The 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van marked a significant step forward for commercial vehicles in the US market. Building on its reputation as a pioneer in the modern van movement, the 2014 model year Sprinter introduced a range of enhancements focused on improved fuel economy, advanced safety features, and a more refined driving experience. After seven successful years and a million units sold globally of the previous generation, the 2014 Sprinter aimed to solidify its position as the benchmark commercial van. Key updates included a new, more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder diesel engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, alongside the continued availability of the robust V6 diesel. Furthermore, significant strides were made in safety with the introduction of several new driver assistance systems, and the interior received a noticeable upgrade, enhancing both comfort and functionality. The 2014 Mercedes Van went on sale in the U.S. in Fall 2013, promising to be a game-changer in the commercial vehicle sector.
A Fresh and Confident Design for the 2014 Sprinter
The 2014 Mercedes Van made a strong visual statement with its redesigned exterior. Adopting Mercedes-Benz’s contemporary design language, the Sprinter’s radiator grille became more upright, projecting a more assertive and self-confident presence. The grille featured three louvers swept back and perforated, improving airflow and aligning the Sprinter’s aesthetics with the broader Mercedes-Benz van and truck family.
The iconic Mercedes star took center stage, mounted on a distinctively highlighted base and framed by a beveled surround. Freightliner models retained their familiar badge above the redesigned grille.
The headlights were given sharper, more defined contours, lending the 2014 Sprinter a focused and energetic appearance. The reflector housings were masked, creating segments within the headlamps that emphasized the van’s “eyes” and contributed to a more modern front-end design. LED daytime running lights were integrated into the lower part of the headlight housings.
The hood was raised and sculpted with more pronounced lines, enhancing pedestrian protection and adding to the Sprinter’s authoritative stance.
Complementing the hood, the redesigned bumper featured a more upward sweep beneath the headlights and bolder lines. The central air inlet was recessed, adding dynamism to the front fascia and creating a more planted look. Importantly, the air inlet retained its functionality as a step for windscreen cleaning. The lower section of the bumper was designed with SUV-inspired details, further emphasizing the 2014 Mercedes Van’s robust character.
The rear of the Sprinter, with its prominent centrally positioned Mercedes star, remained largely consistent with previous models. However, the 2014 update introduced two-compartment tail lights and redesigned badges, adding subtle refinements to the rear aesthetic.
Overall, the new design of the 2014 Mercedes Van underscored its high-quality construction. This was evident in the precise panel gaps, the “shingled” headlight joint overlapping the hood, and the meticulously designed grille frame, which also facilitated easier assembly.
BlueTEC Engine Technology: Clean, Economical, and Proven
Mercedes-Benz continued its commitment to clean diesel technology with the 2014 Sprinter Van. Since 2010, all Sprinter models in the U.S. had been equipped with innovative BlueTEC diesel engines, pioneering the use of this advanced technology in the commercial van market. BlueTEC diesel engines are engineered to be as clean as modern gasoline engines. A Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection system plays a crucial role, reducing nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water through a downstream catalytic converter. BlueTEC technology had already proven its effectiveness in Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses for nearly a decade prior to its implementation in the Sprinter.
Highly Efficient BlueTEC Four-Cylinder Engine
The 2014 Mercedes Van introduced a new standard engine: a 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel. This engine delivered 161 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, available across a broad rev range from 1,400 to 2,400 rpm. Its undersquare design (83 mm bore and 99 mm stroke) prioritized strong pulling power. The engine featured two overhead camshafts operating 16 intake and exhaust valves, with camshafts driven by a combination of gears and a short chain. The common rail injection system operated at a high maximum pressure of 29,001 psi (2000 bar), with fuel injected via magnetic injectors and seven-hole nozzles. A two-stage exhaust-gas turbocharger system ensured consistent charging.
The engine was engineered to provide maximum torque from low speeds and across a wide operating range. This “downsizing” approach was key to achieving low fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and optimized weight.
