front Air Conditioning, Cloth Seat Trim, 16" Silver Steel Wheels, Stabilizer Bar, Tilt-Adjustable Steering Wheel, MBUX infotainment system, and 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

With the choice of optional packages, Mercedes also offers individual features as options. The Parking package ($700) adds a 360-degree camera that makes it easy to park the cargo can in tight spaces. The Premium Package adds active brake assist and active lane-keep assist while the Driver Convenience package ($1250) adds a blind-spot assist feature.

Which Trim should you buy?

As there is not more than one trim on offer, there is not much to recommend in the Sprinter Cargo Van’s lineup. We recommend you to opt for the base trim with the Parking package as it adds the nifty 360-degrees camera which makes it quite easy to park your van.

While the Sprinter Cargo Van has received a thorough update in terms of interior and exterior, it is still powered by the same old engine. Thus, under the hood still sits a 3.0L V6 engine that is capable of developing 188 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the ample torque enables the Sprinter to crawl easily at slow city traffic speeds, the engine feels a bit strained under full load. At fast highway speeds, the passing power is adequate but it lacks the sense of athleticism. This is not much of a problem as a cargo van is not meant to be driven at high speeds. With a maximum towing capacity of 5000 lbs, the Sprinter is a versatile vehicle.

Out of all the cargo vans, only the Mercedes Benz Sprinter cargo gets the nine-speed automatic transmission. It is quite a snappy unit that helps the engine maintain a relaxed pace at most speeds. In comparison, the Sprinter is the slowest of the lot due to its lower power output and torque figures. The Ford Transit and the Nissan NV Cargo Van are the quickest here thanks to their bigger engines.

How well does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van handle?

Being a cargo van, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is tuned towards offering a plain ride even over bad roads. Thus the suspension can take up most things in its stride quite well even if you drive it over rough road situations. The softly tuned suspension is extremely important in keeping the cargo away from the aftershocks of any road undulations. That is exactly what the Sprinter does. There is a considerable amount of body roll on corners which is natural for any cargo van.

The steering is light and easy to operate even at slow city speeds which makes it easy to park it and maneuver in the city. At highway speeds, the steering gains good heft but the feedback it offers is not what you might get from a car’s steering wheel. However, it is not much of a concern as the Sprinter can only achieve a top speed of 97 miles per hour.

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van Braking Performance

The braking data of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van is not available yet. However, we expect it to do well in terms of the braking tests. The brake pedal provides a progressive feel and offers good feedback to the driver’s foot. However, there is a considerable amount of nose-dive under hard braking conditions.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is not the lightest Cargo Van here. Thus, the stopping distance could have been a bit longer than other rivals that carry a lighter curb weight on their shoulders. But it is not the case. This means that the Sprinter gets quite a capable braking hardware which is followed by the GMC Savana cargo.

We do not have the fuel economy estimates of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van. The reason for that being the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency on commercial vehicles with a gross-vehicle-weight rating (GVWR) does not measure the MPG figure of vehicles that weigh more than 8500 pounds.

While the fuel economy numbers are not available, the V6 unit of the Sprinter has been termed as “thirsty”. This means that the gasoline-powered unit of the Sprinter is no cost saver. Meanwhile, the GMC and Ford have released the MPG figures with the Savana cargo van offering the biggest fuel tank in this comparison.

Stepping into the cabin of the Sprinter Cargo Van is east, thanks to the high ground clearance and wide-opening doors. Once you step inside, you realize where most of your money has been spent. The Sprinter offers a more premium-looking cabin and a much more contemporary dashboard than its rivals. Even while it is a cargo van, the interior of the Sprinter has received full attention to detail. 

From the impeccable stitching on the seats to the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the gloss black trim around the stylish air vents, all add to the touch of sophistication. The materials used feel premium even though there are hard plastics in some touch areas. Operating the infotainment system or any other function inside the cabin is a delight, thanks to the switchgear that has been lifted from the much more luxurious Mercedes cars.

