Pauls Comment: The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been iconic in the large Van sector for many years, often topping reliability tables and being known for pioneering and class leading safety. This has not been the same for their electric range of vans, in particular the eSprinter. Now though, this Van has had a significant upgrade on all fronts. A range that even the sceptics will be happy with and charging speeds for the on the move top up that will keep most happy! The only drawbacks that I can see is the 1t payload, and that on a 4,250kg GVW, will give some a headache if the legislation surrounding 4.25t does not catch up soon! Also the towing capacities of 1500kg, while seen for the first time on a Sprinter here, will not be enough for some of the core audience of the classic Sprinter of old.
So let’s hear from Mercedes-Benz Vans with their actual Press Release:
- Industry-leading electric range of up to 271 miles (436km) WLTP combined[1][2]
- Doubling deliverables: available in two battery sizes[3], two motor outputs, two lengths and two body styles to arrive in the UK in 2024
- New features designed to deliver class-leading safety and efficiency
- Technology that drives convenience with new, improved digital services and the latest Mercedes-Benz MBUX multimedia system
- Unrivalled aftercare with industry-firsts: Integrated servicing, up to 30 years of roadside assistance[4], including out-of-charge cover and two options for battery capacity warranty
- Innovation and sustainability from the ground up: a new generation of nickel and cobalt-free batteries, GFRP rear suspension and carbon-neutral production
- New trim levels: all models from Mercedes-Benz Vans, including the new eSprinter, will now share the same trimline names: PRO and SELECT, to make ordering simple for operators
- First customer vehicles to arrive in Spring.
[1] The indicated values were determined according to the prescribed measurement method – Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) require mains electricity for charging, range figures determined with the battery fully charged. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare with other cars tested to the same technical procedure (WLTP). Figures may not reflect real-life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, factory-fitted options, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
[2] The actual range also depends on the individual driving style, road and traffic conditions, outside temperature, use of air conditioning/heating, etc. and may vary.
[3] 56kWh battery only available via special order.
[4] MobiloVan applies to vehicles purchased from an authorised Mercedes-Benz Dealer, originally destined for and first registered in the UK on or after 01.10.2012. To extend coverage beyond the initial three years of warranty cover and up to a maximum of 30 years, customers are required to have their vehicle serviced at one of our approved workshops, which will automatically renew the cover up until the next service is due. Coverage extension beyond the initial three years excludes minor mishap cover. For a full list of benefits and exclusions visit: www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/en/Owners/MobiloVan.
The UK’s most reliable van, as voted by the top 50 leasing companies[1] for nearly a decade, leads the charge in the UK’s large van market with a new electric model that delivers more range, technology, safety, and uptime for fleet operators.
A complete portfolio with several upgrades to standard specifications will be on offer to customers, including van and chassis body styles in N1 or N2 vehicle class. There will be two lengths on offer, L2 (long) or L3 (extra-long), two trim levels, PRO and SELECT, a choice of 81 or 113 kWh battery capacities[2] and a towing capacity of up to 1.5t[3]. For the first time, there is also a choice of two motors, with either 100 or 150 kW peak output.
Orders are now being taken for 113 kWh panel van models, priced from £73,260, excl VAT. New eSprinter models are also expected to be eligible for the UK government’s OZEV plug-in van grant, giving businesses up to 35% off the purchase price, up to a maximum of £5,000[4].
Produced in net-carbon-neutral production plants located in Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde[5], the first customer vehicles are expected to hit UK roads in May. Orders for 81 kWh battery vans and all other variants will take place later this year.
Game-changing efficiency features designed to keep business moving further
Equipped with the largest battery, (113 kWh 414 Van L3 PRO model), the electric range for the eSprinter, based on the WLTP combined cycle, is up to 271 miles (436 km)[6] – more than double the previous model.
Three driving programmes: Maximum Range, Economic and Comfort, control engine power, engine torque and climate control, while regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, also helps to maximize range. Features such as HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) with heat pump, heated seats and active thermal management also help to optimise real-world range all year round.
Like all electric vans from Mercedes-Benz, the new eSprinter is capable of both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging. The on-board charger can be charged with direct current at up to 115 kW (standard for the UK) at a fast-charging station, meaning the battery with a usable capacity of 113 kWh can be charged from 10-80% in around 42 minutes at a maximum of 115 kW.[7]
Specification highlights: Class-leading driver assistance and safety features
Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the new eSprinter offers exemplary safety, security, and assistance systems as standard. They include Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind spot Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness warning, Intelligent Speed Assist with cruise control, Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, an anti-theft protection package with a double-lock system and on panel van models, reversing camera.
Moving-off Information Assist to avoid collisions with other road users in front of the vehicle when moving off and Sideguard Assist, which helps to better perceive pedestrians and cyclists in a defined area on the passenger side, are both standard for vehicles with N2 approval and optional for N1 approved variants. An optional parking package is also available with a 360-degree camera and a new 3D display for visibility of obstacles.