To ensure smooth operation, the engine incorporated a Lanchester balancer with counter-rotating shafts, a rear-positioned camshaft drive, and a dual-mass flywheel. Exhaust gas recirculation with two-stage cooling, SCR technology with AdBlue injection for BlueTEC, and a particulate filter all contributed to clean exhaust emissions.
BlueTEC Six-Cylinder Engine: Powerful and Refined
The optional 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine remained available for the 2014 Mercedes Van, offering a step up in power with 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a sophisticated piece of engineering, built around an aluminum crankcase with a 72-degree V angle. Offset rod journals and a balancer shaft contributed to its exceptionally smooth running characteristics. Technical highlights included four duplex chain-driven overhead camshafts and common rail injection with piezo injectors featuring eight spray holes per nozzle.
Optimized Accessory Equipment for Peak Efficiency
The impressive fuel economy of the 2014 Mercedes Van was not solely due to engine advancements. Mercedes-Benz engineers meticulously refined the van’s accessory equipment to maximize efficiency.
Seven-Speed Automatic Transmission for Enhanced Economy
The 4-cylinder 2014 Mercedes Van was equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission with torque converter – a unique feature in the van segment at the time. This transmission was specifically tuned for optimal fuel efficiency. Improved damping technology reduced noise and vibration, while a reduced slip lockup clutch provided a more direct connection to the accelerator, enhancing responsiveness.
Engineers precisely calibrated the transmission’s shift points to match the engine’s characteristics. They also optimized the oil’s warm-up behavior during cold starts and refined the torque converter’s hydraulic circuit. These measures resulted in faster oil heating, minimizing friction losses after a cold start.
Low-Friction Rear Axle for Greater Efficiency
Attention to detail extended to the driven rear axle of the 2014 Mercedes Van. To minimize friction and enhance economy, modifications were made to the microgeometry of the differential’s tooth flanks. Installation precision was improved, and oil flow was optimized to reduce churning losses during operation. These enhancements were applied across all axle variants.
Additional Fuel-Saving Measures
Further efficiency gains were achieved through an optimized generator management system and an enhanced fuel pump that regulated supply pressure and flow rate based on demand. The ECO power steering pump was designed to activate only when power assistance was actually needed.
Proven Reliability and Durability
The 2014 Mercedes Van underwent rigorous testing to ensure its reliability from launch. Comprehensive trials included high-speed endurance tests and extreme short-distance tests in harsh Scandinavian conditions with frequent idling and stops. In total, the new Sprinter accumulated approximately five million miles in endurance testing, including real-world customer deployments across diverse driving profiles. These tests included operation with companies covering up to 170,000 miles annually using relay driver systems, demonstrating the van’s robust durability.
Four New Assistance Systems for Enhanced Safety
A major focus in the development of the 2014 Mercedes Van was the integration of new driver assistance systems, several of which were world premieres in the van segment. New available features included Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. This suite of technologies reinforced Mercedes-Benz Vans’ leadership in safety innovation and its commitment to pioneering developments.
These new assistance systems offered a significant benefit: they were designed to help prevent accidents. Mercedes-Benz developers believed that this new generation of assistance systems in the van segment would have a substantial positive impact on accident statistics.
Collision Prevention Assist: Proactive Collision Warning
Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for road safety. Mercedes-Benz accident research indicated that a significant portion of rear-end collisions could be mitigated or avoided with radar-based assistance systems. The optional Collision Prevention Assist system, a first in its class, addressed this issue. It included a proximity warning function and adaptive Brake Assist, warning the driver if the distance to the vehicle ahead was insufficient and escalating the warning if there was an imminent collision risk.
The radar-based proximity warning assistant continuously monitored the distance and relative speeds between the Sprinter and vehicles ahead in the same lane. It calculated a safe following distance based on this data and activated a visual warning (a lamp in the instrument cluster) if the distance became unsafe. In situations where the Sprinter approached a vehicle ahead with a high speed differential, both visual and acoustic warnings were triggered, prompting the driver to take evasive action or apply emergency braking. Drivers could deactivate this assistance function if needed.
