Overview & Reviews

On the surface, a commercial-use Mercedes-Benz van seems like a reckless extravagance. But that's only among folks unaware that Mercedes trucks and vans are sought-after workhorses on European highways, moving goods and hauling freight while its passenger cars ferry the business class. And compared to full-size American competitors, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter actually offers a number of unique design attributes.

For one thing, it's tall. Its load floor is among the lowest for a full-size van, and with the taller of two available roofs, someone 6-foot-3 can walk around upright inside. And in its largest configuration, the Sprinter offers massive storage capacity of 547 cubic feet. In people mover form, the Sprinter can carry up to 15 passengers in five rows in its longest guise.

Yet despite its long and wobbly stance, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter actually feels pretty maneuverable around town thanks to a modern chassis design that feels a lot less trucklike than cargo and passenger vans from Detroit. Its standard turbodiesel V6 also offers better fuel economy than domestic V8s. Horsepower and acceleration, however, are best discussed in relative terms. Despite its name, the Sprinter is better suited to urban and suburban environments rather than the highway.

Current Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a full-size van, available in Cargo, Crew or Passenger configurations. Cargo vans offer two front seats only, while the Crew is essentially a Cargo van with a second-row bench seat. The Passenger van features four rows and can carry 12 passengers. The larger MiniBus model adds a fifth row for a total of 15 passengers.

All models are offered in 2500 styles with two wheelbase lengths (144 and 170 inches). The Cargo is also available as a 3500 model, offering increased payload capacity. Standard features on most Sprinters include 16-inch wheels, a wood cargo floor, 270-degree-opening rear doors, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a two-speaker radio. Stability and traction control come standard, as do front airbags.

A bewildering array of options allows owners to precisely tailor their vans and includes a driver-side rear sliding door, parking sensors, a rearview camera, upgraded front seats, and rear heating and air-conditioning. Cargo and Crew vans can also get a fixed sunroof and roof rack mounting rails.

All Mercedes-Benz Sprinters receive a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 that makes 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A standard five-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels.

You won't find wood trim, leather or actively bolstered seats in this Mercedes-Benz. And because the Sprinter is built for large families and commercial use, you also won't find power liftgates, "magic" seats, innumerable cupholders and other trappings of the modern family minivan or SUV. Instead you'll find notably better build quality and a more modern interior environment than in other full-size vans. The Sprinter's dash and control layout, for example, makes it feel more like a midsize SUV than its utility purpose suggests.

Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter debuted in 2010. Prior to that, Mercedes built the van for Dodge to sell under the same name. Neither the Crew nor the 15-passenger stretched-wheelbase "MiniBus" editions were available for 2010.

For more on the preceding Sprinter model sold by Dodge, read our Dodge Sprinter review.

User Reviews:

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  Piece a crap not a van, Not reliable - 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By Stan - April 29 - 10:03 pm

  Braking down all the time. i have 30 k and first engine light 8 k they replaced engine and gas paddle wiring connectors, 17 k was driving without power barely making 45mph on freeway for the whole month, replaced water pump and thermostat, now both rear doors holders a not working, Bluetooth stop working at 4.5 k what can i say STAY A WAY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE!!! U buying new car for one reason:( so u hoping drive 100 k without problems).

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  170k trouble free milles on my 2015 4cyl - 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By Ed - February 21 - 4:07 am

  170k trouble free milles on my 2015 4cyl

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  2013 Mercedes Sprinter - 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By Robert kinsler - December 9 - 2:06 pm

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  Sprinters are nice to look at but..... - 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By MartyK - November 6 - 8:49 am

