Not that we need to rehash reminiscences of the pandemic lockdown, but when there was one automobile that exemplified that interval, it will be the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cargo van. In Amazon livery, after all. This large field on wheels was final redesigned in 2019, simply in time for, effectively, you already know. For a lot of, these Amazon vans have been a lifeline and welcome sight rolling down their road, 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 have 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 value. 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 similar 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 optionally available partition/wall that shall be a compulsory add-on for early orders (it’s solely $322 or $376 in case you get one with a window). All could have a lithium-iron phosphate battery pack within the flooring of the van, which suggests 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 customary, which tends to be extra optimistic than EPA estimates, however Mercedes-Benz additionally has a historical past of exceeding EPA figures by a big margin. Mercedes is fast to level out that it accomplished the 275-mile freeway journey from Las Vegas to Lengthy Seaside, Calif. on a single cost. Utilizing the WLTP metropolis cycle, which appears significantly related for a supply/work van, the eSprinter is estimated to return 329 miles. A smaller battery is within the works, however there isn’t any knowledge or estimates on that but.
By comparability, the diesel-powered, long-wheelbase, high-roof Sprinter has a beginning worth of $56,500 and will return between 14 and 17 mpg. Extrapolate that with diesel’s nationwide common worth being about $four a gallon and the eSprinter might conceivably break even price-wise in 4 years or so, with 30,000 miles logged per yr. In fact, there are many elements that would change that calculation. As an illustration, in case you’re working in California or elsewhere with heftier diesel costs or journey extra miles per day, that break-even shall be shorter nonetheless. Then again, vary will clearly lower with heavier masses, and the eSprinter can haul as a lot as 2,624 kilos in its large 488 cubic-foot cargo bay.
On a regular stage 2 AC charger, the eSprinter can replenish the battery at 9.6 kW (many EVs can achieve this at 11 kW). Going from a very depleted state to completely charged ought to take 12.5 hours. DC quick charging functionality is customary, however is rated solely at 115 kW, which is on the gradual facet. Mercedes estimates it is going to take 42 minutes to get from 10 to 80%. Serving to issues is the optionally available navigation system that calls out cost stations, and the system that can pre-condition the battery as you shut in in your supposed cost station. Additionally included is the Mercedes me Cost characteristic that means that you can simply plug-in and cost, bypassing the cardboard swipe or app activation, as long as you set it up together with your billing data 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 is going to maintain a minimal 70% of authentic capability for eight years or 100,000 miles. Protection will be prolonged an extra 85,000 miles as an possibility.
So how does it drive? Like a van, duh. There’s actually not a lot to say, in any other case. It is not significantly highly effective or fast. It does 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 wanting ahead or to the perimeters. The partition between the driving force and cargo space blocks any rearward view, which makes the optionally available digital rearview mirror a necessity. You may choose one in all 5 brake regeneration ranges with the paddles on the steering wheel and one-pedal driving is accessible. One addition on this space is an computerized regen mode that takes under consideration visitors and topography.
The eSprinter’s cabin is pretty spartan, though the glossy MBUX infotainment display screen you may add for $2,390 together with quite a lot of different consolation, comfort and tech upgrades does spruce the place up a bit. Exhausting plastics are prevalent, and the vinyl flooring reinforces the utilitarian persona. The seats are manually adjustable and as soon as set, are moderately snug although not as plush as another 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 lined heart bin that accommodates a number of USB and energy ports. It appears odd to have these so uncovered to the solar and we surprise what would occur if the contents of a cup have been to splash out of it into the HVAC vents.
General, the brand new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter does not impress or shock, and that is really a great 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 good sense for city-bound, high-mileage use.