Unparalleled reliability gas mileage features and build quality - 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review
0Overview
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a comfortable workhorse that offers a splash of G-wagen capability. Thanks to its wide span of configurability, it can satisfy the needs of both those who deliver and those who crave outdoor adventure. That said, its starting price is noticeably steeper than full-size van competitors such as the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster. The Sprinter is sold with three four-cylinder engine options—two turbodiesels and one turbocharged gasoline engine—each working through a nine-speed automatic transmission. That transmission and the van’s optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system are similar to those found in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars like the E-class and S550. The Merc hauler can be had with a dual-rear-wheel axle, varying roof heights, and three distinct body styles: cargo, crew, and passenger. The tech offerings include a 10.3-inch touchscreen and various driver assists. The vast interior space means there’s plenty of room to build the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into your next work van, an off-road AirBnB, or almost anything in between.
What's New for 2023?
The Sprinter van’s engine lineup has been shaken up for 2023 and include only inline-fours: 168- or 208-hp turbodiesels and a 188-hp gas engine. The 188-hp V-6 is discontinued. All engines now bolt up to a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old model’s seven-speed unit. A revised 4Matic all-wheel-drive system uses a longer first gear for better acceleration and smoother operation. Power distribution is changed to a 50-50 bias between front and rear axles, instead of the former 35-65 percent split in last year’s Sprinter.
Due to the numerous variations and price points, the best Sprinter we can suggest is the one that fits your specific needs. However, we do recommend saving some money for the option packages that include the van's available safety systems. We'd recommend the Driver Convenience package (blind-spot monitor, driver-attention monitor, power-folding exterior mirrors, etc.) and the Premium package that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All Sprinter cargo, passenger, and crew vans are offered with three engine choices. The standard powertrain is a 188-hp turbocharged gas-fed four-cylinder with 258-lb-ft of torque. The other options consist of a 170-hp turbodiesel four-cylinder with 295 lb-ft of torque and a higher-output 211-hp twin-turbo diesel with 332 lb-ft of torque. Every engine uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. Although that's not much power for such a large vehicle, it's more than sufficient for lighter-duty work. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on every Sprinter van. For comparison, the Ford Transit is also offered with four-wheel drive.
Towing and Payload Capacity
With the diesel engine onboard, the Sprinter’s maximum towing capacity is a stout 7500 pounds and the cargo van model can haul up to 6812 pounds of payload. Opt for the turbocharged gasoline-fired four-cylinder and maximum towing capacity is 5000 pounds and the max payload capacity is 4453 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel economy is not estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on commercial vehicles with a gross-vehicle-weight rating (GVWR) of more than 8500 pounds. The last Benz van we tested was a 2019 Sprinter 3500XD with the now discontinued 188-hp turbodiesel V-6 and seven-speed automatic. During our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, it managed 15 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Sprinter offers more interior refinement than its full-size van rivals. Its interior appointments and features, such as the available leather-covered steering wheel and large 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, put it a cut above the Ram ProMaster, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana. The attention Mercedes paid to lower cabin noise is a brain-saver on long trips and lessens the aural burden of everyday use. The Sprinter’s seats are well-shaped so they don't break your back after hours behind the wheel; a Swivel Seat package is available, which makes getting in and out easier. The Sprinter offers more interior space than some New York City apartments—as much as 533 cubic feet in Cargo versions. That's more than you get in the largest version of the Ford Transit. Passenger versions of the Sprinter, with the 144-inch wheelbase, seat 12 comfortably while the 170-inch wheelbase versions can fit 15.
Infotainment and Connectivity
In-cabin entertainment is rarely a high priority in this class, which is why Mercedes keeps the fanciest of its interior hardware as extra-cost options. The standard audio system is a basic AM/FM radio with a small LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a single USB-C port. Included in the Premium package is an updated system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, while the Premium Plus package includes a 10.3-inch screen, navigation, and a wireless phone-charging pad. Both option