  I purchased a new 2011 sprinter 2500 cargo in March of 2012 as a leftover. It started out with poor shifting from the auto trans, soft mushy breaks, serious hesitation when trying to accelerate, especially at low speeds. That was just at the beginning. Right off the lot there wasnt even a working horn. In the first year the radio went out and the dealer wouldnt let me upgrade the radio to the better factory one. They told me I had to replace it with the one I had or just keep the non-working one and live without a radio. At first I got great fuel mileage, I started out for the first 38,000 miles getting an average of 23+ mpg that has now at 50,400 miles dropped to 16-17, even though I was told that it would get better around 35,000 miles when the engine was broken in. Well at 38,000 I lost 2 mpg. Then by 41,000 I had lost an additional 2 mpg. Currently its down another 3 mpg. The stock answer Ive received from Sprinter dealer techs in 3 states, CA, PA, AZ, is that I was getting better mileage than anyone else and now its just down to what everyone else is getting and that I should be happy I did so well for the time I did. Ive driven my sprinter back and forth from southern CA to southeast PA 5 times so as you can surmise most of my 50,400 miles had been cross country driving. In just this past year, since being stranded for 3 days in AZ in June 2015 for a transmission problem, my truck has been in the shop in 3 different states, been looked at by 5 different dealerships in those 3 states and its been in 2 private shops in 2 different states. Mostly for engine light issues as well as all of the originally stated problems along with the loss of mpg. I was assigned a factory Case Rep from the Mercedes headquarters in NJ but that hasnt helped in the least. On my most recent drive from PA to CA, just a couple of weeks ago, July 2016, my newest issue came up. I now have added Cruise control issues to the list of problems. Intermittently not holding speed, shutting off for no reason while cruising, and not shutting off several times after applying the breaks. In this past year its been in one shop or another 8 times for the engine light coming on, several times for the ABS light, once for the Traction light (whatever that is). Its currently at the local dealers shop, and has been for 7 days as of today, for ABS light, engine light, cruise control issues, mpg issues, and breaking issues. SO... theyre nice to look at but PLEASE take my advice and dont buy one!!! Well since writing the above review my van was in the shop several more times for the engine light coming on and for 2 dash warnings: Seatbelt sys. Visit Workshop, and SRS Restraint System Visit Workshop. The dealer agreed with me that both warnings are a safety issue but that theyre not covered by the warranty. I also got a recall notice about the airbags but the dealer said until they figure out what to do just hope I dont have an accident. Arent they nice. All I can say is, and Ill be as kind as I can be in saying that if you buy a sprinter youre an idiot. Im just trying to get through the warranty and then Im trading it in on a new Ford or Ram with the same body style. Jan 2018 update: On my yearly cross country drive in 2017 I was stranded in NM in June 2017 for a couple of days. The dealer discovered that my problem was with the DEF system, which by the way had been completely replaced one year earlier in 2016, so they replaced the whole system again. Anyway, its now Jan 2018 and now I have need for a glow-plug and the dealer tells me to replace all 6 would cost just under $1,000.00 as long as they dont run into a problem. If even one doesnt come out easily it could end up costing an additional $3,000.00 just to replace the plugs because they would have to take the engine head off. I just need to get this piece of junk back to PA in the spring so I can trade it off for a real vehicle. I already have a deal worked out with a Ford dealership in PA to take this rolling piece of xxxx off my hands. Fuel mileage is still bad compared to what I was getting for the first 38,000 miles. Its still down from (23.5 mpg) to (16-17). PLEASE DONT BUY ONE OF THESE HUNKS OF JUNK !!!!!!

• 

  2015 Crew Van - 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By SilverFire General Manager - June 16 - 8:43 am

  I have owned 3 Sprinter vans previously (cargo, passenger, & now the crew) in all roof and wheel base configurations. Sprinters vans have been significantly superior to the first generation Ford Transit Connect I owned (limited cargo capacity, paltry power on grades, unstable in high wind, and had non existent towing capacity (underpowered Ford Focus engine). I am a commercial van user and participate in lots of trade shows. I require significant cargo room and cargo doors for constant loading & unloading freight. I prefer the standard roof option over the high roof models, due to high wind instability experienced traveling cross country on multiple occasions with all Sprinter roof van roof options. I prefer the crew or passenger model increased visibility the cargo versions do not offer, despite having backup camera option on all models (recommend). The fact is the 170 wheel base is more difficult to maneuver at trade shows and park than the 144 wheelbase option, and has more interior cabin road noise. I have had significant reliability issues with starting my 4 cylinder engine since purchase. My dealership implied no codes existed with the 2015 BlueTec 4 cylinder, when scanned. I took photos of the "Return to Workshop" display code to verify code light issue. At 39,000 miles, the dealership states MB has finally sent service notes confirming BlueTec 4 cylinder starting issues. The torque converter, water pump are scheduled to be replaced, and the flywheel needs to be re-polished to address the documented starting issues at relatively low mileage. Fortunately I opted for the extended warranty package at time of purchase. Due to the high number of complaints and complexity of each new Sprinter model introduced moving forward, I highly recommend full service warranties, if purchasing a Sprinter van. Repair costs on Sprinter vans are extensive and expensive. Big picture: I prefer diesel cargo vans and the Sprinter is much more comfortable than other brands I have tried with long distance driving and personal lower back issues. The cargo capacity and power has been adequate on grades and long pulls to date. I currently have a new product offering that requires greater vertical clearance than with my existing standard roof option permits. I am now going to have to evaluate returning to a high roof Sprinter or larger Ford Transit diesel cargo van. I prefer not to trailer if possible, although I currently am trailering a small additional product trailer (due to height restrictions of current standard Sprinter roof cargo door configuration). Trailering requires reduced highway speeds in many States and additional wear and tear on engine & transmission, so I am currently considering returning to the longer 170 wheelbase option with extended roof height, to avoid trailering. Nothing is perfect, change is constant, so you adapt. The taller roof option means you slow down in high wind and longer wheel base with more cargo capacity means requiring more braking distance and slower speeds. Safe Driving!