It is easy to see why the Sprinter is such a popular choice among commercial cargo customers. As standard, it offers the largest cargo volume in its class. This enables you to load in more cargo which in term can lead to more cost-saving, thanks to the lesser number of trips you might have to make. It is followed by the Ford Transit that offers 246.0 cubic feet of cargo space. Key interior features include:

• Parametric Special Module (PSM)
• Cargo Straps/Lashing Rails
• Light Motion Sensor For Load Compartment
• Leather Steering Wheel (MB ONLY)
• Cargo Partition W/1 Sliding Window
• 12V Power Outlet In Rear Compartment
• Pre-Installation Becker Map Pilot Navigation System
• Front Center Overhead Storage Slot
• Convenience Lighting In Load/Passenger Compartment
• Passenger Comfort Seat
• Half Height Load Compartment Trim
• Cruise Control
• Heated Driver's Seat

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van has finally received the Mercedes' next-generation MBUX infotainment system. It gets many commercial vehicle-specific functions and a high-resolution touchscreen that just keeps it ahead of all its rivals in terms of tech. Just like “Hey Siri”, it comes with the voice command system that gets activated upon saying “Hey Mercedes”. It can do various things like telling you a nearby restaurant if you say “I am hungry” or tell you the weather if you ask “is it going to rain tomorrow?”. Thus it is quite intuitive to use and also features navigation and a 4G LTE Hotspot. Key features of the infotainment system include:

• 7-inch / 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Steering wheel controls
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
• Digital Driver information display
• AM/FM Stereo
• HD/SiriusXM

Well, cargo vans are not very exciting to look at. But Mercedes has done a good overall job of designing the Sprinter and keeping it away from looking boring. The overall profile exudes a certain level of modernity. The front gets a large grille that makes it feel a bit bolder than the average cargo van. The tall body look is mixed with a bit of a rugged profile with the black cladding strip running onto the side. At the rear, the split cargo door opening helps to load and unload cargo easily.

The longer than the average wheelbase of the Sprinter cargo van helps it accommodate more cargo than all its rivals. It is also one of the longest cargo vans here preceded only by the Nissan NV cargo van. However, with its large engine, it becomes the heaviest cargo van in this comparison. Key Exterior features include:

• Two-Stage Opening Sliding Door
• Painted Metallic Front & Rear Bumper
• High Roof
• Fixed Window In Left Sliding Door
• Wheel Chocks
• Arctic White Painted Wheels
• Headlamp Washing System
• Heated And Electrically Adjustable Exterior Mirrors
• Light Alloy Wheels
• Rear Door Window W/Wash Wipers
• Assist Handle For Left Rear Door

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van is built on a platform that's considered safe. In the US, it is built from complete knockdown kits by Freightliner. It now includes safety features such as crosswind stabilization, blind spot monitor, collision avoidance system, adaptive high beam, lane departure warning system. Unfortunately, the 2019 Sprinter is yet not crash-tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS). Key safety features include:

• Crosswind Assist
• Load adaptive electronic stability program (ESP)
• Attention Assist
• Rescue Assist
• Lane keep assist
• Collision Prevention Assist
• Blindspot assist
• Rearview camera

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van vs 2019 Ford Transit Cargo Van

The Ford Transit is another popular choice in the segment. With its capacious cabin and efficient engine, it also packs in a lot of tech for the price. What makes it even better is the fact that it costs much cheaper than the Sprinter Cargo Van. However, its clunky transmission and an unrefined motor let it down. The Sprinter is certainly a more refined and premium product that is even more practical than the Transit.

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van vs 2019 Nissan NV Cargo Van

The Nissan NV Cargo Van is one of the cheapest cargo vans you can get in its class. For the money, it offers a big and powerful engine that can tow and haul heavy loads all day. Its better performance at a cheaper price lends a more value for money image. However, except for performance, the Sprinter is a much better product that feels more premium and offers more features.

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van vs 2019 GMC Savana cargo Van

The GMC Savana is arguably the most boring-looking cargo van in this comparison. However, its affordable price tag and punchy V-8 engine make it quite a sensible choice. While both the cargo vans do not offer an all-wheel-drive system, the Sprinter feels like a much more superior option here. If you can ignore its high price tag, the Mercedes is sure to keep you more satisfied.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van strikes the chord in all the right places. It comes with the best-in-class payload capacity along with a cabin that stands out in the segment. It feels premium on the inside and does not make you feel like you indulged in some commercial van bargain. It gets the most user-friendly infotainment system that comes with many commercial van-related features. However, its performance feels a bit compromised when compared to the rivals. Fortunately, it is the only area in which the Sprinter feels behind its rivals.