The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van has long been recognized as a significant player in the commercial van market, especially since it introduced European standards to the American audience. Initially offered as a Dodge, the Sprinter quickly set itself apart from traditional American vans with its distinct design and functionality. In 2012, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter continued to offer a compelling alternative, boasting unique features and capabilities that catered to a variety of professional needs. This review delves into the specifics of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cargo van, exploring its design, performance, utility, and overall value proposition in the competitive van segment.
The European approach to van design, which the Sprinter embodies, prioritizes a different set of characteristics compared to traditional American vans. One of the most immediate distinctions is the driving position. Stepping into the Sprinter, you’re greeted by a high seating position that provides excellent visibility through a large windshield and over a minimalist instrument panel. While the engine does intrude into the cabin area, it’s far less intrusive than in comparable GM vans. This design choice results in ample legroom and a more open feel in the driver and passenger area. Unlike some competitors with bulky engine covers or massive consoles, the Sprinter offers a more streamlined and spacious front cabin environment from the knees back. The seats themselves reflect a European sensibility, being notably firmer than those found in many American vans. While they may feel less plush initially, these seats are designed for support and are likely to offer greater comfort and reduced fatigue over long working hours. For enhanced adjustability, an optional package includes manual adjustments for front and rear height, recline, and lumbar support. These manual controls, while perhaps less immediately convenient than power adjustments, are also less prone to mechanical failure, adding to the vehicle’s long-term reliability.
Mercedes-Benz provided the 2012 Sprinter in a range of body configurations to meet diverse cargo and passenger needs. These configurations include: 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 model). Even the standard regular roof Sprinter offers a noticeable increase in headroom compared to GM vans, providing 60.6 inches versus 52.9 inches. The high roof option elevates this further, adding an extra foot of vertical space, making it possible for individuals up to six feet tall to comfortably stand and move around within the cargo area. This stand-up capability is a significant advantage for professionals who spend considerable time working inside their vans, and at the time, Nissan was the only other manufacturer offering this feature directly from the factory. Adding to its practicality, the Sprinter boasts a wider rear cargo opening, measuring 61.6 inches compared to 57.0 inches in GM vans. This width is consistently maintained from floor to ceiling, thanks to the Sprinter’s nearly vertical side walls – a departure from the more rounded, “jelly bean” shapes of American vans. Depending on the chosen body length, cargo lengths are 128.5 inches, 169.3 inches, or an expansive 185.0 inches. In contrast, GM vans offered 124.6 inches or 146.2 inches. In terms of total cargo volume, the Sprinter decisively outperforms its GM counterparts, offering 318, 494, or an impressive 547 cubic feet, compared to the GM van’s 270 or 314 cubic feet. Notably, even the shortest, regular roof Sprinter provides more cargo space than the longest GM van, and more than double the capacity of a typical minivan, highlighting its exceptional cargo-carrying capabilities.
The increased volume of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter translates directly into enhanced usability. Accessing this space is made easy with wide, floor-to-ceiling door openings. A right-side sliding door comes standard, with a left-side slider available as an option for added convenience. The rear doors are designed to swing open a full 270 degrees, maximizing access for loading and unloading in various situations. In terms of load-carrying capacity, the Sprinter 3500 model boasts a payload capacity of up to 5,375 pounds, significantly exceeding the 3,992 pounds offered by comparable GM vans. Its towing capacity is also respectable at 7,500 pounds, although slightly less than the 10,000-pound towing capacity of GM vans. The Sprinter 2500 model, as tested in the original review, offered a payload of 2,872 pounds, which is slightly less than the 3,009 pounds of a GM 2500 van.
The 2012 Sprinter isn’t solely focused on cargo; it also offers versatility in passenger configurations. Seating options range from two to twelve occupants, with the Sprinter configurable with one, two, three, or four rows of seats. Even with four rows installed in the 170-inch wheelbase model, there remains over six feet of cargo space behind the last row, demonstrating its capacity to balance passenger and cargo needs. While theoretically, Mercedes-Benz could have extended seating to compete in the 15-passenger van market, they opted to leave that segment to domestic manufacturers, focusing instead on a balance of passenger comfort and cargo utility. Factory options for passenger comfort are somewhat limited, mainly focusing on roof-mounted rear HVAC vents, underscoring the Sprinter’s primary focus as a commercial vehicle rather than a luxury people-mover.
