The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is an M-segment or light commercial vehicle (LCV) built as vans, chassis cabs, minibuses, and pickup trucks by the Daimler AG company since 1995. Dodge, Freightliner, and Volkswagen also sold it rebranding it under their name.
The First Generation (1995-2006)
While earlier launched in 1995, the Sprinter only reached the Australian market in 1998, when it appeared in 308D and 312D models, in short- and long-wheelbase variants.
First Phase 1998-2000
- 308D LWB and SWB – available with Barn Doors, Cloth Trim, Power Steering, and Radio Cassette with two speakers; classified as a 2-door, 3-seat commercial vehicle equipped with a 2.3L Inline-Four 8-valve SOHC diesel engine (58kW, 152Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- 312D LWB and SWB – had the same equipment as the other trim; classified as a 2-door, 3-seat commercial vehicle equipped with a 2.9L Inline-Five 10-valve SOHC diesel engine (90kW, 280Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
Second phase 2000-2006
- 308 CDI LWB and SWB - Engine Immobiliser and Anti-lock Braking were added to the equipment package; powered by a 2.2L diesel engine (60kW, 200Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- 313 CDI LWB and SWB - improved 312D with Engine Immobiliser and Anti-lock Braking; powered by a 2.2L diesel engine (95kW, 300Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- 208 CDI LWB and ESWB - available with Anti-lock Braking, Barn Doors, Cloth Trim, Engine Immobiliser, Power Steering, and Radio CD with two speakers; classified as a 2-door, 2-seat commercial vehicle equipped with a 2.2L diesel engine (60kW, 200Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- 311 LWB - available with Airbag for Driver, Electronic Stability Program, Power Mirrors, and a Traction Control System; classified as a 2-door, 3-seat commercial vehicle powered by a 2.2L diesel engine (80kW, 270Nm)
The Second Generation (2006-2018)
The successor came in 2006 and got awarded as the Van of the Year in 2007 and 2008 by the Professional Van and Light Truck Magazine. It is also known as the New Concept Van 3, or NCV3 for short.
In 2013, Mercedes released an update that added crosswind stabilisation, collision avoidance system, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive high beam, and lane departure warning systems. Visual updates include redesigned radiator grille, headlights, new seat upholstery, and steering wheel. From this point on, the Sprinter had been compliant with the Euro 6 emissions standard and received an updated engine lineup.
The Australian market received the following models:
- 309 CDI MWB and SWB – equipped with Driver’s Airbag, Anti-lock Braking, Automatic Air Con / Climate Control, Brake Assist, Central Locking Remote Control, Cloth Trim, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Stability Program, Engine Immobiliser, Power Mirrors/Windows, Power Steering, Radio CD Player; classed as a 3-door, 2-seat commercial vehicle powered by a 2.1L diesel engine (65kW, 220Nm) paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox
- 311 CDI LWB and MWB – the same equipment as the other trim; classed as a 3-door, 2-seat commercial vehicle powered by a 2.1L diesel engine (80kW, 280Nm) paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automatic transmission.
From 2011, a LWB High-Roof variant was added to the range, with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Also in the same year, the model names change, accompanied by updated engines and more equipment options:
- 313 CDI LWB High-Roof, MWB, SWB – added Cruise Control and Traction Control System to the previous equipment; classed as a 3-door, 2-seat commercial vehicle powered by a 2.1L diesel engine (95kW, 305Nm) paired with either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox
- 316CDI EXL – the same equipment as the other trim; classified as a 3-door, 2-seat commercial vehicle powered by a 2.1L diesel engine (120kW, 360Nm) paired with a 5-speed automatic
From 2013, 313 CDI models received an engine upgrade to 2.1L diesel engine (95kW, 305Nm) with optional 7-speed automatic transmission. A new model, 310 CDI had been added with extensive equipment options. 313 CDI models received the same equipment at the same time, but many of the old versions were still available for purchase.
- 310 CDI MWB and SWB – introduced new equipment such as Adjustable Driver Seat - Manual, Roof-mounted Antenna, Adjustable Speed Limiter, Adjustable & Multi-Function Steering Wheel (Tilt & Telescopic), Brake-pad Wear Indicator, Daytime Running Lights, Heated Exterior Mirrors, Adjustable Front Seat Headrests, Headlights On Warning, High-Mounted Rear Stop Light, Intermittent Wipers (Variable), Lockable Glove Box Compartment, Memory Card Reader, Multi-Function Control Screen, Mud Flaps (Front and Rear), MP3-Compatible Audio/CD Player, Mobile Phone Connectivity, Map/Reading Lights (Front), Overhead Storage Shelf, Seatbelts (Height Adjustable/Load Limiters/Pre-tensioners), Trailer Stability Control
They are classed as 2-door, 3-seat commercial vehicles powered by a 2.1L diesel engine (70kW, 250Nm) paired with either a 6-speed automatic gearbox or 7-speed automatic transmission.
Additional features were available as optional equipment, including active brake assist, adaptive brake lights, window airbags, air conditioning, Apple CarPlay, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver awareness alert, dusk-sensing headlights, and many more.
The Third Generation (2019-present)
The current Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the first to include a model with front-wheel-drive, making it available in all-drive layout variants. While it can be converted into an RV (recreational vehicle), it is designed with businesses in mind.
In Australia, the third generation was only available as the 311 CDI VS30 model in medium wheel-base, standard or high-roof, and front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive.
Its standard equipment includes all those previously offered plus the following:
Active Brake Assist, Dual Front Airbags Package, Adaptive Brake Lights, Window Airbags, Air Conditioning, Apple CarPlay, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Active Noise Cancelling, Android Auto, Barn Doors With Windows, Battery Master Switch, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Bluetooth Connectivity, Coloured Instrument Dials, Crosswind Assist, Driver Awareness Alert, Dusk-Sensing Headlights, Entry Assist Grips, ECO Mode, Grab Handles (Front Seats), Heated Rear Windshield, Hill Start Assist, On-board Computer, Reversing Camera, Satellite Navigation, Seatbelts Lap/Sash for All Seats, Seatbelts Reminder for Front Seats, Side Marker Lights, Sound System with 4 Speakers, Sliding Side Door, Storage Package, Spare Wheel Carrier, Full-Size Steel Spare Wheel, Voice Recognition System, Windscreen (Solar Attenuating), Windscreen With Sunband
They are classified as 2-door, 2-seat commercial vehicles powered by a 2.1L diesel engine producing 84kW and 300Nm of torque. FWD models are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, while RWD models utilise 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed automatic transmission (High Roof model).
Modifying Mercedes-Benz Sprinters into recreational vehicles has become quite a trend! If you’re looking for conversion kits or spare parts and accessories, have a look at our marketplace! Our sellers have a large assortment of used or brand new parts and accessories available for purchase and delivery online!
Author: Luka Kusic