The heart of Mercedes-Benz’s Sprinter van has always been the highly powerful and efficient family of engines including both gas and diesel 4 and 6-cylinder engines. Another new technical feature is a new all-wheel-drive with a Torque-on-demand system in the all-wheel-drive Sprinter, which will replace the current 4×4 engageable system available only on 6 cylinder gas models. In addition to these advancements in driving comfort, there will also be an increase in efficiency and accessibility– thanks to the Speed Delivery Door.

High traction on and off the road: the new all-wheel drive

The Sprinter’s new all-wheel drive is a completely advanced system compared to the previous generations, and is partially derived from the current Mercedes-Benz Cars modular system. Unlike the engageable predecessor system, which fed 35 per cent of the torque to the front and 65 per cent to the rear axle in 4×4 mode, this can distribute the fully variable drive torques between the front and rear axle depending on the situation and without any input from the driver (Torque-on-demand). Fully variable torque distribution is ensured by an electronically controlled multiplate clutch integrated into the transfer case. If the multiplate clutch is disengaged in normal driving operation, the rear axle drives the vehicle entirely. With the clutch engaged, the front axle comes into play. This ensures high traction and effortless handling. A further advantage over the previous engageable all-wheel drive: in addition to the higher comfort through the automatic torque distribution the new system is also quieter.

As soon as the driving situation calls for it, the drive torque is fed to the front axle. If this is no longer needed – for instance in powerful braking maneuvers with ABS intervention – the front drivetrain is switched off and the torque is reduced to zero. If there is a risk of understeering or oversteering under load, the torque is first distributed so that the vehicle is stabilized again. Only if these measures do not help to defuse the situation do the control systems ESP or 4ETS adapted to the AWD system intervene.

Speed Delivery Door makes work easier for parcel deliverers

In addition to the increased driving comfort, the Sprinter will also offer a further advancements in ergonomics and safety thanks to the innovative ‘Speed Delivery Door’ sliding door system which will be available ex- factory. This is an automatic, sensor-controlled double swiveling door on the co-driver’s side, which replaces the side sliding door to the load compartment on request.

A light barrier detects the driver as soon as they enter the load compartment from the driver’s seat. The Speed Delivery Door is then automatically unlocked and opened. This saves time and relieves the burden on drivers, as they can leave the vehicle with the parcels in their hands, without having to touch anything else and the door automatically closes behind them. It is not necessary to put down the goods and pick them up again, as is the case with conventional sliding doors. Automatic locking will be available to order as an extra option.

A further advantage for greater safety: the Speed Delivery Door is transparent from the interior. Drivers therefore have a view of the pavement before they climb out. The risk of collision with passers-by, in particular cyclists, is significantly reduced.

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Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.