Following discussions amongst cargo van enthusiasts and a gap in comprehensive reviews, particularly concerning the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, we delve into examining the 2012 model. While other reviews have touched upon aspects of cargo vans, the absence of a detailed look at the Sprinter was notable. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz of Novi, we were granted the opportunity to put the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter through its paces and offer this review.
European Van Concept and Driving Experience
The Mercedes Sprinter, initially introduced to the American market under the Dodge banner, embodies a distinct European approach to van design, contrasting sharply with traditional American vans. This shift towards European-style vans is evident as manufacturers like Ford and Ram have since adopted similar designs. This leaves GM and Nissan as the primary proponents of the classic American van architecture.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Stepping into the Sprinter, the most immediate difference is the elevated driving position. Perched high above the road, the driver benefits from an expansive view through a large windshield and over a minimalist instrument panel. While the engine does encroach into the cabin space, its intrusion is significantly less pronounced than in GM vans, resulting in only a slight compromise in foot room. Notably, from the knees back, the floor area is free from bulky engine covers or intrusive consoles, common in GM and Nissan vans respectively, enhancing overall space and movement within the cabin.
The seats in the Sprinter offer a distinctly firm feel, characteristic of German automotive design, leaning more towards Volkswagen than the plushness often associated with Mercedes-Benz passenger cars—a pragmatic choice for a commercial vehicle. These seats are shaped to provide substantial support, suggesting they would offer superior comfort and reduce back strain during long workdays compared to the softer, less supportive seats found in many competitor vans. An optional package elevates seating comfort further with manual adjustments for front and rear height, recline, and lumbar support. While these manual adjustments may lack the convenience of power controls seen in some other vans, they also eliminate potential points of failure, contributing to long-term reliability.
{width=280 height=250}Space and Versatility
Mercedes-Benz provides the Sprinter in a comprehensive range of configurations, catering to diverse needs with four distinct body styles: a 144-inch wheelbase with a regular roof, a 144-inch wheelbase with a high roof, a 170-inch wheelbase with a high roof, and a 170-inch wheelbase extended length high roof (specifically for the cargo van variant). Even the standard regular roof Sprinter offers a noticeable increase in headroom compared to GM vans, boasting 60.6 inches versus 52.9 inches. The high roof option further amplifies interior space, adding an extra foot of vertical clearance, making it possible for individuals up to six feet tall to comfortably stand and move around inside – a significant advantage for professionals who operate directly from within their vans. Among its contemporaries, only Nissan matches this factory-offered high roof feature.
Body Styles and Dimensions
The rear cargo opening of the Sprinter is also generously proportioned, measuring 61.6 inches wide compared to the 57.0 inches of GM vans. This width advantage is maintained uniformly from floor to ceiling, thanks to the Sprinter’s nearly vertical side walls – a departure from the more rounded, “jelly bean” shapes of traditional American vans, maximizing usable interior space. It’s worth noting feedback from users suggesting that these tall, flat sides can affect crosswind stability at higher speeds.
Cargo Capacity and Accessibility
Depending on the chosen body length, the cargo area extends to 128.5 inches, 169.3 inches, or a substantial 185.0 inches, outstripping the 124.6 inches or 146.2 inches offered by GM vans. In terms of cubic cargo volume, the Sprinter excels with 318, 494, or an impressive 547 cubic feet, significantly surpassing the 270 or 314 cubic feet of GM vans. Remarkably, even the shortest, regular roof Sprinter offers more cargo capacity than the long-wheelbase GM vans, and more than double the capacity of a typical minivan.
The practical benefit is clear: the Sprinter provides significantly more usable interior space. Accessing this volume is made easy through wide, floor-to-ceiling door openings, with a right-side sliding door as standard and a left-side option available. The rear doors are designed for maximum utility, capable of opening a full 270 degrees, further enhancing loading and unloading convenience.
Payload, Towing, and Passenger Capacity
The Sprinter 3500 model is engineered for heavy-duty tasks, capable of carrying payloads up to 5,375 pounds and towing up to 7,500 pounds. In comparison, GM vans offer a payload capacity of 3,992 pounds and a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. The Sprinter 2500 model tested in this review has a payload capacity of 2,872 pounds, slightly less than the GM 2500 van’s 3,009 pounds.
Load and Towing Capabilities
While the GM vans may boast higher towing figures, the Sprinter’s payload capacity is still substantial and more than adequate for many commercial applications, especially when considering the superior cargo volume. The choice between the two often hinges on whether volume or maximum towing capability is the priority.
Passenger Configurations
Beyond cargo hauling, the Sprinter also offers significant versatility in passenger configurations, ranging from two seats up to twelve. It can be specified with one, two, three, or four rows of seating. Even when configured with four rows, the 170-inch wheelbase model still provides over six feet of cargo space behind the last row, showcasing its adaptable design. While theoretically, Mercedes-Benz could fit even more rows, they have strategically left the 15-passenger van market to domestic manufacturers. Factory options focused on passenger comfort are somewhat limited, mainly including roof-mounted rear HVAC vents, reflecting the Sprinter’s primary focus on utility rather than luxury.
