The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, particularly the 2012 model, represents a significant shift in the cargo van landscape in the United States. Initially introduced as a Dodge, the Sprinter brought a distinctly European approach to van design, contrasting sharply with traditional American vans. This review delves into the specifics of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, examining its design, functionality, and overall value proposition for businesses and individuals alike.
Embracing the European Van Concept: Driving Position and Comfort
One of the most immediate differences drivers notice in the Mercedes-Benz van 2012 is the driving position. Elevated and commanding, the driver sits high, benefiting from a vast windshield and a minimalist instrument panel. This design philosophy prioritizes visibility and ergonomics. While the engine does intrude into the cabin space, it is far less intrusive than in comparable GM vans. This results in only slightly restricted foot room, and crucially, no bulky engine cover or center console impeding movement from the knees back, unlike some competitors.
The seats in the Sprinter are noticeably firmer, reflecting a German design ethos focused on support rather than plushness. While they may feel different from the softer seats in other vans, these seats are engineered for long-haul comfort and are likely to provide superior back support over extended periods. An available option package further enhances adjustability with manual controls for front and rear height, recline, and lumbar support. Although these manual adjustments may be less convenient than power controls found in some vans, they offer the benefit of increased reliability due to the absence of electric motors.
{width=280 height=250}Alt text: Front exterior view of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 cargo van highlighting its tall roof and European design.
Versatility in Body Styles and Unmatched Cargo Space
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van was offered in a range of configurations to meet diverse needs. Buyers could choose from four primary body styles: a 144-inch wheelbase regular roof, a 144-inch wheelbase high roof, a 170-inch wheelbase high roof, and a 170-inch wheelbase extended length high roof variant specifically for cargo models. Even the standard regular roof of the Sprinter provides a significant height advantage over traditional GM vans, boasting 60.6 inches of interior height compared to 52.9 inches. The high roof option adds another foot of vertical space, allowing individuals up to six feet tall to comfortably stand and move within the van – a critical feature for professionals who utilize their vans as mobile workspaces. Among its competitors at the time, only Nissan offered a similar factory high-roof option.
Beyond height, the Sprinter excels in width. The rear cargo opening measures an impressive 61.6 inches wide, compared to 57.0 inches in GM vans. This width is consistently maintained from floor to ceiling thanks to the Sprinter’s nearly vertical side walls, a departure from the more rounded, “jelly bean” shapes of American vans. Cargo length varied depending on the body length, offering 128.5 inches, 169.3 inches, or a substantial 185.0 inches. This translates to superior cubic footage: 318, 494, or 547 cubic feet, significantly outperforming GM vans with 270 or 314 cubic feet. Even the shortest, regular roof Sprinter model offers more cargo capacity than the long-wheelbase GM vans and over twice the capacity of a typical minivan, making the Mercedes-Benz van 2012 a leader in cargo volume.
The practical cargo space of the 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 are designed for maximum convenience, capable of opening a full 270 degrees, facilitating effortless loading and unloading in various environments.
Robust Capabilities: Payload and Towing
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 model of 2012 demonstrates impressive strength, capable of handling a payload of up to 5,375 pounds, significantly exceeding the 3,992-pound capacity of comparable GM vans. While its towing capacity of 7,500 pounds is less than the 10,000-pound capability of some competitors, it remains a substantial figure for a van in this class. The tested Sprinter 2500 model featured a payload capacity of 2,872 pounds, slightly less than the 3,009 pounds offered by the GM 2500 van, but still ample for many applications.
Passenger configurations for the Mercedes-Benz van 2012 are highly adaptable, ranging from two to twelve occupants. The Sprinter could be configured with one, two, three, or even four rows of seats. Even with four rows installed in the extended 170-inch wheelbase model, over six feet of cargo space remained available. While theoretically capable of accommodating even more rows, Mercedes-Benz strategically positioned the Sprinter to cater to needs below the 15-passenger market, leaving that segment primarily to domestic manufacturers. Factory options focused on functionality rather than luxury, with passenger comfort options primarily limited to roof-mounted rear HVAC vents, reinforcing the Sprinter’s commercial vehicle focus.
{width=280 height=250}Alt text: Interior of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van showcasing the driver’s seat, dashboard, and spacious cabin.
Efficient Diesel Power: Engine and Transmission
Despite its substantial cargo and towing capacities, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van is powered by a surprisingly efficient engine. The sole engine option was 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 engine is considerably smaller and less powerful on paper compared to the V8 gasoline engines offered by GM, Ford, and Nissan in their vans. Mercedes-Benz paired this diesel engine with its reliable five-speed automatic transmission.