Brake Assist Pro: Optimized Emergency Braking
Adaptive Brake Assist, an integral part of Collision Prevention Assist and non-deactivatable, continuously monitored driving conditions. It activated after the dynamic proximity warning if the gap to the vehicle ahead closed too rapidly and the driver initiated panic braking. Adaptive Brake Assist supported emergency braking based on relative speed, acceleration, and distance. If the driver applied insufficient brake force, the system provided additional braking boost to help avoid a collision. This also maximized the reaction time for vehicles behind, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. The driver could override Adaptive Brake Assist at any time by applying harder braking, initiating an evasive maneuver, releasing the brake pedal, or pressing the accelerator.
Blind Spot Assist: Enhancing Lane Change Safety
Lane changes in urban traffic and highway passing maneuvers require quick, safety-critical decisions. While the Sprinter already featured large exterior mirrors with a wide field of view, the optional Blind Spot Assist, another van segment first, provided an additional layer of safety. It warned drivers of vehicles in their blind spots during lane changes.
Operational above approximately 20 mph, Blind Spot Assist used four close-range radar sensors positioned on the sides of the van to monitor adjacent lanes. If a car or motorcycle was detected in the blind spot, a red warning signal illuminated in the corresponding exterior mirror. If the driver then activated the turn signal, indicating an intention to change lanes despite the warning, an additional acoustic warning sounded, and the red warning symbol began to flash. Drivers could deactivate this assistance function as needed.
Lane Keeping Assist: Preventing Unintentional Lane Departure
Unintentional lane departures, often caused by driver distraction or inattentiveness, are a significant safety concern. The optional Lane Keeping Assist system on the 2014 Mercedes Van provided timely warnings in such situations.
Lane Keeping Assist utilized a camera behind the windscreen to monitor the road ahead. Sophisticated electronic control units analyzed the camera data, identifying road markings based on contrast differences. If the van began to cross lane markings without the turn signal being activated or any corresponding changes in accelerator or brake pedal position, the system determined that the lane departure was unintentional and issued an acoustic warning.
Lane Keeping Assist was active above approximately 40 mph and responded to both white and yellow road markings, including those used at construction sites. Drivers could deactivate the system, for example, when driving on narrow, winding roads. Conversely, it proved particularly helpful in maintaining lane position in situations with limited maneuvering space, such as highway construction zones.
Highbeam Assist: Optimized Road Illumination
Optimal visibility is paramount for safe driving, especially in darkness. The 2014 Sprinter came equipped with large and powerful headlamps, with optional bi-xenon headlamps available for enhanced illumination.
The new Highbeam Assist feature, a first in the Sprinter’s class, ensured optimal road illumination by automatically switching between high and low beams based on driving conditions. This allowed drivers to recognize the road ahead, pedestrians, and potential hazards earlier and more reliably while minimizing the risk of blinding oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead.
The system used a camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen to monitor the traffic situation. When the camera detected oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead, the high beams were automatically dipped to low beam. Highbeam Assist could differentiate between moving and stationary objects and would revert to high beam when the road ahead was clear. The system also responded to street lighting, automatically deactivating high beam when driving through built-up areas. Highbeam Assist operated at speeds above 22 mph and was available with both halogen and bi-xenon headlamps.
Standard Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Safety Features
Beyond these new assistance systems, the 2014 Mercedes Van included a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. These included a safe and predictable chassis, precise steering, and highly effective, fade-resistant disc brakes on all wheels. A bulb failure indicator alerted drivers to any defective lights, and a seat belt reminder prompted seat belt use.
The latest generation ADAPTIVE ESP® system incorporated a wide array of functions:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Hydraulic Brake Assist (BAS)
- Load Adaptive Control (LAC)
- Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) and Roll Movement Intervention (RMI)
- Enhanced Understeering Control (EUC)
- Automatic brake disc drying (Brake Disc Wiping)
- Electronic Brake Prefill
Sprinter models equipped with a trailer coupling or pre-installation for one also included Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) as standard.