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  2nd Sprinter is a 2015 the first was the 2006 - 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By Milou Owen - July 8 - 3:24 pm

  The 2015 gets amazing fuel economy in the 4 cyl 7 spd transmission 144" WB, Hight Top, 2500, Passenger Van version. The road noise is much improved over the older model. The seating arrangement is smart. I take out the last 2 rows of seats as needed to haul equipment. It is a very versatile and impressive looking/ performing van. The best in its calls, in my opinion. I checked all the competitors before buying this one and was not impressed with the competitors, look, performance or cheap looking designs. Get great fuel economy and enjoy your quality ride.

• 

  Excellent Family Van - 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By happycamper17 - April 18 - 9:48 pm

  Bought this van to tote around our large family (9 kids). We have owned (and worn out) a Chevy Express 3500 and a Ford F-350, both 15 passengers and are very pleased with the Sprinter. More room than any of the competitors and much much better gas milage. Drives like a much smaller vehicle and not at all intimidating, even my wife loves to drive it. Parking is always an issue with large vans, but the visibility in the sprinter is excellent. Heartily recommend.

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  1 Year Old Cargo Van 30K miles 10 X Repairs !!! - 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By Unhappy Sprinter 2500 - March 13 - 9:46 pm

  Mercedes Benz is hiding in plain sight behind their Tri-Star Badge. In the past this was a respected Brand BUT today you are better off moving to a different Brand as these vehicles are absolute JUNK. I purchased a New 2017 Sprinter 2500 and after only 30K miles and 1 YEAR of ownership my CARGO High Roof Van has visited the Dealer 10 times for Check Engine Light, Steering Column replacement, a plethora of electronic issues and black Gunk dripping out of the roof ribs in the Cargo area - leaking black sealant on tools and NEW Product for my clients. Told by Mercedes Dealer that my van is not a problem child. I even tried to trade my van in at the dealer I purchased from and was told by the Sales Manager that they did not want my van as they could not resell it with all the problems it has. I went through MBUSA and they basically have done nothing to stand behind their product. DO NOT BUY MERCEDES - BAD PRODUCT - BUILT POORLY - POOR QUALITY.

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  Sprinter 4x4 Family Hauler - 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By Eric Hibma - October 29 - 6:34 am

