The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, initially introduced to the American market as a Dodge, brought a fresh European perspective to the cargo van segment. Distinct from traditional American vans, the Sprinter’s design and features quickly garnered attention. As other manufacturers like Ford and Ram began to follow suit with similar European-style vans, the Sprinter solidified its position as a benchmark. This review delves into the specifics of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, exploring its key attributes and how it stands out in a competitive market.
One of the most immediate distinctions of the European van concept, exemplified by the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, is the driving position. Sitting high with an expansive view through a large windshield and over a minimalist dashboard creates a commanding feel. While the engine does intrude into the cabin, it’s less intrusive than in traditional GM vans, allowing for ample legroom. Notably, from the knees back, the floor is clear of engine covers or bulky consoles, a stark contrast to some competitors. The seats in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are designed with German firmness, prioritizing support over plushness, aligning with its commercial vehicle nature. While perhaps firmer than seats in other vans, these are likely to offer better back support during long workdays. For enhanced comfort, an optional package includes manual adjustments for front and rear height, recline, and lumbar support. These manual adjustments, though potentially less convenient than power controls, eliminate concerns about motor failures.
Mercedes-Benz offered the 2012 Sprinter in a variety of configurations to meet diverse needs, including four distinct body styles: a 144-inch wheelbase with a regular roof, a 144-inch wheelbase with a high roof, a 170-inch wheelbase with a high roof, and a 170-inch wheelbase extended length high roof, specifically for cargo van models. Even the standard regular roof on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter provides a higher interior clearance (60.6 inches) compared to GM vans (52.9 inches). The high roof option elevates this further, providing over a foot of additional headroom, making it comfortable for individuals up to six feet tall to move freely inside. This stand-up capability is a significant advantage for professionals who work extensively inside their vans, a feature matched by few competitors at the time, notably Nissan. Access to the cargo area is facilitated by wider rear door openings (61.6 inches vs. 57.0 inches in GM vans), and the nearly vertical side walls maximize usable space from floor to ceiling, contrasting with the more rounded, “jelly bean” shapes of traditional American vans. While some reports suggest that the tall, flat sides can affect crosswind stability at higher speeds, the sheer volume of cargo space is undeniable. Cargo lengths vary from 128.5 inches to 185.0 inches depending on the body length, significantly exceeding the 124.6 inches to 146.2 inches offered by GM vans. In terms of cubic footage, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers 318, 494, or 547 cubic feet, dwarfing the 270 or 314 cubic feet in GM vans. Even the shortest, regular roof Sprinter model surpasses the cargo capacity of longer GM vans and boasts more than double the space of a typical minivan, highlighting the exceptional cargo volume of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
The expansive interior volume of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is easily accessible through wide, floor-to-ceiling door openings. A right-side sliding door comes standard, with a left-side slider available as an option. The rear doors offer a remarkable 270-degree opening capability, further enhancing loading and unloading convenience. The Sprinter 3500 variant boasts a substantial payload capacity of up to 5,375 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, exceeding the 3,992-pound payload and 10,000-pound towing capacity of comparable GM vans. The tested 2500 model provided a payload capacity of 2,872 pounds, slightly less than the GM 2500 van’s 3,009 pounds.
Passenger configurations for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are versatile, ranging from two to twelve occupants. The Sprinter can be configured with one, two, three, or four rows of seating. Even with four rows installed in the 170-inch wheelbase model, over six feet of cargo space remains. While theoretically capable of accommodating more rows, Mercedes-Benz strategically focused on the 12-passenger market, leaving the 15-passenger segment to domestic manufacturers. Factory options for passenger comfort are somewhat limited, primarily including roof-mounted rear HVAC vents, emphasizing functionality over luxury in this commercial vehicle.
Despite its impressive cargo and towing capabilities, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is powered by a surprisingly compact engine. The sole engine option is a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6, producing 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This is significantly smaller and less powerful than the V8 engines commonly found in GM, Ford, and Nissan vans. The engine is paired exclusively with Mercedes-Benz’s reliable five-speed automatic transmission. While initial concerns might arise about power adequacy, real-world driving impressions suggest otherwise. During test drives, the powertrain delivered sufficient acceleration, even at highway speeds, without feeling strained. A zero-to-sixty mph time of around 13 seconds might seem leisurely for a car, but for a vehicle of this size and purpose, it proves adequate. The focus of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is not on high-performance driving, but on efficient and reliable transportation of cargo and passengers. While the diesel engine’s performance might be perceived as less robust under heavy loads, user feedback indicates that engine power is generally not an issue even when the van is fully loaded. However, braking performance under heavy loads might be a more relevant consideration. The diesel engine noise is minimal, especially at higher speeds, and the transmission, while generally smooth, could benefit from quicker response times. Notably, paddle shifters are not offered as an option.
Fuel efficiency stands out as a major advantage of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Mercedes-Benz specialists claimed fuel economy in the low 20s mpg range for city driving and mid-20s mpg on the highway. These figures seem remarkable given the vehicle’s size and 5,545-pound curb weight. Real-world testing over a mixed suburban and highway route yielded 17.6 mpg, which is still commendable and compares favorably to larger SUVs. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter requires AdBlue, a diesel exhaust fluid, but its cost and availability are no longer significant concerns.
Handling, a key consideration for a large vehicle, is surprisingly manageable in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The exceptionally open forward view, particularly compared to vans like the Nissan NV, reduces the perceived size of the vehicle. Rearward visibility depends on the configuration, with cargo vans potentially lacking rear windows. Large, dual-element mirrors compensate for this. Optional front and rear obstacle detection systems further aid maneuvering in tight spaces. The steering, as expected, is light and relatively slow, but it quickly feels natural. Body control is tighter than in typical vans, although the ride can be slightly jiggly, even unloaded, particularly in the 2500 model. While a direct comparison to a Nissan NV 3500 might not be entirely fair due to the different weight ratings, the Sprinter generally offers a more refined driving experience. Stability control comes standard, enhancing safety, although aggressive handling in such a high-sided vehicle should always be approached with caution.
The base price for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter started at $37,285 for the 144-inch wheelbase model and $42,395 for the 170-inch wheelbase version. The high roof option added approximately $2,670, the extended wheelbase an additional $2,440, and the extended rear overhang $950. Essential features like seat adjustments, power mirrors, cruise control, and a trip computer added roughly $895. While relatively affordable for a vehicle bearing the Mercedes-Benz star, it is more expensive than some domestic cargo vans. For instance, a Chevrolet Express 2500 extended length van with a gasoline V8 engine was priced lower. However, opting for the diesel engine in the GM van largely negated this price advantage. The choice then becomes a trade-off between engine displacement and overall cargo capacity and European design advantages.
In conclusion, until the arrival of new European-sourced vans from Ford and Ram, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter stood in a class of its own. Its high roof, substantial cargo volume, well-controlled suspension, and fuel-efficient diesel engine set it apart. Beyond practical advantages, the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand also appeals to businesses, particularly tradespeople who serve clients in affluent areas, even if their client is a furry friend. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers a compelling blend of functionality, efficiency, and brand appeal, making it a strong contender in the cargo van market.
