2016 Chicago Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Worker: Comments

[William Maley]

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Mercedes-Benz might not be the first or possibly fifth thought when it comes to cargo vans. But the German automaker has been selling their Sprinter since 2001 (when it was called the Dodge Sprinter). But there is one problem with the Sprinter, to get into one, you need to pony up $37,490 just to get into the base model.

 

Mercedes has decided to fix this with the introduction of the Sprinter Worker, a base model aimed at small business or commerical buyers. With a starting price-tag of $33,490 (includes a $995 destination charge), the Worker undercuts the standard Sprinter by $4,000. It also undercuts the Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit vans when equipped with a diesel. Now it should be noted that the ProMaster and Transit are less than the Sprinter worker when equipped with the standard gas engine.

 

The Worker only comes in a 144-inch wheelbase and low-roof configuration. Power comes from a 2.1L turbodiesel four with 161 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a seven-speed automatic. Mercedes says the Sprinter Worker can tow up to 5,000 lbs, has a max payload capacity of 3,512 pounds, and can hold 319 cubic feet of stuff.

 

Standard equipment includes power windows, air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and Mercedes' Crosswind Assist to keep the van in control during high-wind conditions.

 

The Sprinter Worker will go on sale at Mercedes-Benz Van dealers later this year.

 

Source: Mercedes-Benz

 

 

You can follow our coverage of 2016 Chicago Auto Show News here.

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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Sprinter Expands Portfolio with the Affordable WORKER Model

 

February 11, 2016 - Atlanta

 

Mercedes-Benz Vans is pleased to announce the expansion of the Sprinter portfolio by debuting the WORKER model, which goes on sale in Spring 2016. Starting at just $32,495*, the Sprinter WORKER will offer the simplest and most straightforward equipment and packaging within the Sprinter Van model line, which includes the 2500 and heavy-duty 3500 models. Targeting the heart of the commercial van market for plumbers, electricians, general contractors, and HVAC specialists, the WORKER was designed with input from dealers and customers alike, offering the safety, reliability, and best-in-class service intervals—up to 20,000 miles--expected from Mercedes-Benz vans, all at an affordable and approachable starting price.

 

"We are pleased to announce the new Sprinter WORKER model, which is every bit as capable as the rest of our Sprinter lineup at an even more attractive starting price: $32,495," said Bernie Glaser, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the USA. "The Sprinter brand is no stranger to hard work and we are making a statement by targeting the heart of the commercial van market by offering an affordable and approachable model designed for plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists, general contractors and similar fields. The Sprinter offers the best value, as well as simple and straightforward packaging for our toughest customers. Together with creative financing solutions from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, it has never been easier to own a Sprinter"

 

Everything you need to work hard with a price that won't hold you back
The new Sprinter WORKER is a straightforward base model with simple packaging that meets the needs of our toughest customers, yet offers more standard equipment than other brands, including a standard diesel engine, Bluetooth connectivity and class-exclusive Crosswind Assist, and class-leading interior cargo volume. The WORKER model offers maximum capability and customization potential for aftermarket van interiors and exteriors, all at an incredible starting price of just $32,495. With a 144" wheelbase and a standard-height roof (the most commonly-ordered Sprinter Van configuration) the Sprinter WORKER boasts a 137.4" cargo floor length and 66.5" interior standing height. The WORKER also receives a powerful diesel engine and an efficient, class-exclusive 7G-TRONIC 7-speed transmission which allows for more time on the road and less time at the gas pump.

 

Additional standard equipment includes a 4-speaker AM/FM radio with aux-input, USB interface and with Bluetooth® Telephone Interface and audio streaming, cabin partition preparation, class-leading 6 standard airbags, industry-exclusive Crosswind Assist and Load-Adaptive Traction Control (ESP).

 

A blank-canvas both inside and out
Available only in white, the Sprinter WORKER provides both small-business owners and fleet companies with an ideal canvas for signage, advertising and wrapping with graphics. With a total roof load capacity of 660 lbs., ladder racks and roof attachments can be added to the WORKER from any number of upfitters.

 

Inside, the WORKER's standard 319.1-cubic-feet of cargo volume provides ample room for racks, bins, shelves, cabinets and toolboxes. The standard steel floor can be left unfinished or can be customized with an optional wood floor or with any other floor covering of choice.