In the event of an unavoidable accident, the Sprinter’s occupants were protected by a yielding and energy-absorbing body structure. Height-adjustable three-point seat belts with tensioners and force limiters, two-way head restraints, and front airbags were standard safety features.
Optional Safety Enhancements
Beyond the extensive standard safety equipment, a range of optional safety features allowed customers to tailor their 2014 Mercedes Vans to specific operational needs. Bi-xenon headlamps, fog lights, a headlamp cleaning system, and a heated windscreen further improved visibility. Available rearview camera, backup warning system, and PARKTRONIC system facilitated maneuvering. Standard Start-off Assist aided hill starts. An optional rain sensor with Headlamp Assist automated the activation of wipers and headlights. Window airbags and thorax bags enhanced passive safety, and an optional tire pressure monitoring system ensured correct tire pressure on single-tire variants.
Focus on Driver-Fitness Safety
Mercedes-Benz recognized that driver well-being is crucial for safety. A rested and relaxed driver is better equipped to handle or avoid dangerous situations. The driver’s workspace was therefore a central focus in the Sprinter’s design. Every van featured a spacious driver’s cab and comfortable seats with good lateral support and driver height adjustment. The seat position was optimized in relation to the steering wheel, pedals, and cockpit layout. Instruments were clearly arranged, and controls were positioned within easy reach.
Aerodynamically optimized mirror housings reduced dirt accumulation. High levels of ride comfort, low background noise, and effective heating and ventilation contributed to a pleasant driving experience, even on long journeys. Numerous well-designed storage compartments accommodated everyday items. Precise steering and a relatively small turning circle further enhanced safety and relaxed driving.
Noticeably Upgraded Interior for Enhanced Comfort and Technology
Improving upon the Sprinter’s already high-quality and practical cockpit was a challenge, but Mercedes-Benz engineers successfully enhanced the interior for the 2014 model year. Seats featured firmer foam cores, wool fleece linings, and new seat cover fabrics for improved breathability. The new seat cover material was also more durable and featured a refreshed design.
New Radio Generation and Becker MAP PILOT Navigation
Modern consumer electronics and navigation systems were increasingly important in vans. The new standard head unit in the 2014 Mercedes Van featured a 5.8-inch color display and Bluetooth connectivity with a telephone keypad and phone book, an SD card slot, a USB 2.0 interface, and an AUX input in the cockpit. When the optional backup camera was installed, its image was displayed on the screen, now with guide lines to further assist maneuvering.
A new option was the Becker MAP PILOT navigation unit, a fully integrated module with an intuitive user interface. The Becker MAP PILOT box was discreetly integrated into the glove compartment. Map data for the customer’s region was pre-installed. The box was removable and included a USB port, allowing for customization and online updates via a computer. A pre-installation kit for the Becker MAP PILOT was also available, catering to fleets that might want to share navigation units across vehicles.
The 2014 Sprinter: A Versatile One-Stop Solution
Versatility remained a defining characteristic of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. With two diesel engines and a wide range of body styles, weight ratings, and rear axle configurations, the 2014 Sprinter offered thousands of possible variants. Additionally, special bodies and interior equipment from selected and certified system partners were available directly from the factory through the “Sprinter Preferred Upfitter Program.”
Meeting the diverse needs of Sprinter customers was a priority, as a significant majority of Sprinter vans were sold with some form of upfitter modification. The “Sprinter Preferred Upfitter Program” ensured the quality and safety of these modifications. With over 80 approved upfitters in the program, Mercedes-Benz facilitated a seamless process for customers requiring specialized vehicle configurations. Preferred Upfitters received advance product information, exclusive access to certain options, and streamlined ship-through service. Each upfitter also benefited from tailored programming of the vehicle’s electronics system to meet specific customer needs and vehicle functionality.
In conclusion, the 2014 Mercedes Van represented a comprehensive upgrade, reinforcing its leadership in the commercial van segment. With its enhanced fuel economy, advanced safety systems, refined interior, and continued versatility, the 2014 Sprinter was well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of businesses and drivers alike.