Specification highlights: innovative and convenient technology
The new eSprinter features the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes Benz User Experience) multimedia system with a 26 cm (10.25-inch) display that delivers even faster computing power and improved menu navigation. Using their Mercedes me[8] account, customers can also access a wide range of free[9] intelligent digital services, including:
- Telediagnostics and maintenance management: provides advance notice of service and maintenance checks and alerts when wear is detected on diagnostic-capable parts to help plan workshop visits ahead of time
- Accident recovery and roadside assistance management: enhance support to help recover vans or tow them to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Service outlet
- Remote vehicle locking and unlocking: Fleet operators and drivers can use the Mercedes me app to be notified of unlocked doors or open windows, before remotely locking or closing.
- Pre-entry climate control: drivers can set and activate their preferred cabin temperature remotely while the van is charging so energy used for heating will draw on the mains power to preserve battery capacity and range
- Display of charging stations and range on map: highlights charging stations available in the surrounding area and displays range to help drivers confidently reach destinations using the existing battery capacity.
New, optional digital services[10] include Navigation with Electric Intelligence, which calculates optimised routes and charging stops in real-time, depending on traffic and the landscape of the route. This feature also calculates the best possible charging strategy to either get to the destination as quickly as possible or to have a particular desired state of charge remaining upon arrival.
For the first time, customers who opt for navigation will also be able to take advantage of the new satellite view and significantly improved navigation for trailers and oversized vehicles, which have been specially adapted to the requirements of large vehicles.
All Mercedes me features are cloud-based, meaning software updates for standard features are sent ‘over-the-air’, directly to the van’s head unit and optional features can be installed at the operator’s convenience.
Reducing downtime with unrivalled aftercare
All new eSprinter vehicles will include an integrated service package (ISP) as standard, which covers the costs of the first four services within the first four years.
Free, Europe-wide roadside assistance, including out-of-charge cover, is included for up to 30 years[11], as well as a three-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year/ 160,000 km battery capacity warranty. Mercedes-Benz Vans is also looking to offer customers the opportunity to extend the vehicle’s battery capacity warranty to a total of 8 years/300,000 km.
Technical data
Technical data for the 81kWh version is expected to be available in Q2 2024
The 113kWh version of the new eSprinter is only available with L3 vehicle length, the 81kWh will be available with either L2 or L3 vehicle length and also will be available with GVWR of 3.5t
| 113kWh eSprinter 414 Van L3 PRO | 113kWh eSprinter 420 Van L3 PRO | 113kWh eSprinter 420 Van L3 SELECT | |
| eMotor and Battery | |||
| Output, max. (kWh) | 100 | 150 | 150 |
| Drive | RWD | ||
| Battery Capacity, usable (kWh) | 113 | ||
| Battery Voltage | 400 | ||
| Battery Charging | AC: 11kW / DC: 115kW | ||
| Battery Charging Time | 0-100% -11 hours @11kW / DC 10-80% – 42min @115kW | ||
| Max Speed (Kph) | 120 | ||
| Max Speed (Mph/Kph) | 74/120 | ||
| Max Torque (Nm) | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| Rotational Speed (rpm) | 12,500 | 12,500 | 12,500 |
| Service Interval | 1 year / 40,000 miles | ||
| Battery Capacity Warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km | ||
| Dimensions and Weights | |||
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (Kg) | 4,250 | ||
| Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) (Kg) | 5000 | ||
| Payload, with driver (Kg) | 1,002 | 1,002 | 995 |
| Payload, without driver (Kg) | 1,077 | 1,077 | 1,070 |
| Kerb weight, with driver (Kg) | 3,248 | 3,248 | 3,255 |
| Kerb weight, without driver (Kg) | 3,323 | 3,323 | 3,330 |
| Exterior Dimensions | |||
| Wheelbase length (mm) | 4,325 | ||
| Turning circle (m) | 15.3 | ||
| Length (Vehicle) (mm) (excl. rear step) | 6,967 | ||
| Height (unladen, inc aerial) (mm) | 2,720 | ||
| Width (inc. wing mirrors) (mm) | 2,345 | ||
Real word range test
The new eSprinter demonstrated its efficiency during a test drive in which a pre-production vehicle of the new eSprinter panel van with a battery size of 113 kWh completed the route from Stuttgart to Munich and back – a route length of 475 km – on a single battery charge and without recharging.
Vehicle configuration used for this test drive was based on that frequently used by customers in the CEP sector (courier, express and parcel service): eSprinter 113 kWh van L3 (extra-long) H2 (high roof) with a 90 km/h speed limiter.
Sustainable initiatives
Mercedes-Benz AG Ambition 2039
Mercedes-Benz is taking a holistic approach to on the road to the fully electric future of mobility. One of the most important transformation goals firmly anchored in the sustainable business strategy is net carbon-neutrality along the entire value chain in the new vehicle fleet in 2039. At Mercedes-Benz AG, this goal is reflected in Ambition 2039 and in the “Electric only” approach.