 

One place that doesn't need customization: the front passenger compartment. With power windows, A/C, tilting & telescoping steering wheel, 5 cup-holders, adjustable armrests, ample storage, and a standard 4-speaker audio system that boasts Bluetooth® telephone interface, wireless music streaming and an auxiliary port, the WORKER aims to make time on the road productive convenient and comfortable.

 

Standard BlueTEC diesel engine for maximum power and efficiency
Time is money, and time spent at the gas pump is time that could be spent on the road or at the job site. The Sprinter WORKER comes exclusively with a powerful and efficient 4-cylinder diesel engine paired with an efficient, class-exclusive 7G-TRONIC 7-speed transmission that helps stretch each gallon of diesel further. Based on over 300,000 miles of user-reported fuel economy on fuelly.com, this efficient engine and transmission combination is capable of well over 23 miles per gallon, even in high-roof, extended- wheelbase Sprinter 2500 applications.

 

Producing 161 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque (available at just 1,400 RPMs), the Sprinter WORKER's 2.1-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine provides seamless power thanks to its two-stage turbocharger. This engine knows how to work hard, with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. and a maximum payload of 3,512 lbs.

 

In combination with exhaust gas recirculation, two-stage cooling, selective catalytic reduction (SER), Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection and a particulate filter, the Sprinter WORKER is not only efficient, but environmentally responsible.

 

Best-in-class service intervals
The Sprinter WORKER has a best-in-class service interval of up to 20,000 miles. With a service interval as long as this, the WORKER can spend more time on the road and less time in the shop. Thanks to its low rate of depreciation and high overall value, the Sprinter once again received ALG's Residual Value Award for Fullsize Commercial Vans in 2016.

 

Packaging provides additional flexibility, capability
With three affordable packages, the Sprinter WORKER can be customized from the factory to suit your needs even better:

• The CONVENIENCE Package ($1,499) includes: Heated Power Mirrors, Cruise Control, Automatic Light and Rain Sensor (for windshield wipers), Multifunction Steering Wheel with Enhanced Info Screen and Trailer Hitch Pre- wiring
• The UTILITY Package ($2,999) includes all contents in CONVENIENCE Package, plus: Wood Cargo Floor, Rear Step, LED Lights in Cargo Compartment, Two Additional Keys (4 total), Glass in Rear Cargo Doors and Grab-handles (left/right rear door)
• The OVERTIME Package ($4,499) includes all contents in both CONVENIENCE and UTILITY packages, plus: Upgraded Audio System, Highbeam Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Rear View Camera, First Aid Kit and Emergency Flashlight
  

The Sprinter WORKER will be available to order at Mercedes-Benz Van dealerships immediately with a starting price of $32,495 and a destination/delivery charge of $995.

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[G. David Felt]

So a cheaper version of the hard plastic, poor reliable sprinter that they have always had. Does not look like much has changed. 

 

I have very mixed feelings about the design language, part of me says this is better looking than the Ram ProMaster or Ford Transit and the other part says this is just as bad. Talk about sucky van styling. Miss GM and Fords original American designed vans.

[smk4565]

Why would it be less reliable when it has the same powertrain and mechanical components?

 

What I don't get is why the 4-cylinder diesel makes those power levels in the Sprinter, yet in their passenger cars it is more like 200 hp and 360 lb-ft.  Seems like they should have a power bump for both 4 and 6 cylinder Sprinters.

[G. David Felt]

Why would it be less reliable when it has the same powertrain and mechanical components?

 

What I don't get is why the 4-cylinder diesel makes those power levels in the Sprinter, yet in their passenger cars it is more like 200 hp and 360 lb-ft.  Seems like they should have a power bump for both 4 and 6 cylinder Sprinters.

So corrected it to be more clear, your right it is not less reliable, but the same POOR RELIABLE Sprinter that they have been selling just a hard plastic cheaper version. Nothing on the sprinter line says quality and it FAILS their tag line.

 

The BEST or NOTHING!

 

In this case MB needs to step up their game or just drop it completely. The sprinter is one of the worst reliable vans on the market and this comes from personal experience with it both under the dodge label and as a MB badged version.

[smk4565]

In the UK the Ford Transit was named most reliable van in 2013 and 2014, but the Sprinter was 2nd in 2013, dropped in 2014.  But I have seen Sprinters with 200,000 miles on them selling for $20,000, if they are so unreliable and so terrible, UPS, FedEx, etc would not be using them and the resale would not be that high.