Mercedes-Benz Sprinter History, Generations and Models
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a light commercial vehicle produced by Mercedes-Benz Group AG in Stuttgart, Germany. It has been manufactured in several body configurations including chassis cab, minibus, and panel van, making it one of the most versatile commercial vehicles in the global market.
In the past, the Sprinter was sold under several different brands including Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, and Freightliner. In the United States, some models were assembled from complete knock-down kits under the Freightliner name.
The Sprinter was also marketed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as the Volkswagen LT and later as the Volkswagen Crafter. Today, the vehicle is primarily marketed worldwide under the Mercedes-Benz brand.
First Generation Sprinter (1995–2006)
When the first-generation Sprinter was introduced to the European market in 1995, it quickly gained recognition and was awarded International Van of the Year.
The model first appeared in the United States in 2001. Initially, it was sold under the Mercedes-Benz brand until 2003, after which the vehicle began to be marketed as a Dodge Sprinter.
Until 2004, the North American Sprinter market was controlled by DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC. During that period, the Chrysler Commercial Vehicle Division handled sales, service, and support for the Sprinter lineup.
Today, the Sprinter is again primarily marketed under the Mercedes-Benz brand worldwide.
Second Generation Sprinter (2006–2018)
The second generation Sprinter, often referred to as NCV3, was first introduced to the European market in 2006.
This generation received strong reviews and won the Van of the Year awards in 2007 and 2008.
The NCV3 (906) model appeared in the United States in 2007, offering multiple configurations. According to SprinterRevolution.com, the cargo version in the U.S. market was available with:
- Two wheelbase options: 336 cm and 432 cm
- Two roof heights: standard and high roof
- Three body lengths: short, standard, and extended
- Two weight classes: 2500 and 3500
2014 Facelift
A major update of the second-generation Sprinter was introduced at the 2014 International Commercial Vehicle Show.
The facelift included several exterior updates such as:
- Redesigned front grille
- Newly shaped headlights
- Updated front styling
Mercedes-Benz also added several advanced driver assistance systems, including:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive high beams
- Crosswind stabilization
- Collision prevention assist
The interior was also improved with:
- A modernized radio system
- New upholstery options
- A redesigned steering wheel
Engine Options
Early NCV3 models offered two engine options:
- 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission
The Sprinter was available in multiple body styles including:
- Cargo van
- Passenger van
- Minibus
- Military versions
- Cab-chassis models
These configurations were combined with two wheelbases and three body lengths, providing extensive flexibility for commercial applications.
Third Generation Sprinter (2019–Present)
According to Mercedes-Benz, the third-generation Sprinter was officially launched on February 6, 2018 at the Mercedes-Benz logistics center in Duisburg.
This generation introduced several important innovations, including:
- The first front-wheel-drive Sprinter
- A wider range of technology and comfort features
- More digital and connectivity options
2023 Update
For the 2023 model year in the United States, Mercedes-Benz introduced several updates:
- The selectable 4×4 system was discontinued
- A new full-time all-wheel drive system was introduced
- The 2.0-liter four-cylinder OM654 diesel engine replaced earlier diesel engines
This engine is available in standard and high-output versions, improving both efficiency and performance.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Models and Engine Specifications
The Sprinter lineup has always been designed to offer a wide variety of configurations for commercial and professional use.
Typical model configurations include:
- Cargo Van
- Passenger Van
- Crew Van
- Cab Chassis
- Minibus
Engine choices and drivetrain options vary depending on the market, model year, and configuration.
1995-1999
| 208D 308D 408D | OM601 | 2.299 cc | 78 hp | 152 N.m |
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1995-1999
| 212D 312D 412D | OM602 | 2,874 cc | 120 hp | 270 N.m |
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2000-2007
| 208CDi 308CDi 408CDi | OM611 | 2,148 cc | 81 hp | 200 N.m |
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2000-2007
| 213CDi 313CDi 413CDi | OM611 | 2,148 cc | 127 hp | 300 N.m |
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2007-2014
| 209CDi 309CDi 509CDi | OM646 | 2,148 cc | 87 hp | 220 N.m |
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2007-2014
| 211CDi 311CDi 411CDi 511CDi | OM646 | 2,148 cc | 108 hp | 280 N.m |
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2007-2014
| 215CDi 315CDi 415CDi 515CDi | OM646 | 2,148 cc | 148 hp | 330 N.m |
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2014-2018
| 216CDi 316CDi 516CDi | OM646 | 2,148 cc | 148 hp | 330 N.m |
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| 213 BlueTEC 313 BlueTEC 413 BlueTEC 513 BlueTEC | OM651 | 2,143 cc | 127 hp | 305 N.m |
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| 216 BlueTEC 316 BlueTEC 416 BlueTEC 516 BlueTEC | OM651 | 2,143 cc | 161 hp | 360 N.m |
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| 219 BlueTEC 319 BlueTEC 419 BlueTEC 519 BlueTEC | OM642 | 2,987 cc | 187 hp | 440 N.m |
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2014-2018
| 218CDi 318CDi 418CDi 518CDi | OM642 | 2,987 cc | 181 hp | 400 N.m |
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2019 –
| 319CDi 519CDi | OM642 | 2,987 cc | 181 hp | 400 N.m |
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2019 –
| x15 CDi Serisi x16 CDi Serisi x17 CDi Serisi | OM654 | 1,950 cc | 147 hp 161 hp 168 hp |
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