The 12-seat Sprinter Transfer bus is based on the 315 CDI MWB model with the five-speed automatic as standard. Discover the features and accessories specifically tailored to the Sprinter panel van. Compared to the regular V-Class, the EQV features a unique, sealed-off grille. When it comes to cargo vans, buyers can't always be picky about exterior features. This is basically a bulkhead to separate the cabin of the vehicle from the cargo area. Ford's VM Transit is likely to be the vehicle most operators will immediately compare with the Sprinter -- and it certainly is markedly cheaper -- but cannot seem to muster the same cargo volume or the large aperture for rear-door loading. At the other end of the scale, the 315 CDI EXL with super-high roof will accept a 17.0 cubic metre load measuring 4700mm long, 1780mm wide and 2140mm high. Payload ranges from 1280kg (318 CDI LWB with super-high roof) to 2990kg (518 CDI LWB cab chassis for 5.0-tonne GVM).
Long-wheelbase models and the 315 CDI Extra-Long are sold in either high-roof or super-high roof styles. This engine powers the 309 models in 88hp (65kW) guise, plus it also powers the 311 models (109hp/80kW) and 315 models (150hp/110kW). The 150hp version also powers 4.5 and 5.0-tonne variants. The SWB 309 CDI with standard roof will accommodate a 7.5 cubic metre payload measuring 2600mm long, 1780mm wide and 1650mm high. The 2020 Sprinter will look more or less the same as the 2019 Sprinter. The Sprinter is available in 3 lengths with option of 2 roof heights. All Sprinters are rear-wheel drive and, as standard, the Sprinter is fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, additionally providing the option of a five-speed automatic. For the 180hp V6 variants and the four-cylinder Sprinter Transfer bus, the five-speed automatic is fitted as standard. The 'SuSi' (Super Single) variants introduced with the new model year Sprinters are unique to Australia and have been developed specifically to cope with larger Australian pallets.
Earlier in this review, it was mentioned that the Sprinter is up against a lot more competition than the Ford Transit faced during the 25 years the Ford was Australia Post's preferred van. According to Mercedes-Benz, these "tyre fix" kits "don't have wide support in Australia". It could probably be classified as a safety issue; the spare tyre for the SuSi models doesn't really pass muster. Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends fitting the spare and driving gently to the nearest repairer to have the punctured tyre repaired or replaced. The quality DTS can seat five full-size adults comfortably, with masses of head- and legroom to spare. The mix of old and new can feel a little cobbled together: the GLE Coupe doesn't get the round vents or upgraded climate controls that other new Mercedes vehicles have adopted. Vehicles with the one-piece tailgate (ie: not the barn doors), are also fitted with a low-hanging strap to haul the tailgate back down. Australian pallets are wider (1200x1200mm) than their European counterparts (1200x800mm) and to accommodate these previously, vehicles had to be fitted with a false floor or the wheel arches needed to be modified after-market.
The only noticeable difference between the two are the wider windows of the personalized van from TRIMO. This allows less intrusion in the load area from the rear wheel arches, in turn providing wider and easier loading of pallets by fork lifts. This is almost a case where an aerosol tyre repair kit might actually be preferable to the spare, since it could generally be relied on to fix punctures in both the front wheels and the rear -- including the dual rear wheels of the heavier models. Renault's Master range is -- as is the case with the Ducato -- a limited one, but whilst the entry-level models are in the same ballpark for pricing as the Sprinter, the price doesn't rise as steeply for longer wheelbase and higher roof models. Although it's not as well known in the market, the Fiat Ducato provides more torque than the Sprinter in all variants other than the 150hp four-cylinder and 180hp V6 variants.
