2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter — The ultimate urban delivery solution



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 10, 2024) For 2024 Mercedes-Benz has introduced an all-electric version of its iconic Sprinter van for the US market and other than a small identifying eSprinter logo affixed to either front fender, appearance wise it is identical to its gasoline-powered counterpart and capable of outfitting and optioning all the same accessory components. Its also assembled in the same Charleston, S.C., facility and at launch is only available as a 170-inch wheelbase cargo van with a high roof powered by a 113 kWh battery good for an estimated 273 mile driving range.


Mercedes has already announced a further expansion for the 2025 model eSprinter introducing an 81 kWh battery, standard roof and smaller 144-inch wheelbase.

Visually, the eSprinter remains the same utilitarian vehicle with its unpainted front bumper, economy-look steel or alloy wheels, and LED headlights on some configurations. To be sure, styling isn't a head turner.

Inside, the eSprinter breaks no new ground. Nothing offensive but absolutely nothing to suggest what we've come to expect with Mercedes sedans and SUVs. There's soft touch surfaces on the armrests and steering wheel, and piano black trim about the infotainment. There's paddle shifters behind the steering wheel whose purpose is to adjust brake regeneration. Seats are plain yet comfortable and manually adjustable. There's an "afterthought" looking tray of four cupholders located at the center-bottom of the instrument panel and one each in big door pockets.

No center console or cubby bin. Overall, the cabin is spartan and with a solid wall behind the front two bucket seats to separate it from the cargo area, seat adjustment sliding back is minimal and taller drivers in need of maximum legroom are out of luck and uncomfortable. It can be equipped with a sliding door for access to the cargo area and the ability to add a window for viewing the cargo bay.

Developed specifically to target courier express parcel delivery firms like UPS, FedEx, DHL and others, the eSprinter makes a compelling choice for fleet operators versus gasoline powered versions of the Sprinter whose needs include large payloads for door to door delivery. With a starting price of $71,866, the eSprinter carries a significantly higher starting price than the same size gasoline powered Sprinter of $58,900. Of course, over the life of ownership, operating costs for the eSprinter should be lower.

Electric power is delivered to a single permanent-magnet motor on its semi-solid rear axle and generates 134 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. An available high-output version boosts horsepower to 201 with no change to the torque rating.



Offering a cargo capacity of 488 cubic feet and with a permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 9,370 lbs the rear-wheel-drive eSprinter is as practical as any of its siblings with internal combustion engines. eXpertUpfitter solutions, such as shelving systems, workbenches or heavy-duty wood floors for heavy loads offer further available customization options for the load compartment to upfit the eSprinter to a mobile workshop or a spacious delivery van.

The eSprinter is capable of charging with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The on-board charger, which converts the current in the vehicle when charging with alternating current such as at a wall-box, has a maximum charging power of 9.6 kilowatts. To minimize charging times for customers, the eSprinter can be charged with up to 115 kilowatts at fast charging stations. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent of full capacity takes just over 40 minutes for the 113 kWh battery.

The eSprinter includes a comprehensive service package which is intended to reduce the total cost of ownership while ensuring high uptime. Maintenance costs in accordance with the service booklet and manufacturer's specifications, covers the cost of the first four services within the first four years, or up to a maximum of 100,000 miles. This coverage includes regular and professional inspections of the high-voltage components and other vehicle parts and functions. Standard equipment incudes blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree park assist camera view, and rear-wheel drive.

We spent time driving the eSprinter and found it rode and drove well over city, suburban and highway roads. The throttle response has been tuned to prevent aggressive acceleration from a starting stop thus preventing the cargo load from shifting with sharp takeoffs. We found top speed was limited to about 72 mph with an empty cargo area. It cornered well for such a large vehicle and body roll while noticeable was seemingly well controlled. There was ample amounts of swaying in buffeting winds and when trailing or passing a large 18-wheeler even with Mercedes standard crosswind assist feature.

There's varying drive modes to select from Comfort, Eco, and Max Range. We thought there was little  difference from one to another. While driving range is estimated to 273 miles our experience with an empty cargo ranged from 180 to about 220 miles depending on conditions. Otherwise, the overall driving experience was pleasant and about what you might expect.

Overall, the 2024 Mercedes eSprinter enjoys a unique advantage when it comes to competitors leading when it comes to longer-range use, quick recharging capability, and an overall enjoyable driving and performance experience. And while a seemingly favorable application for around town and suburban delivery I wouldn't recommend it for being retrofitted into a RV camper motorhome. The driving range isn't there and we all know the recharging limitations in rural America. For countless businesses and delivery purposes throughout America, the eSprinter is a worthy consideration and a practical solution.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $71.866
Price as Tested: Not Available
Engine/Transmission: Single electric motor in a choice of a 134-hp 100-kW or 201-hp150kW with a 133-kWh battery pack and a single speed automatic transmission.
Driving Range: 273 miles simulated
Seating: 2

Where Built: Charleston, South Carolina

Competes With:
Chevrolet Express
Ford E-Transit
Ram ProMaster
Rivian delivery van

Likes:
Excellent application for cargo and parcel delivery
Acres of room for uplifting
Easy to drive

Dislikes:
Minimal amount of seat adjustments
Big price jump from gas only to EV Sprinter
Beware of 8'11" height in parking ramps