The upcoming Sprinter Van is Mercedes' most significant launch in years.

      Mercedes-Benz

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      Few car brands have offered such a wide range of vehicles as Mercedes-Benz has over the years. The iconic three-pointed star has adorned everything from luxurious coupes to compact cars, buses, and even the Unimog. However, due to the company's corporate structure, U.S. drivers can't enjoy seeing the same badge on both an S-Class and an 18-wheeler on the road. Still, a clear connection between Mercedes’ passenger and commercial vehicles can be observed with the Sprinter van.

      This week, we're getting a sneak peek into its future. As Mercedes marks the 30th anniversary since the launch of the original Sprinter, it is showcasing the design for the upcoming fourth-generation model through a sculpture titled “The BOuLDER”—that’s the last time I’ll refer to it like that—and sharing some insights about the new cargo van's platform, features, and connectivity options.

      Even if you're not in the delivery business, this is significant news. Mercedes-Benz is at a pivotal point, facing increasing trade barriers and a rapid shift away from an initial strong commitment to electric vehicles. Revenue from its van division had surged by 25 percent since 2019 before experiencing a decline in 2024, shortly after the prosperous years prompted the company to strategize an ambitious expansion with the upcoming VLE/VLS class luxury vans. The Sprinter name, along with its dual image as both a red carpet shuttle and a workhorse, holds immense value, and financially, the automaker needs the next Sprinter to succeed more than it needs to satisfy anyone by reinstating a V8 in the C63 AMG.

      The Boulder showcases the grille, part of the headlights, and elements of a high-roof Sprinter’s design, including the hood line, A-pillar, roof, and rear end. It looks unmistakably like a van, which is exactly what it should be. However, a closer inspection reveals some design changes, such as a more rounded front end, a flatter hood that creates a sharper angle at the A-pillar, and an overall more slab-sided profile.

      I should mention that Mercedes provided me with a confidential preview of a styling prototype in Germany last week, revealing the complete (though not fully finished) design. However, I signed a strict NDA, surrendered my phone and recorder, and went through a thorough security check, so I can't divulge any specifics. They requested feedback, which I provided, and that’s all I can say.

      You might look at this and think it resembles the previous models quite a bit. But that’s the point! Commercial vans must excel at transporting goods and be easy to repair and modify. Companies shouldn’t be experimenting wildly with the design parameters. There’s no need for the Rivian RSV’s enormous U-shaped taillight, which creates corner-bashing problems, to indicate that this is the future of vans or even just an improvement over its predecessor. All that’s needed is a vehicle that performs its function more effectively.

      The Sprinter has a multitude of applications. In the U.S., we primarily recognize them as trade or delivery vans, camper conversions, and VIP shuttle vehicles. Internationally, their uses extend to flatbeds, box trucks, ambulances, fire trucks, food trucks, articulated semis, and more. Mercedes must consider all these use cases in designing the next model. Notably, the fourth-generation Sprinter will be offered in a diverse range of roof heights, wheelbases, and chassis configurations.

      The upcoming Sprinter will also have electric and gas variants, built on the VAN.EA and VAN.CA platforms respectively, which are also utilized for the newer, smaller passenger-focused VLE/VLS-Class vans announced by Mercedes earlier this year. How many parts will be interchangeable when durability is a priority for the Sprinter? Mercedes has yet to disclose that information, nor anything about the internal combustion engine options. The electric variant will debut first, and we anticipate it will feature 800-volt architecture for rapid charging.

      Additionally, Mercedes will incorporate its MB.OS connected operating system, which will include various fleet management features like custom app integration for route planning and real-time maintenance notifications. The new van will feature highly integrated computers in a “chip-to-cloud” configuration, enabling remote control of everything from the HVAC system to charging settings.

      Not every Sprinter buyer operates a fleet, and there will undoubtedly be those who perceive these features as unnecessary complexities in a work van. However, we’ll reserve judgment until these systems are tested in real-world conditions. It’s also important to note how this preview differs from typical new model teasers. Mercedes isn’t promising a groundbreaking change. In fact, these advancements are already present in many modern vehicles. Mercedes is simply stating it's time to implement these features in the van segment.

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