{width=280 height=250}Engine and Performance
Given its robust cargo and towing capabilities, one might expect a large, powerful engine under the Sprinter’s short, steeply angled hood. However, the 2012 Sprinter features a more economical approach with a sole engine option: a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 producing 188 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,400 rpm. This engine is notably smaller and less powerful on paper than the V8 gasoline engines commonly offered in GM, Ford, and Nissan vans. The transmission is Mercedes-Benz’s reliable five-speed automatic, the only option available.
Powertrain Details
The crucial question is whether this powertrain is sufficient for the Sprinter’s intended purpose. While a comprehensive performance test under full load wasn’t conducted, during the test drive, the diesel V6 provided more than adequate acceleration, even at highway speeds around 80 mph. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is estimated around 13 seconds, which might seem leisurely compared to modern cars, but is reasonable for a vehicle of this size and intended use.
Driving Performance
It’s important to remember the Sprinter’s role as a cargo van, not a performance vehicle. Unless involved in specialized applications requiring rapid acceleration, the focus is on reliable and efficient transportation of goods or people. Concerns have been raised by users regarding potential performance limitations when heavily loaded, suggesting that while adequate for everyday use, the diesel engine’s performance could be strained under maximum payload or towing conditions. [Note: User feedback indicates engine performance remains acceptable even with heavy loads, but braking performance might warrant closer attention under such conditions.] The diesel engine’s characteristic sound is most noticeable at idle and lower speeds, becoming surprisingly quiet even under full throttle. The five-speed automatic transmission, while dependable, could benefit from quicker response times. Notably, paddle shifters are not offered as an option.
{width=280 height=250}Fuel Efficiency and Handling
Fuel economy is a significant advantage of the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter. According to Mercedes-Benz of Novi’s Sprinter specialist, Craig Astrein, the Sprinter achieves fuel economy in the low 20s mpg in city driving and mid-20s mpg on the highway. These figures are remarkable for a vehicle of its size and 5,545-pound curb weight.
Fuel Economy
During a mixed driving loop consisting of approximately two-thirds suburban roads and one-third highway driving, including several full-throttle acceleration tests, the trip computer displayed an average of 17.6 mpg. This is notably better than the fuel economy experienced with a family-sized Ford Taurus X (a 7-passenger SUV with 85 cubic feet of cargo space) under similar conditions, highlighting the Sprinter’s relative efficiency. The Sprinter does require Adblue, a diesel exhaust fluid, but it is now readily available and reasonably priced.
Handling and Ride
Driving a vehicle of this size for the first time can be initially daunting, particularly concerning handling. However, the Sprinter offers an unexpectedly driver-friendly experience. The forward visibility is exceptional, especially compared to the Nissan NV. From the driver’s seat, the large cargo area behind is easily forgotten thanks to the expansive view ahead. Rear visibility depends on the van configuration (cargo, passenger, or crew), as cargo versions may lack rear windows. Large, dual-element side mirrors effectively compensate for this. For maneuvering in tight spaces, front and rear parking sensors are available as optional aids. The steering, as expected in a vehicle of this class, is light and slow, but quickly feels natural after a short time behind the wheel. Body roll is surprisingly well-controlled for a van, and the ride quality, even unladen, is only slightly jiggly in the 2500 model. (It should be noted that comparing the Sprinter 2500 to a Nissan NV 3500 in ride quality might not be entirely fair, as the latter is a heavier-duty vehicle). Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard, enhancing safety, although the limits of its operation were not tested during this review.
{width=280 height=250}Pricing and Market Position
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starts at $37,285 for the 144-inch wheelbase model and $42,395 for the 170-inch wheelbase version. The high roof option (standard on the 170-inch wheelbase) adds $2,670 to the price, while the extended wheelbase and extended rear overhang options add $2,440 and $950 respectively. Essential convenience features such as seat adjustments, power mirrors, cruise control, and a trip computer are bundled in an option package for approximately $895.
Cost Comparison
For a vehicle bearing the prestigious Mercedes-Benz star, the base price might seem comparatively reasonable. However, when viewed as a cargo van, the price point is considerably higher than domestic alternatives. For instance, a Chevrolet Express 2500 extended length van, equipped with a 280-horsepower 4.8-liter gasoline V8 engine and similar features, has a base price of around $31,740. Interestingly, opting for the more powerful 260-horsepower 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine in the GM van effectively eliminates the price advantage, bringing it closer to the Sprinter’s pricing.
Market Advantage
Ultimately, the purchasing decision often boils down to a trade-off between cubic inches (engine displacement) and cubic feet (cargo volume and overall space). Until the arrival of new European-designed vans from Ford and Ram, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter occupied a unique market position. Its combination of a high roof, substantial cargo volume, refined suspension, and relatively fuel-efficient diesel engine set it apart. According to Craig Astrein, the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand also appeals to tradespeople who regularly visit clients in affluent neighborhoods, adding an intangible value beyond mere utility.
{width=280 height=250}Conclusion
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter stands out as a compelling choice in the cargo van segment, even years after its initial release. Its European design philosophy brings significant advantages in terms of interior space, ergonomics, and fuel efficiency compared to traditional American vans. While its diesel engine may not offer the raw power of some V8 options, it provides adequate performance for most cargo hauling needs with better fuel economy. For businesses and individuals prioritizing volume, usability, and a touch of brand prestige, the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter remains a top contender in the cargo van market, especially when considering its long-term reliability and overall value proposition.
