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Sprinter vans have become increasingly popular over the years. If you’re in the market for a commercial van, one of the top vehicles people would recommend is the Sprinter. What is a Sprinter van, and what makes this vehicle so special? Continue reading to find the answers to these questions.
Many people use ‘Sprinter’ as a synonym for cargo vans. However, they are not exactly the same. Sprinters are a type of commercial van produced by Mercedes Benz, a well-known automobile manufacturer. These vans are in such high demand that many car rental companies around the world specialise in Sprinter rentals.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Sprinter Van?
A Sprinter van is a light van that is often used as a chassis cab, minibus or to transport commercial goods. Sprinter vans are available in a variety of sizes and seating capacities. A standard Sprinter typically has between 12 and 24 seats, depending on its intended use. The Mercedes Benz Sprinter is built by the Mercedes Benz Group. Sprinter vehicles are the largest in the Mercedes-Benz van lineup.
Note: Mercedes launched the Sprinter in Europe in 1995 to replace the T1 Transporter.
Mercedes Sprinter Van Size & Dimensions
The Mercedes Benz Sprinter is incredibly versatile. Mercedes produces different versions of these vans, each one designed for a specific purpose. Here’s everything you need to know about the dimensions of the Sprinter before you purchase or rent one.
How Long Is A Mercedes Sprinter Van?
A Mercedes Sprinter is between 5.9 and 7 metres long, depending on the model of the vehicle. The table below shows the overall exterior length of various types of Sprinter vans.
| Sprinter Type | Exterior Lengths |
| Cargo Van (140-inch Wheelbase, Standard Roof) | 5.9 metres |
| Cargo Van (140-inch Wheelbase, High Roof) | 5.9 metres |
| Freight Sprinter (170-inch Wheelbase, High Roof) | 7 metres |
| Passenger Van (140-inch Wheelbase, High Roof) | 5.9 metres |
| Passenger Van (140-inch Wheelbase, Standard Roof) | 5.9 metres |
How Tall Is A Mercedes Sprinter Van?
A Mercedes Sprinter can be as tall as 2.9 metres, depending on the model and roof type. Passenger vans are typically taller in all configurations, while crew vans have the lowest standing height. See the table below for more details about the height of various Sprinter vehicles.
| Sprinter Type | Interior Standing Height |
| Freight Van (140-inch Wheelbase, Standard Roof) | 1.7 metres |
| Freight Van (140-inch Wheelbase, High Roof) | 2 metres |
| Freight Van (170-inch Wheelbase, High Roof) | 2 metres |
| Passenger Van (140-inch Wheelbase, High Roof) | 2.9 metres |
| Passenger Van (140-inch Wheelbase, Standard Roof) | 2.6 metres |
Note: Most Sprinters are equipped with diesel engines, which provide better fuel economy and more torque.
How Wide Is A Mercedes Sprinter Van?
A Mercedes Sprinter Van is 2.3 metres wide. Sprinter vehicles have the same overall exterior width (including the space occupied by the mirrors).
Mercedes Sprinter Van Types
There are different kinds of Sprinter vans, but the most popular ones are party, cargo (freight) and panel Sprinter vans. Check out the features of these vehicles below.
Party Sprinter Vans
Party Sprinter vans, also known as passenger Sprinter vans, are designed to provide comfort and luxury. These vans typically have a black exterior and are quite spacious on the inside, allowing them to accommodate a number of passengers. Some of these vans are customised to make them suitable for chauffeur service, similar to limousines, and equipped with various amenities.
Note: Party Sprinter vans are great for special events such as red carpets, private parties and luxury road trips.
Cargo Sprinter Vans
Cargo Sprinter vans have more cargo space than passenger room. These vans are great for businesses and individuals looking to haul goods, heavy equipment or furniture. Cargo Sprinters are quite efficient, reliable and they allow you to transport heavy items at a low cost.
Note: Cargo vans are available for sale in various sizes, so you can choose one based on your specific requirements.
Panel Sprinter Vans
The panel Sprinter, also known as a crew van, is a cross between freight and passenger vans. A crew van is similar to a cargo Sprinter, as its powerful engine makes it suitable for haulage. However, it has an extra row of seats behind the first row to accommodate more passengers. There are very limited size options for panel Sprinters.
Tip: You can remove the middle or back row of seats in a crew van to create more room for cargo.
Sprinter Van Maintenance
According to the recommended maintenance schedule, the annual operating cost of a Sprinter should be around £1,800. The cost may, however, vary depending on the mileage of the vehicle. Some typical troubles that Sprinter owners face include the following:
- Clogged DPF
- DEF heater failure
- Problems with the torque converter
- Glow plug failure
- Oil cooler leak
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Drive A Mercedes Sprinter On A Car Licence?
You can drive some Mercedes Sprinter vans on a car licence. Some types of Mercedes Sprinters weigh below 3.5 tonnes even when filled to their maximum payload capacity. You can drive any van that weighs below 3.5 tonnes on a standard driver’s licence in the UK. However, driving models weighing more than 3.5 tonnes necessitates a separate licence.
What Class Is A Mercedes Sprinter?
Most Mercedes Sprinter vans are classified as Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs). In the UK and other EU countries, any passenger van or goods carrier with a gross weight below 3.5 tonnes is classified as an LCV. Anyone with a standard driver’s licence can hire and drive LCVs in the UK. However, you require a Heavy Vehicle Licence for Sprinter vans above 3.5 tonnes.
How Much Is A Mercedes Sprinter Van?
A Mercedes Sprinter van is between £30,000 and £46,500 in the UK, depending on the model of the car and its features. Sprinter vans may even be more expensive if you decide to customise them with further options. Because Sprinters are so expensive, it makes more sense to rent one when you need it.
What Weight Is A Mercedes Sprinter Van?
The weight of a Mercedes Sprinter van is between 3 tonnes (3,000 kg) and 5.5 tonnes (5,500 kg). The weight of these vans varies based on the model and dimensions. Sprinters that have badges starting with ‘2’ have gross weights of about 3,000 kg. The higher the badge number, the higher the gross weight of a Sprinter.
What Is The Payload Of A Mercedes Sprinter?
The payload of a Mercedes Sprinter varies based on the type of van. The cargo Sprinter has a payload capacity of between 1.5 and 3 tonnes. The panel van has a payload capacity of between 1.4 and 2.9 tonnes. Finally, the payload capacity of passenger vans ranges between 1.4 and 2.9 tonnes.
Conclusion
So, what is a Sprinter? A Sprinter is a versatile van designed to ensure efficient and more comfortable transportation. These vehicles are quite versatile; you can find people using them for anything from delivery services to passenger transportation. As more people become aware of the unique features and benefits of Sprinters, their popularity is bound to increase further in the automotive industry.
