The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long been recognized as a game-changer in the commercial van sector, introducing European standards and design philosophies to the American market. Initially offered as a Dodge, the Sprinter quickly carved out a niche for itself with its unique blend of functionality and efficiency. As a content creator for benzxentry.store and an expert in auto repair, I’m diving deep into the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van to provide a comprehensive review, especially for those in the market for a reliable and spacious cargo or commercial vehicle. This review aims to be your go-to resource, surpassing the original article in detail and SEO optimization, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Embracing the European Van Concept
The 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van embodies the European approach to van design, a stark contrast to traditional American vans. This European concept prioritizes a higher driving position and maximizes cargo space within a relatively compact footprint. Unlike the conventional American vans, the Sprinter boasts a more upright, box-like design, which is now being mirrored by competitors like Ford and Ram, signaling a shift in the market towards this efficient design philosophy.
One of the immediate advantages of the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van is the driver’s cockpit. You’re seated high, offering excellent visibility through a large windshield and over a minimal instrument panel. While the engine does intrude into the cabin, it’s significantly less intrusive than in GM vans, allowing for ample foot room. The absence of a bulky engine cover or massive console further enhances legroom and overall comfort, especially during long drives. The seats, distinctly firmer than those found in typical American vans, offer a German-engineered feel, prioritizing support over plushness—think Volkswagen rather than luxurious Mercedes. These seats are designed for long-term comfort, potentially proving more back-friendly than softer alternatives. For enhanced adjustability, an option package includes manual adjustments for front and rear height, recline, and lumbar support. While manual adjustments might seem less convenient than power controls, they also mean fewer potential mechanical failures, a practical consideration for a work vehicle.
Image: Front view of a 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van, showcasing its distinct European design and high roof.
Unmatched Cargo Space and Configurations
The 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van excels in cargo capacity, offering a range of body styles to meet diverse needs. Available in four configurations: 144-inch wheelbase regular roof, 144-inch wheelbase high roof, 170-inch wheelbase high roof, and the expansive 170-inch wheelbase extended length high roof (cargo van only), the Sprinter provides options for various business requirements. Even the standard regular roof model offers a higher interior height (60.6 inches) compared to GM vans (52.9 inches). The high roof option further elevates this, adding an extra foot of vertical space, enabling individuals up to six feet tall to comfortably stand and move inside—a crucial feature for professionals who work within their vans. Currently, Nissan is the only other competitor offering this factory high-roof option, highlighting the Sprinter’s leadership in this area.
Furthermore, the rear cargo opening of the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van is wider (61.6 inches versus 57.0 inches) than traditional American vans. This width is consistent from floor to ceiling thanks to the Sprinter’s nearly vertical body sides—a significant departure from the more rounded “jelly bean” shapes of American vans. This boxy design maximizes usable space. Cargo lengths vary with the model: 128.5 inches, 169.3 inches, or 185.0 inches, outperforming GM vans with 124.6 inches or 146.2 inches. In terms of cubic feet, the Sprinter’s cargo volume ranges from 318 to a massive 547 cubic feet, easily surpassing GM vans’ 270 to 314 cubic feet. Even the shortest, regular roof 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van can hold more cargo than a long-wheelbase GM van and over twice the capacity of a typical minivan.
Image: Side profile of the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van, emphasizing the wide side cargo door and high roofline.
The bottom line is that the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van offers significantly more usable interior space. Accessibility is also well-considered with wide, floor-to-ceiling door openings. A right-side sliding door is standard, and a left-side slider is optional. The rear doors open a full 270 degrees, further enhancing loading and unloading convenience. In terms of capability, the Sprinter 3500 boasts a payload capacity of up to 5,375 pounds (compared to 3,992 in GM vans) and a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds (compared to 10,000 pounds). The tested 2500 model offers a payload of 2,872 pounds, slightly less than the GM 2500 van’s 3,009 pounds.
Passenger configurations for the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van range from two to twelve, accommodating one to four rows of seats. Even with four rows installed in the 170-inch model, over six feet of cargo space remains. While Mercedes could theoretically fit more rows, they have chosen to leave the 15-passenger van market to domestic manufacturers, focusing instead on versatile cargo and smaller passenger capacities. Factory options for passenger comfort are somewhat limited, mainly focusing on roof-mounted rear HVAC vents, as the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van is fundamentally designed for utility rather than luxury.
Image: Driver’s perspective from inside the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van, showcasing the spacious cockpit and excellent visibility.
