2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review - AutoGuide.com

2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review - AutoGuide.com



The seating position is high, there's no center console separating the driver from the front passenger, and you can see the floorpan beneath the seats. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van debuted at the newly constructed Mercedes-Benz logistics center on the Mercator Island in Duisburg, De. The Sprinter 3500 has higher payload and towing capacities than the 1500 and 2500 and can be ordered in either a Cargo Van or Crew Van configuration. Although there has been a rise in US van sales, Germany is still the number one consumer of the model. That's a bit faster than the RS5 (4.6 seconds), M3 (4.8 seconds) and IS F (4.8 seconds), and if our experience with the C63 AMG sedan is any guide, it'll likely go faster still in independent testing. Its breadbox design still features a short front overhang that makes it easy to navigate tight alleys and parking spaces. Underpinning it all are relatively narrow 235/40ZR-18 front and 255/35ZR-18 rear Continental Sport Contact tires. The setup of the three-link front and multi-link rear suspension has also been modified in some detail, with greater negative camber, reduced ride height, unique spring and damper rates and larger diameter up anti-roll bars--all aimed at bringing added response, extending grip levels and introducing improved body control.



We didn鈥檛 get to drive the SL65 on a track, but then again-and horsepower aside-it is more of a cruiser aimed at buyers who prefer to spend whatever it takes to have the top-rung model. This model will be the third generation since its introduction in 1995. The company has sold more than 3.3 million globally since its introduction, including a record 142,000 through the first nine months of this year. Together with the new injection technology, a generation of four-cylinder engines was premiered and, thanks to their unique TWINPULSE system, set standards in this displacement category in terms of power development, torque characteristics, smooth running and fuel consumption. The five-liter engine was now equipped with an electronic ignition system and the electronically and mechanically controlled Bosch KE-Jetronic injection system, and developed an output of 245 hp (180 kW) at 4750 rpm. They will put you in limp home mode or shut the engine off to protect you from damaging it.



There's also a race start mode. The downside of providing the C63 AMG coupe with such outstanding body control is a fairly firm ride. After accepting the proposed parking space, the driver only has to operate the accelerator while the vehicle takes control of the steering and manoeuvres itself into the space automatically. The C63 AMG coupe also engages with the sort of handling, response and balance that sees it closely challenge the RS5, M3 and IS F for outright driver appeal. As in other AMG models, it comes with remote shift paddles and offers four driving modes, including manual which sees it hold on to gears at the redline rather than automatically select the next gear. First-time passengers will be delighted by the (slightly gimmicky) power air vents and the rising gear selector knob. There's even an optional self-leveling rear air suspension for campers and Sprinter owners who plan on carrying lots of cargo.



Choosing the right protection plan will mean recognizing the exact usage patterns of your Mercedes and will also depend on whether you are investing in a pre-owned model or the newest, factory-fresh release. The headlamps embody a new interpretation of the signature Mercedes lamp design. Part of this is due to AMG development boss Tobias Moers' insistence that the new car come with relative narrow rubber, resisting calls from the design department to improve its visual appeal with larger tires. As part of the Performance Package available for this car, he's also managed to provide it with a lock differential, which brings absolutely superb traction and rabid drive out of corners. However, an optional Performance package, which brings the same lightweight pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft as those used in the SLS, bumps its power up to 480 hp. The performance is effortless, enabling it to reach seriously high speeds without seemingly drawing breath.