(May 7, 2013) ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The 2014 Sprinter Van, built by Mercedes-Benz, has a new look and is now even more economical, safer and environmentally friendly than the outgoing model. The 2014 model enters after seven years of the current generation and sales totaling around one million vehicles around the globe.

The new standard engine is a 4-cylinder diesel with a 7- speed automatic transmission, with the familiar V6 diesel powertrain available as an option.

New safety features raise the already exemplary standard of safety to an even higher level. And last but not least, drivers of the new Sprinter can look forward to a further enhanced cockpit with new infotainment features. The 2014 Sprinter will go on sale in the U.S. in the fall.

Visually, the 2014 Sprinter immediately makes a clear-cut and striking impression. Fully in keeping with the current Mercedes-Benz design line, the radiator grille appears more upright and self-assured, lending the new Sprinter a more confident presence. The three radiator louvers are swept back from top to bottom and are perforated. This increases the air flow and clearly establishes a close visual link to a consistent design language from the new vans and trucks from Mercedes-Benz.



On Mercedes-Benz models, the Mercedes star now rests on a vividly highlighted base. A beveled surround highlights the signature Mercedes-Benz radiator grille. Freightliner models feature the familiar Freightliner badge at the top of the new grille.

The new headlamps feature sharper contours and lend the Sprinter a serious yet energetic look. A striking feature is the masking of the reflector housings. A surround divides the headlamps into individual segments, emphasizing the Sprinter's eyes and providing the entire front end with a substantially more cutting-edge appearance. In the bottom of the housing there is space for the LED light strips of the daytime running lamps.

The new hood is higher, resulting in improved protection for pedestrians. It also features more pronounced contours, lending the Sprinter a look of authority.

In addition to the familiar V6 diesel engine, the 2014 Sprinter features a 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel engine as standard equipment. It produces 161 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque at 1,400-2,400 rpm.

Maximum torque is available right from low engine speeds and over a broad engine speed range. The engines attain both a high specific power output and high torque. This downsizing is crucial to low fuel consumption, accompanied by low emissions and optimum weight.

The optional V6 diesel motor (188 hp, 325 lb-ft) with a displacement of 3.0 liters is a feat of engine construction.

The 4-cylinder Sprinter features a 7-speed automatic transmission with torque converter — the only 7-speed automatic transmission to feature in a van anywhere in the world is refined for maximum fuel economy. The improved damping technology results in a lower tendency to generate noise and hum. The reduced slip on the lockup clutch gives a more direct connection to the accelerator pedal and therefore provides greater agility.