Vehicle production
In total, Mercedes-Benz Vans is investing around 350 million euros in the new eSprinter from 2021 to 2024, with around 150 million euros of that being invested in the adjustment of production at the three plants.
As sustainability is a central guiding principle at Mercedes-Benz, the new eSprinter will be produced net carbon-neutral at the following production plants: North Charleston, SC/USA, Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde, Germany.
Battery sourcing
The cell chemistry behind the new eSprinter is LFP (lithium ferro-phosphate) – one that makes it possible to keep all variants free of cobalt and nickel (critical materials), while active thermal management ensures maximum efficiency. LFP is ideal for light commercial vehicles because the cell degradation is lower than other batteries ensuring durability and low maintenance requirements.
Sourcing battery cells with cobalt and lithium exclusively from certified mines in the future makes Mercedes-Benz AG a pioneer for the first cross-industry mining standard “Standard for Responsible Mining” of the “Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance”.
Executive quotes
“The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter underlines our claim to ‘Lead in Electric’ and kicks off the next stage of our electrification strategy. Its versatility and flexibility make the new eSprinter the ideal vehicle for a wide range of applications.”
Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans
“The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter consistently follows our strategy – to be the leader in electric mobility with the most desirable vans while achieving profitable growth worldwide.”
Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans
Andreas Zygan, Head of Development Mercedes-Benz Vans
“With the new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, we are taking the electric large van segment to a new level. It exemplifies the sustainable transport, and its extended range makes the eSprinter suitable for both urban use as well as longer distances.”
Andreas Zygan, Head of Development Mercedes-Benz Vans
“The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is a true cosmopolitan. Produced in North America and Europe, it offers our customers in over 60 markets worldwide a variety of technical innovations that make driving more convenient and a multitude of commercial uses cases more sustainable.”
Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans
[1] Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been crowned ‘Most Reliable Van’ by the UK’s top 50 leasing companies at the Fleet News FN50 Awards for the last nine years. Fleet News annually asks leasing companies to consider the vans they had on fleet over the previous 12 months and list the most reliable ones based on the average number of days off the road with unplanned mechanical problems (but not including punctures).
[2] Useable battery capacities stated.
[3] Towing capabilities will vary per model.
[4] Vehicle purchase price is calculated on base vehicle only (excluding any optional equipment), it excludes delivery charges and first registration fee. The grant will be applied after any vehicle discount has been offered and includes VAT and number plate costs. The OZEV plug-in van grant approval is
expected during April 2024. For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants
[5] The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is also produced in North Charleston for customers in North America.
[6] The indicated values were determined according to the prescribed measurement method – Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) require mains electricity for charging, range figures determined with the battery fully charged. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare with other cars tested to the same technical procedure (WLTP). Figures may not reflect real-life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, factory-fitted options, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
[7] Maximum charging power at DC charging station with supply voltage 400 volts, current 300 A; the maximum charging power depends on various factors, such as ambient and battery temperature and the state of charge of the battery at the start of charging..
[8] To use Mercedes me connect services, users must register for a Mercedes me ID and consent to the terms of use for the Mercedes me connect services. In addition, the respective vehicle must be linked to the user account. The services described and their availability and functionality may vary in particular depending on the vehicle model, the model year, the selected options and the country.
[9] Duration of free terms varies per service. At the end of the initial term, the services can be extended for a fee, provided that they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle. The initial activation of the services is possible within one year from the date of initial registration or commissioning by the customer, whichever comes first.
[10] The use of the Digital Extras requires the permanent acceptance of the Terms of Use for Digital Extras and the Mercedes me ID Service Terms in their applicable versions, the permanent pairing of the vehicle with the Mercedes me user account and – if applicable – the activation of the Digital Extras. Upon expiry of the term, the Digital Extras can be renewed for a fee in the Mercedes me Store provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point. In addition, for the use of some Digital Extras there may be further usage requirements or limitations specifically separate customer-owned contracts with third parties (e. g., streaming, charging, conclusion of a data contract covering comfort data volume), selected third-party products (e.g., smartphone, smartwatch) or they are only available for specific customer groups. Alternatively, to comfort data volume, depending on the generation of your multimedia system, data volume must be available via Internet in the Car or, where possible, your own data volume will need to be used via tethering. Information on personal data processed for the use of Digital Extras may be found in the Mercedes me connect privacy policy.
[11] MobiloVan applies to vehicles purchased from an authorised Mercedes-Benz Dealer, originally destined for and first registered in the UK on or after 01.10.2012. To extend coverage beyond the initial three years of warranty cover and up to a maximum of 30 years, customers are required to have their vehicle serviced at one of our approved workshops, which will automatically renew the cover up until the next service is due. Coverage extension beyond the initial three years excludes minor mishap cover. For a full list of benefits and exclusions visit: www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/en/Owners/MobiloVan.
