The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will launch in early 2018 as a more connected and versatile cargo van. The company gave automotive journalists a few early details at a Dec. 4 event in Stuttgart, Germany, called Sprinter Innovation Campus. Photos by Paul Clinton and courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Innovation Labs
The event set up six labs including Sprinter Versatility, eSprinter, Sprinter Digitalization and Intelligence, Crafts and Services, People Moving, and CEP and eGrocery.
Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, spoke about the 2018 Sprinter.
The van will be a good fit for plumbers, electricians, and other tradesman due to its upfit-friendly setup.
The level two dashboard offers more steering wheel controls and a head unit.
The level three dashboard moves the shifter to the steering column and adds an audio display screen.
The top-level dashboard offers more storage options and a bigger display screen.
Matthias Winkenbach, director of the MIT Megacity Logistics Lab, spoke about the trend toward megacities.
More than 1,000 possible iterations of the van will offer four dashboards. This is the base model.
The van will arrive at a time of explosive growth of grocery and other delivery services.
The van will be able to offer refridgeration options to suit three different temperatures for chilled, cool, and ambient goods.
Here's the electric motor for the eSprinter, which could be offered in the U.S. market if there's enough demand.