Efficient Diesel Power and Performance
Despite its impressive cargo and towing capabilities, the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van is powered by a relatively modest engine. The sole engine option is a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6, producing 188 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,400 rpm. This is considerably smaller and less powerful than the V8 engines offered in many American competitors from GM, Ford, and Nissan. The transmission is Mercedes’ reliable five-speed automatic.
While on paper the engine might seem underpowered compared to larger V8s, in real-world driving, the diesel V6 proves surprisingly adequate. During test drives, the powertrain accelerated the van with sufficient speed, even at highway speeds of 80 mph, without feeling strained. A 0-60 mph time of around 13 seconds might appear slow for a car, but it’s more than acceptable for a vehicle of this size and purpose. The 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van isn’t designed for high-speed performance; it’s built for work. While adding cargo, passengers, or towing a trailer will naturally impact performance, user feedback suggests that engine power remains sufficient even under heavy loads. However, braking performance might be a more relevant consideration when fully loaded.
The diesel engine’s noise is minimal, especially when cruising. It’s only distinctly noticeable at idle and low speeds. The transmission, while competent, could be more responsive in downshifting. Interestingly, paddle shifters are not offered as an option, emphasizing the Sprinter’s focus on utilitarian driving rather than sporty handling.
A major selling point of the diesel engine in the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van is its fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz specialists claim fuel economy in the low 20s mpg in city driving and mid-20s mpg on the highway. Considering the van’s size and 5,545-pound curb weight, these figures are impressive. Real-world testing over a mixed suburban and highway loop yielded around 17.6 mpg, which is still better than many larger SUVs in similar driving conditions. The Sprinter does require Adblue, a diesel exhaust fluid, but it is readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Image: A view of the engine compartment of the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van, highlighting the 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine.
Handling and Ride Comfort
For those new to driving large vehicles, handling can be a primary concern. Thankfully, the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van offers a surprisingly driver-friendly experience. Forward visibility is exceptional, particularly compared to some competitors. The expansive windshield provides a commanding view of the road, and the size of the cargo area behind is easily forgotten from the driver’s seat. Rear visibility depends on the configuration (cargo, passenger, or crew van), as cargo versions may lack rear windows. However, large, dual-element side mirrors effectively compensate for this. For tight maneuvering, front and rear parking sensors are available as options.
The steering, as expected in a vehicle of this type, is light and relatively slow. However, it feels natural and responsive after a short adjustment period. Body control is notably better than in typical American vans, contributing to a more confident driving experience. The ride quality, even without a load in the 2500 model, is a touch jiggly but not uncomfortable. Compared to a Nissan NV 3500 (which is a heavier-duty 3500 series), the Sprinter 2500 offers a more refined ride. Stability control is standard, a crucial safety feature for a high-sided vehicle, although testing its limits in normal driving is not advisable.
Image: Rear doors of the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van, demonstrating the wide opening for easy loading and unloading.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van starts at a base price of $37,285 for the 144-inch wheelbase model and $42,395 for the 170-inch wheelbase. The high roof option (standard on the 170-inch) adds $2,670 to the price, while the extended wheelbase adds $2,440, and the extended rear overhang adds $950. Essential amenities like seat adjustments, power mirrors, cruise control, and a trip computer add approximately $895. For a vehicle bearing the Mercedes-Benz star, this pricing can be seen as relatively accessible. However, compared to a basic cargo van, it’s a more significant investment. A Chevrolet Express 2500 extended length van with a 280-horsepower 4.8-liter gas V8 and similar features was listed at $31,740 in 2012. However, opting for the 260-horsepower 6.6-liter Duramax diesel in the GM van largely negates this price advantage. The choice then becomes less about price and more about prioritizing cubic inches (American V8 power) versus cubic feet (Sprinter cargo space and efficiency).
Image: Interior dashboard and steering wheel view of the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van, highlighting the functional and ergonomic design.
Conclusion: The Standout Choice in the Commercial Van Segment
Until the arrival of Euro-sourced vans from Ford and Ram, the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van stood in a class of its own. Its combination of a high roof, massive cargo volume, well-controlled suspension, and fuel-efficient diesel engine made it a compelling choice. Beyond practical advantages, the Mercedes-Benz badge also carries a certain prestige, valued by businesses that cater to discerning clientele. Whether you are transporting cargo, equipment, or even providing mobile services like pet grooming, the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van offers a blend of practicality, efficiency, and brand reputation that is hard to match in the commercial van market.
Image: Three-quarter front view of the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van, showcasing its overall proportions and design.
For further information or to explore the 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van in person, consider reaching out to your local Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealership.
