Mercedes-Benz eSprinter now in SA for the first time
Known for being a great business support vehicle across the globe, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has always been a popular van for business-minded people, even locally, where they are converted to taxis to compete with the VW Crafter.
Interestingly, at some point in their respective lineages, both were built alongside each other in Dusseldorf, sharing the same platform.
To meet the varied needs of business customers, the Sprinter has always used a variety of turbocharged diesel and petrol engines. However, in 2018, Mercedes-Benz announced its eSprinter for the European market, which was set to usher the commercial side of VW towards electrification.
Roughly six years later, the local arm of the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has announced that its eSprinter is available in SA for the first time as a panel van in two body lengths, with two battery size options.
The eSprinter is equipped with either an 81kWh or 113kWh battery pack, depending on the model. The former powers a 100kW electric motor, while the latter offers two options: a 100kW motor paired with the 81kWh pack or a more powerful 150kW motor combined with the larger 113kWh battery.
Mercedes-Benz states a cruising range of up to 475km for the 113kWh-equipped eSprinter model, which, honestly, should suffice for covering distances from Gauteng to most of its neighbouring provinces on a single charge.
Regarding battery pack recharging, the eSprinter supports both AC and DC charging facilities. With DC charging at up to 115kW, it can achieve about 80% charge in about 32 minutes for the 81kWh pack or 80% in roughly 42 minutes for the larger 113kWh pack. Despite being an EV, the eSprinter has a maximum gross vehicle weight of up to 4.25 tonnes, a towing capacity of up to 2 tonnes, and a load volume of up to 14 cubic metres.
When it comes to safety, it comes standard with Active Brake Assist, Cross Wind Assist, Adaptive Brake Lights, and Intelligent Speed Assist with cruise control. Buyers can get a reversing camera, LED headlights and Active Lane Keeping Assist as options.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in general, known for its comfort and ease of driving, is a spacious and reliable large van. Its reputation for dependability remains unchallenged, and this should hold true for the all-new eSprinter as well, which aims to offer a sustainable and emission-free solution for businesses in Mzansi.
Available exclusively through Mercedes-Benz SA, the eSprinter is priced at R1,270,030.