While the horsepower figure might seem modest for a vehicle of this size, the diesel engine’s torque delivery at low RPMs is well-suited for hauling heavy loads. During test drives, the powertrain provided adequate acceleration even at highway speeds, without feeling strained. An estimated zero-to-sixty mph time of around 13 seconds might be considered slow for a passenger car, but it is respectable for a large cargo van. The diesel engine’s performance is designed for utility rather than outright speed, prioritizing efficiency and dependability. Real-world feedback suggests that engine performance remains satisfactory even when the Sprinter is heavily loaded, although braking performance with heavy loads should be a consideration.
The diesel engine operates relatively quietly, especially at higher speeds. Engine noise is most noticeable at idle and low speeds, but even under full acceleration, it remains unobtrusive. The five-speed automatic transmission, while generally competent, could benefit from quicker response times in certain driving situations. Notably, paddle shifters were not offered as an option on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz van 2012.
Fuel Economy: A Key Advantage
Fuel economy is a significant selling point for the Mercedes-Benz van 2012, particularly the diesel variant. Mercedes-Benz specialists claimed fuel economy figures in the low 20s mpg in city driving and mid-20s mpg on the highway. Considering the Sprinter’s size and curb weight of 5,545 pounds, these figures are remarkable. Real-world testing during a mixed suburban and highway driving loop yielded a fuel economy of 17.6 mpg, which is still notably better than fuel consumption observed in larger gasoline-powered SUVs under similar conditions. The Sprinter’s diesel engine utilizes Adblue, a diesel exhaust fluid, but its cost and availability had become less of a concern by 2012.
Handling and Ride Comfort
Despite its large dimensions, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van offers surprisingly manageable handling. The forward visibility is exceptional, particularly when compared to vans like the Nissan NV. The expansive windshield provides a panoramic view, minimizing the feeling of driving a large vehicle. Rear visibility depends on the specific Sprinter configuration, with cargo vans potentially lacking rear windows. However, large, dual-element side mirrors effectively compensate for this. Optional front and rear obstacle detection systems further aid maneuvering in tight spaces.
The steering, as expected in a large van, is light and has a slower ratio, but it feels natural and responsive after a short acclimation period. Body roll is well-controlled for a van of its size, and the ride quality, even in the 2500 model without a load, is only slightly jiggly. Comparisons to heavier-duty vans like the Nissan NV 3500, which exhibit a more truck-like ride, are not entirely fair as they are in different weight classes. Electronic Stability Control is a standard safety feature, providing an added layer of security, although the van’s handling inspires enough confidence that aggressive maneuvers are generally unnecessary in typical driving conditions.
Pricing and Market Position
The base price for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van started at $37,285 for the 144-inch wheelbase model and $42,395 for the 170-inch wheelbase version. The high roof option (standard on the 170-inch wheelbase) added approximately $2,670 to the price, while the extended wheelbase and extended rear overhang options added $2,440 and $950 respectively. Essential amenities such as seat adjustments, power mirrors, cruise control, and a trip computer added around $895. While the Sprinter’s price point was higher than traditional American cargo vans like the Chevrolet Express 2500, which started at $31,740 with a gasoline V8, the price difference narrowed significantly when comparing diesel engine options. When equipped with a diesel engine, the GM van’s price advantage largely disappeared, shifting the decision to a comparison of features, cargo space, and overall value.
{width=280 height=250}Alt text: Rear view of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 cargo van, emphasizing its wide rear door opening and tall profile.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Even in 2012, and continuing to the present day, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van stood out in its class. Its European design brought significant advantages in cargo volume, interior height, and driving dynamics compared to traditional American vans. The efficient diesel engine, coupled with its robust build quality and versatile configurations, made the Mercedes-Benz van 2012 an attractive option for businesses and individuals needing a capable and spacious vehicle. Beyond its practical attributes, the Sprinter also carried a certain prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand, a factor valued by professionals serving clientele in various sectors. For those seeking a cargo van that combined functionality, efficiency, and a touch of European refinement, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter remained a top contender.
{width=280 height=250}Alt text: Side profile of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 cargo van parked on a street, showcasing its length and high roof.
{width=280 height=250}Alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes-Benz logo on a 2012 Sprinter van, highlighting the brand’s prestige.
{width=280 height=250}Alt text: Angled front view of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 cargo van in motion on a highway.
{width=280 height=250}Alt text: Detail of the front grille and headlight of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 cargo van.
{width=280 height=250}Alt text: Open rear doors of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 cargo van showing the spacious cargo area.
{width=280 height=250}Alt text: Interior cargo space of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 cargo van, emphasizing its height and volume.
