(March 7, 2014) MONTVALE, N.J. — The pioneer of the modern van movement in the U.S. since 2001, the latest Sprinter Van went on sale in the U.S. in the fall of 2013 at authorized Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner dealers. It received a new look, new technology inside the vehicle, and new safety systems all around to ensure that it continues to be the best commercial van in the industry.

A new 4x4 version of the Sprinter Van should further bolster its leading global position as the benchmark commercial van.

The 2015 Sprinter 4x4 goes on sale in the U.S.this spring. Both 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbases will be available in both low and high roof configurations, and available body styles for the U.S. The exclusive powertrain for the 4x4 option will be the most powerful of the two BlueTEC clean diesel powertrains available in the U.S. Sprinter, which is the 3.0L V6 BlueTEC with 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft.

The Sprinter 4x4 will be a commercial van that can reach new levels of versatility and driving conditions with maximum traction.  While the Sprinter 4x4 is not officially considered an off-roader, the all-wheel drive system can be activated at the push of a button. 

Torque is then distributed at a ratio of 35:65 between the front and rear axle. At this point, the Electronic Traction System (4ETS) takes over, and the tech takes care of the rest for the driver in various conditions. The standard load-adaptive ESP that is unique to the Sprinter is always active when all-wheel drive is engaged. This combination of all-wheel drive technology and active safety is only available in the Sprinter in this segment.

The Sprinter 4x4 can also be equipped with an optional low range gear that makes it even more sure-footed in difficult terrain.  When the driver pushes the low-range button, the gearing is shortened by 42 percent. Tractive power increases accordingly.

The Sprinter 4x4 may not be an off-roader, but its body was lifted by 4.3 inches at the front and 3.1 inches in the rear. The slope climbing ability is up to 20 percent higher than in the Sprinter with conventional drive. Depending on the body style, the all-wheel drive system of the Sprinter 4x4 adds just 265 pounds in weight, which means only a minimal effect on payload. Thus far, previous versions of the Sprinter 4x4 have been sold in markets such as Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Italy, Austria, and France.