  We sold our 2012 Mercedes Sprinter, which we loved, for a 2015 Sprinter 4x4. We needed the 4x4 as we live on a hill that gets icy and snowy in the winter. With 2wd there is so much torque coming from the turbodiesel that even with Blizzak snow tires we had trouble getting out. With the 4x4 this is a true go-anywhere vehicle! We have 7 children, so our family vehicle options are very limited. We drove Chevy express vans and they were horrible! This is the best van available for this size family. It is definitely far from perfect, but still the best available. Pros: -strong, efficient motor -4x4!! -each seat has a head rest -rubber flooring that is easy to clean -comfortable impact-absorbing front seats. -the HID headlights are wonderful for night visibility -heats up quickly in the winter with the auxiliary heater. With the roof height it is ideal for getting the kids coats off and buckled in their car seats -the crosswind assist is definitely a nice feature that has made driving this on the highway much nicer compared to our 2012 model. -decent towing capacity -good backup camera -great side mirrors with blind spot mirrors. -pass-through cabin so that a parent can get back and forth to help the kids on trips. -finally a USB connection so I can plug in my iphone -excellent gas mileage for such a large vehicle -excellent storage capacity inside the van. Carry-on luggage items fit under the seats! -You can slide large items all the way through the van under the seats (I did have to build a divider to keep our groceries from sliding all the way to the front of the van, but I love that I can fit lumber along the floor of the van even with all the kids loaded up) Cons: -the 4x4 system is quite an antiquated system. When engaged it is awesome, but very hard to get engaged unless the van is on level ground. You need to be going less than 5mph while moving before it can engage (no on-the-fly engaging really). Once engaged this is awesome and we even took this off roading to one of our favorite hikes. It made it through some incredible ruts and washouts that I was not expecting. -the brakes squeal (our 2012 model had the same issue). It is intermittent and not terrible, but still annoying. -only one intermittent setting for the wipers which is just dumb. -there are some rattles as we go down our dirt road. It sounds like a cargo van at times on our dirt road, but still much better than the Chevy did. -radio and sound quality are so-so. Better than the 2012 model. -a very sensitive traction control system. Trying to go through deep snow the vans computer wants to apply the brakes to avoid even the slightest wiggle from the rear end. I want to keep up my speed and maintain forward progress and have to fight the van to go in deep snow sometimes. Now with 4x4 this is much better, and not really an issue any more unless I leave the van in 2wd. Even when turning off traction control if there is rear slippage it will automatically re-engage. This is horribly annoying. -no automatic headlights -I still cannot remove the last row of seating, which is the one you would want to remove the most. The first 2 rows of passenger seating is easily removable with 2 people. The seats are heavy, but they come out through the large slider door well. -we have had intermittent issues of the slider door mechanism freezing in severe cold here in Michigan. It is easy to correct, but it seems like that could be improved. -dealerships are often far away unless you live in a city. The nearest dealerships to us are 1-2.5 hrs away.

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  Piece of garbage on wheels... - 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By John Paul Daley II - October 22 - 10:00 pm

  When I bought my 2015 4x4 Sprinter, I thought it was going to be amazing. By the third day I realized I had made a mistake. The van had a very bad noise coming from the back. It got worse, then the roof leaked. I had to drive it 4 hours to the nearest dealer to get it fixed and I had not even gotten it home yet. I fought with them over a rental as it was less than a week old. Took 14 days to fix while I was stranded and unable to work. the fixs didnt work and I entered into a months long battle to get repairs done. Ultimately the Van spent most of the first 90 days in the shop with no loaner. It is legally a lemon and MB USA agreed to buy it back but that was 30 days ago and they have said nothing since. The people who work at Corporate have no integrity to their word and they refuse to put anything in writing. I paid 55K for a van I have not been able to use. When I did use it, for its intended purpose cross country trips I was able to get just shy of 20K on the van before the power steering went out on a mountain Switchback. That put it back in the shop for more than a month and they have no explanation for how the hose came loose, and after more than 10K in parts and expenses working on the vibration/noise from the suspension, they come to the conclusion it is natural harmonics of the van. Again, not fixed, and still vibrating and no explanation for how a clamped and secure hose came off. The dealers have drank the kool aid and will lie and back up the Manufacturer on the record. Off the record they say the guys in Germany are a bunch of jerks who wont listen and treat the mechanics Like idiots who cant get it. After being out the van so long and having such horrendous support from both the dealers and the manufacturer, I would not recommend the van. when the first few months of ownership are so bad, you would think they would want it off the road and out of your hands so as to not prove just how bad it really is. Instead, they sent me a letter saying they are going to buy it back and then did nothing. Lawyers have told me they will drag this out as long as they can to save money since their attorneys are staff and they outsource the buyback process to a third party who is commissioned by giving you the lowest price they think they can. In other words they are paid to screw you, Literally. When you sum this up, its poorly manufactured and they cant fix the problem. Even worse is europeans from sprinter chat rooms are contacting me saying they have the same problems and want to know if I found a solution. They dont love the "natural Harmonics" answer. Worse is the popularity of the ford is killing resale value so I cant even sell it for a fair price and it is a few months old. Best offer is 15K less than I paid for it. 4 months old and a 15K discount.. Pretty Sad.