Despite its robust cargo and towing capabilities, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is powered by a relatively modest engine. The sole engine option is 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 engines commonly offered by GM, Ford, and Nissan in their vans. The transmission is Mercedes-Benz’s reliable five-speed automatic. While concerns about adequate power might arise given its size and capabilities, real-world performance is surprisingly adequate. During test drives, the powertrain provided sufficient acceleration for typical van usage, even at highway speeds. An estimated zero-to-sixty mph time of around 13 seconds may seem leisurely for a car, but for a vehicle of this size and purpose, it proves to be sufficient. It’s important to remember that the Sprinter is designed for work, not for high-speed performance. While the engine might feel more strained when fully loaded or towing, user feedback suggests that engine performance remains acceptable even under heavy loads. However, braking performance could become a more critical consideration under such conditions. The diesel engine operates relatively quietly, especially once underway, with engine noise only being prominent at idle and low speeds. The five-speed automatic transmission, while generally competent, could be more responsive in certain situations, and surprisingly, paddle shifters were not offered as an option.
Fuel economy is a significant advantage of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, especially when compared to vans equipped with larger gasoline engines. Mercedes-Benz claimed fuel economy figures in the low 20s mpg range for city driving and mid-20s mpg on the highway. These figures are remarkable for a vehicle of the Sprinter’s size and 5,545-pound curb weight. Even in mixed suburban and highway driving conditions, with some spirited acceleration runs, the test vehicle achieved a reported 17.6 mpg, which is notably better than many larger SUVs or less aerodynamically efficient vehicles. The Sprinter diesel engine does require AdBlue, a diesel exhaust fluid, but by 2012, AdBlue was readily available and relatively inexpensive, mitigating a previous concern about its accessibility and cost.
Handling was another area of focus during the evaluation. Despite its size, the Sprinter offers surprisingly manageable handling characteristics. The expansive windshield and forward visibility contribute to a sense of control, minimizing the perception of driving a large vehicle. Rearward visibility depends on the van’s configuration (cargo, passenger, or crew van), with cargo vans potentially lacking rear windows. However, large, dual-element side mirrors compensate for this. Optional front and rear obstacle detection systems further aid in maneuvering in tight spaces. The steering is light and relatively slow, which is typical for vehicles in this class, but it feels natural and becomes easily accustomed to after a short time behind the wheel. Body control is better than in typical American vans, though the ride can be slightly jiggly even when unladen, particularly in the 2500 model. It’s worth noting that comparing the Sprinter 2500 to a Nissan NV 3500 might not be entirely fair, as the latter is a heavier-duty vehicle. Stability control was a standard feature, enhancing safety, although aggressive handling was not explored during the test.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter started at a base price of $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) added $2,670 to the price, while the extended wheelbase and extended rear overhang options added further costs. Essential amenities like seat adjustments, power mirrors, cruise control, and a trip computer added approximately $895 to the overall price. While these prices might seem relatively affordable for a vehicle bearing the Mercedes-Benz star, they are considerably higher than comparable American cargo vans. For example, a Chevrolet Express 2500 extended length van with a more powerful 280-horsepower 4.8-liter gas V8 and similar features listed for around $31,740. However, opting for the 260-horsepower 6.6-liter Duramax diesel in the GM van largely negated this price advantage, making the choice more nuanced. The decision then becomes a trade-off between engine displacement and interior cargo volume and design philosophy.
In conclusion, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter stood out as a unique offering in the van market. Until the arrival of Euro-sourced vans from Ford and Ram, the Sprinter occupied a niche of its own, characterized by its high roof, substantial cargo volume, refined suspension, and fuel-efficient diesel engine. Beyond its practical attributes, the Sprinter also offered a degree of prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand, which, as noted by Mercedes-Benz specialists, can be a valuable asset for businesses seeking to project a professional image when visiting clients, even if that client is a furry one at a dog grooming appointment. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offered a compelling blend of European design philosophy and practical functionality, making it a strong contender for businesses and professionals seeking a versatile and efficient cargo van.
