The indomitable Sprinter

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has topped the sales charts in its market category for many years; thanks to a package of performance, total cost of ownership and after-sales services.

With the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in their corner, operators are “Born to Run” – this brand claim backed by comprehensive support from sales and finance, to quality of product and technical services through to aftersales.

Nicolette Lambrechts, brand manager for Mercedes-Benz vans, says: “With our brand claim we strive to offer our customers maximum availability of our vehicles. This stretches from product to service and through all touch-points we have with the customer.”

Lambrechts elaborates that the Sprinter has cemented its market leadership in the large van segment due to its exceptional reliability and longevity.

“The Sprinter offers benchmark service intervals of 30 000 km,” says Mpumelelo Zulu, product manager for Mercedes-Benz vans. “The Euro-4 and Euro-5 (top-end V6 sipping 50 ppm) engines achieve low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.”

Fuel tests conducted under ideal conditions have produced consumption figures as low as 8,3 l/100 km for the four-cylinder engines and 9,9 l/100 km for the V6 units.

Versatility is a compelling feature of the Sprinter range. On offer are load capacities from 9 m3 to 15,5 m3, and 17 m3 for the top-of-the-range, extra-long 519XL with optional super-high roof. Payloads vary from 1 450 kg for the 3,55 tonne gross vehicle weight (GVW) to 2 510 kg for the five tonne GVW model. 

Says Lambrechts: “A plethora of conversions and adaptations are possible with the Sprinter, allowing customisation to customers’ needs. From movers, cargo carriers, courier services to mobile workshops, clinics, ambulances, coffee shops and even a museum – the Sprinter panel van is up to any and every task.” Conversions are done through a range of recommended bodybuilders and Mercedes-Benz’s extensive national dealer network.

Says Zulu, “The extra-long 519XL panel van has a 4 325 mm wheelbase and a long rear overhang measuring 2 015 mm. It boasts impressive statistics: with the super high roof its cargo capacity of up to 17 m3 with a maximum loading length of 4 700 mm, payload up to 2 465 kg and permissible GVW up to 5 000 kg, make it capable of handling the biggest cargo-carrying jobs at economical running costs.”

Entry to the cargo area from the rear is through wide twin wing-doors and a large side sliding door, with both openings enabling the loading of international-standard pallets. A 605 mm height from the ground to sill facilitates easy forklift or manual loading.

“The monocoque structure of the panel van includes a bulkhead between cab and load bay and forms part of the load securing features, while protecting the driver and crew,” says Zulu. The premium-grade wooden floor is completely flat without any ribbing, which ensures cargo can be anchored by means of securing lugs in the floor and side strips.

“Crucial for moving contractors and cargo carriers, the Adaptive ESP Electronic Stability Program acts in combination with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), Brake Assist (BAS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD), to automatically adapt to changes in the vehicle load,” says Zulu. Central locking is standard together with an engine immobiliser for added security.

Lambrechts adds: “We also have value chain offerings within Mercedes-Benz South Africa. Our one-stop solution approach enables us to offer competitive finance rates through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. We have CharterWay for competitive service and maintenance contracts that can be customised to requirements.”