Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo

Once unique in the American market, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van’s tall roof and versatile chassis options have become the norm, mimicked by newer rivals like the Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster and Nissan NV. Yet, while all of these vans offer some advantages over the Mercedes, price being the most obvious, only the Ford offers a diesel-engine option, and none offer the Sprinter’s available 4-wheel drive. In fact, the Sprinter offers the choice of three lengths, two roof heights, numerous upfitting options and five variations on the Sprinter platform, including a cab chassis, crew and 12-passenger model. So good is the Sprinter that its possibilities extend beyond the work site to RV conversion vans, emergency service vehicles and even utility trucks.

While there’s no getting around the 2018 Sprinter van’s massive size, once behind the wheel the driving experience is surprisingly comfortable. Mercedes-Benz has worked its magic on the Sprinter’s chassis and suspension, resulting in a van that corners confidently, remains stable at high speeds and returns good feedback through the steering wheel. However, the ride can feel a bit rough at times, especially when loaded with cargo or people. The view from the driver’s seat is excellent, with a massive windshield, large side mirrors and, on passenger models, tall side glass. It will take a bit of time to adjust to the Sprinter’s tall roof, especially when approaching low parking garage entrances or load docks. As for power, the standard 3.0-liter V6 offers ample supplies of torque for pulling and hauling, can tow up to 7,500 pounds yet is remarkably fuel-efficient, even with the 4-wheel-drive option. 

Professional drivers and private owners both will appreciate the 2018 MB Sprinter van’s driver’s seat, seating position and view of the instrument panel. The seat is firmer and offers far more support than those found on most commercial vehicles. Cargo models have seating for two or three up front and a blank hull in back for hauling or upfitting, while Sprinter crew vans have seating for five and still at least 220.1 cubic feet of cargo volume. Passenger models can accommodate up to 12 people. At its most spacious, an extended-length, super-high-roof Sprinter van boasts over 586 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Mercedes boasts that the Sprinter van was ahead of its time when it brought its pragmatic, high-roof, European style to the U.S. years ago. Now, rivals like the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster have followed suit. It should be no surprise that form follows function for the 2018 Sprinter, as it’s a rolling rectangle on wheels with a short hood. Three roof heights, two wheelbases and three lengths are available, expanding the size of that rectangle — and more important, the size inside — considerably. At its largest, the Sprinter is over 24 feet long and 10 feet high.

4-WHEEL DRIVE
While the Sprinter’s competitors rely solely on two wheels for propulsion, when it comes to winter driving, power to all four wheels is always preferred. Be it winter deliveries or off-road trails, the Sprinter is just better equipped to get you there, even more so with the optional low-range-gear setup.

CROSSWIND ASSIST
With its extended roof option the 2018 Sprinter can reach heights of 10 feet, making it akin to a giant rolling sail. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz adds Crosswind Assist to every model. The system works in conjunction with the vehicle’s stability control, helping counteract unwanted course changes initiated by strong wind gusts.

The base Sprinter Worker is the simplest model in the lineup, a cargo van available only in white. Along with a diesel engine, its major standard features include power windows, air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering wheel and 4-speaker audio system with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The van also features the Load-Adaptive Electronic Stability Program that takes into account load and center of gravity to optimize control when traction is compromised.

Like Mercedes’ luxury vehicles, many options are available for the 2018 Sprinter cargo van. Unlike Mercedes’ cars, however, outside of the Luxury Driver and Passenger seats, most options are aimed at pragmatics and safety. Among the options we most recommend are a rearview camera and parking-aid system. Other recommendable extras are blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and collision-prevention assist. Navigation is also available, as is cruise control. Cargo van options include a wood floor, rear entry step and additional cargo-management options. Heated seats, heated side mirrors and sliding electric side step all make life on the road a little easier.

The 2018 Sprinter van is available with only one engine: a 188-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 that boasts peak torque of 325 lb-ft and is coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Sprinter is rear-wheel drive (2WD) by nature, with 4-wheel drive (4WD) optional. The 3.0-liter diesel is rated to pull up to 7,500 pounds in the Sprinter 3500 Heavy Duty. Mercedes’ BlueTEC diesel engines require injections of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) at service intervals to help curb emissions.

3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6
188 horsepower @ 3,800 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A