Interior

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a full-size van, available in Cargo, Crew or Passenger configurations. Cargo vans offer two front seats only, while the Crew is essentially a Cargo van with a second-row bench seat. The Passenger van features four rows and can carry 12 passengers. The larger MiniBus model adds a fifth row for a total of 15 passengers.

Its load floor is among the lowest for a full-size van, and with the taller of two available roofs, a six foot tall person can easily walk around upright. In its largest configuration, the Sprinter offers massive storage capacity of 547 cubic feet. In people mover form, the Sprinter can carry up to 15 passengers in five rows in its longest guise.

Technology

The cabin has an overall modern feel, particularly for a commercial van. A tilt-and-telescoping steering column and different front seat styles with multiple adjustments ensure ample driver comfort, while the modern control layout feels more like a midsize SUV than a utilitarian van.

Other available features include:

• 5.8-inch color display
• Standard Audio 15 head unit
• AM/FM radio
• Bluetooth® telephone system including keypad with hands-free profile (HFP) and phonebook access profile (PBAP function)
• iPod interface (operated via multifunctional steering wheel or on head unit)
• AUX input in cockpit
• USB connection
• SD card slot
• Audio via Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP)
• WMA, MP3, AAC, WAV
• Phonebook with up to 1,000 entries

Performance

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is powered by your choice of two engines. The first is a turbocharged 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel generating 161 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard.

The second available engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 rated at 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. It?s paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is also available, optionally with a dual-range transfer case.

Properly equipped and regardless of engine, a Sprinter 2500 can tow as much as 5,000 pounds and a 3500 can tow as much as 7,500 pounds. The Sprinter's payload is similarly impressive. The 2500 cargo van is rated from 2,973 pounds to 3,513 pounds, depending on body configuration. The 3500, meanwhile, ranges from 3,895 to 5,585 pounds.

Safety

Every 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes standard with stability and traction control, front airbags and rollover mitigation. Standard on Sprinter 2500 models are front side and front side curtain airbags as well as Crosswind Assist, which uses targeted braking at speeds above 50 mph for extra stability control.

Optional safety features include a driver side airbag, driver and front passenger side airbags packaged together, front side curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. The Driver Assistance package adds a forward collision warning system, lane-departure prevention, a blind-spot warning system and automatic high beam control.

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