The Mercedes eSprinter: A Superior and Eco-Friendly Upgrade

Mercedes-Benz, famed for its luxury cars, is also well-known for producing commercial vans. Since debuting in the U.S. in 2001, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has become popular among both delivery fleets and camping enthusiasts. Now, with Mercedes accelerating its electrification plans, an all-electric Sprinter van is finally on the horizon.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is an updated version of a model previously sold in Europe but initially deemed unsuitable for the U.S. market due to its limited driving range. This new version addresses those concerns with a larger battery pack and reengineered electric motor components, making it easier to produce alongside conventional vans. Manufacturing is happening at Mercedes’ factory in North Charleston, South Carolina, where electric vans will start being delivered to U.S. customers later this year.

Customers will have two options: a standard version priced at $74,181 and a high-output version at $77,611. Currently, the variety of body styles is limited compared to internal-combustion vans and competitors like the Ford E-Transit. Primarily, Mercedes is targeting delivery services and businesses that need significant cargo space, though camping enthusiasts are also likely to show interest.

In appearance, the eSprinter resembles the standard Sprinter van, featuring the same European-style, tall-and-narrow design that has become popular in the U.S. Since its introduction in 2019, the Sprinter design has influenced other automakers. For example, Ford replaced its E-Series with the European-style Transit, and Stellantis now sells the Fiat-derived Ram ProMaster.

Transforming a Sprinter into an eSprinter involves attaching a battery pack to the frame’s underside, installing a compact electric motor to power the rear axle, and placing additional hardware under the hood. This approach is similar to Ford’s E-Transit, which also shares most of its components with its internal-combustion counterparts.

Moreover, other companies are also showing innovation in the electric van market. Rivian has developed a purpose-built electric van, and General Motors has created an entire electric van division called BrightDrop. Kia has even proposed electric vans with interchangeable bodies for cargo and passengers.

Inside, the eSprinter’s cabin looks somewhat like a Mercedes car but is more utilitarian. In the U.S., the eSprinter launches exclusively as a high-roof cargo van with a 170-inch wheelbase. It offers 488 cubic feet of cargo space and a maximum payload of 2,624 pounds. In comparison, Ford’s E-Transit offers a higher payload capacity of 3,553 pounds and 404.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Rival models from Rivian and GM also have varying capacities and features.

The interior carries over from the internal combustion version, with design elements like the steering wheel, air vents, and some dashboard controls resembling those in a Mercedes car. However, this vehicle lacks luxury features such as massaging seats or high-end audio systems, emphasizing its role as a work vehicle.

Both combustion and electric Sprinter vans come with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The eSprinter’s system runs on a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which, while small, is sufficient for basic tasks like navigation.

The eSprinter shares Mercedes’ excellent voice recognition system, which is generally more reliable than those from other automakers. An EV-specific navigation feature is also available, incorporating charging stops into routes. Although we didn’t have a chance to test this feature, the voice control worked just as well as in Mercedes passenger cars.

Available driver-assist features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver-attention monitor, though they are less advanced than those in Mercedes’ passenger cars. The rearview camera mirror, a novel feature, should improve usability.

The eSprinter is rear-wheel drive and comes with two power options: 134 horsepower or 201 horsepower, both offering 295 pound-feet of torque. Unlike many automakers, Mercedes didn’t focus on making the electric version more powerful than its internal combustion counterpart. The four-cylinder diesel engine in the non-electric Sprinter offers 170 hp, which matches the eSprinter’s torque. A more powerful diesel engine option offers 211 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

The eSprinter’s top speed is limited to 75 mph, adequate for its intended use. Acceleration is decent for a van, though it’s leisurely for an EV. However, the eSprinter outshines the diesel version in nimbleness and overall driving experience, partly due to the low-mounted battery pack, which helps with stability. The cabin is also quieter, lacking the engine noise typical in combustion vans.

Mercedes offers several driving modes: Comfort, Eco, and Maximum Range. Comfort mode, the default setting, provides full power and responsive acceleration. Eco and Maximum Range modes prioritize energy savings, although they can make acceleration feel sluggish.

The eSprinter features multiple levels of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to adjust braking strength. An automatic mode adapts braking based on road conditions and traffic.

One reason Mercedes initially hesitated to bring the eSprinter to the U.S. was its limited range. The new model, however, features a 113-kilowatt-hour battery pack using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which degrades slower and is more suitable for commercial vehicles. Mercedes estimates a range of around 250 miles, surpassing the Ford E-Transit’s 108-mile range and matching GM’s BrightDrop vans.

DC fast charging at 115 kilowatts can recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in about 42 minutes, while a full recharge with a 240-volt AC charger takes 12.5 hours. Mercedes also offers connectivity for charging at major networks like ChargePoint, Electrify America, and EVgo without needing individual apps. However, the eSprinter doesn’t include provisions for running appliances or other accessories from the battery pack, as this release is focused on business users.

If choosing an eSprinter, opting for the higher-output 201-horsepower version makes sense for better performance. However, many early buyers will be businesses comparing these $70,000 vans with competitors like the cheaper Ford E-Transits, which offer more configurations but less range, and pricier Rivians, known for sleek styling.

The growth in electric vans could positively impact the environment by reducing emissions from high-mileage commercial vehicles, thereby lowering the carbon footprint of transported goods.

Looking ahead, Mercedes is also developing new medium and large electric vans based on an EV-specific architecture called Van.EA, set to debut in 2026. For now, the eSprinter is a solid start, bringing modern technology and electric power to the world of delivery vans.

By autod9