Not that we wish to rehash reminiscences of the pandemic lockdown, but when there was one automobile that exemplified that interval, it might be the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cargo van. In Amazon livery, in fact. This large field on wheels was final redesigned in 2019, simply in time for, effectively, you understand. For a lot of, these Amazon vans had been a lifeline and welcome sight rolling down their avenue, screechy reverse chime and all.
Final yr noticed some large modifications to the Sprinter’s driveline, with a brand new four-cylinder diesel engine, nine-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive as an alternative of four-wheel drive. As large as these revisions had been, they’re nothing in comparison with the subsequent act.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter goes with none of these driveline options, as it is the all-electric model. events can order one now, with deliveries slated for the second half of the yr, and it throws round some intriguing numbers. First off, the worth. It begins at $74,181 (together with $2,295 in vacation spot charges) for the usual 134-horsepower base mannequin. The 201-hp high-output variant that we drove begins at $77,611. Torque is identical for each, at a most of 295 pound-feet for 30 seconds at a time. It is rear-wheel-drive solely and tops out at 75 mph.
These costs are for the 170-inch-wheelbase mannequin with the excessive roof, however don’t embody the technically non-compulsory partition/wall that might be a compulsory add-on for early orders (it’s solely $322 or $376 in the event you get one with a window). All may have a lithium-iron phosphate battery pack within the flooring of the van, which implies none of that environmentally and socially questionable cobalt within the combine. It is rated at 113 kilowatt-hours of usable capability.
Vary is estimated at 249 miles utilizing the European WLTP commonplace, which tends to be extra optimistic than EPA estimates, however Mercedes-Benz additionally has a historical past of exceeding EPA figures by a major margin. Mercedes is fast to level out that it accomplished the 275-mile freeway journey from Las Vegas to Lengthy Seashore, Calif. on a single cost. Utilizing the WLTP metropolis cycle, which appears notably related for a supply/work van, the eSprinter is estimated to return 329 miles. A smaller battery is within the works, however there is not any information or estimates on that but.
By comparability, the diesel-powered, long-wheelbase, high-roof Sprinter has a beginning value of $56,500 and may return between 14 and 17 mpg. Extrapolate that with diesel’s nationwide common value being about $4 a gallon and the eSprinter may conceivably break even price-wise in 4 years or so, with 30,000 miles logged per yr. After all, there are many components that might change that calculation. As an illustration, in the event you’re working in California or elsewhere with heftier diesel costs or journey extra miles per day, that break-even might be shorter nonetheless. However, vary will clearly lower with heavier hundreds, and the eSprinter can haul as a lot as 2,624 kilos in its large 488 cubic-foot cargo bay.
On a normal degree 2 AC charger, the eSprinter can replenish the battery at 9.6 kW (many EVs can accomplish that at 11 kW). Going from a very depleted state to completely charged ought to take 12.5 hours. DC quick charging functionality is commonplace, however is rated solely at 115 kW, which is on the gradual facet. Mercedes estimates it’s going to take 42 minutes to get from 10 to 80%. Serving to issues is the non-compulsory navigation system that calls out cost stations, and the system that may pre-condition the battery as you shut in in your supposed cost station. Additionally included is the Mercedes me Cost characteristic that lets you simply plug-in and cost, bypassing the cardboard swipe or app activation, as long as you set it up together with your billing info beforehand. Mercedes additionally partnered with ChargePoint for Fleet Depot Charging, which simplifies charging and monitoring of a number of autos.
To sweeten the deal, scheduled upkeep is free for 4 years or 100,000 miles, and the battery has a guaranty that ensures it’s going to hold a minimal 70% of authentic capability for eight years or 100,000 miles. Protection may be prolonged a further 85,000 miles as an choice.
So how does it drive? Like a van, duh. There’s actually not a lot to say, in any other case. It is not notably highly effective or fast. It would not rail round corners, and regardless of having a lot of its weight within the flooring, it nonetheless feels top-heavy and tippy. The one distinction from different vans is the silence. Change the drive mode to Eco, and energy is additional decreased, making it really feel weak and underpowered. Most vary mode strips the eSprinter of much more energy and likewise limits how a lot electrical energy the air con attracts.
Visibility is nice, as long as you are trying ahead or to the perimeters. The partition between the motive force and cargo space blocks any rearward view, which makes the non-compulsory digital rearview mirror a necessity. You’ll be able to choose one among 5 brake regeneration ranges with the paddles on the steering wheel and one-pedal driving is offered. One addition on this space is an automated regen mode that takes under consideration site visitors and topography.
The eSprinter’s cabin is pretty spartan, though the modern MBUX infotainment display screen you’ll be able to add for $2,390 together with quite a lot of different consolation, comfort and tech upgrades does spruce the place up a bit. Arduous plastics are prevalent, and the vinyl flooring reinforces the utilitarian persona. The seats are manually adjustable and as soon as set, are fairly comfy although not as plush as every other Mercedes. The analog instrument panel is uncommon these days, however appears applicable for a industrial van.
Atop the sprint, simply over the crest and proper up in opposition to the windshield are some oddly positioned cupholders and a coated heart bin that incorporates a number of USB and energy ports. It appears odd to have these so uncovered to the solar and we marvel what would occur if the contents of a cup had been to splash out of it into the HVAC vents.
Total, the brand new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter would not impress or shock, and that is really factor for a industrial van. It is totally wise with none superfluous novelty. Contemplating its effectivity and capabilities, this is a wonderful alternative for quite a lot of companies and would make excellent sense for city-bound, high-mileage use.