The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, a long-standing leader in the commercial van sector, entered its 2015 model year with significant enhancements, solidifying its position as the benchmark for performance, safety, and economy. This model year brought a refreshed design, improved fuel efficiency, heightened safety features, and innovative technology, making the Sprinter Mercedes 2015 an even more compelling choice for businesses and individuals alike. Building upon a legacy of approximately one million vehicles sold globally over seven years, the 2015 Sprinter continued to push boundaries and set new standards in the van segment.
A Fresh and Confident Aesthetic
The 2015 Sprinter Mercedes Van received a visual uplift, aligning it with the contemporary Mercedes-Benz design language. The radiator grille was redesigned to be more upright and assertive, projecting a confident road presence. The grille features three swept-back, perforated louvers, enhancing airflow and establishing a clear visual connection with the broader Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle family.
The iconic Mercedes star is prominently displayed on a distinct base, while Freightliner models sport their badge atop the chrome grille. The headlamps were given sharper contours, creating a focused and energetic appearance. Defined edges segment the headlamps, emphasizing the “eyes” of the Sprinter and contributing to a more modern front-end design. Optional LED daytime running lamps are neatly integrated at the bottom of the housing. The redesigned, higher hood not only improves pedestrian protection but also adds to the Sprinter’s authoritative stance. The bumper, with its more pronounced lines and upward sweep under the headlamps, along with a recessed central air inlet, further enhances the van’s dynamic and poised look. The lower bumper design even subtly hints at SUV styling cues.
BlueTEC Engine Technology: Power and Clean Performance
Since 2010, the Sprinter in the U.S. market has benefited from advanced BlueTEC diesel engines, pioneering the use of this clean technology in commercial vans. The BlueTEC system ensures diesel engine emissions are as clean as modern gasoline engines. Utilizing a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection system, nitrogen oxides are effectively reduced to harmless nitrogen and water within a downstream catalytic converter. This proven BlueTEC technology has been successfully implemented in Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses for nearly a decade.
Highly Economical Four-Cylinder BlueTEC Engine
The standard engine for the sprinter mercedes 2015 is a segment-leading 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel, favored by approximately 50% of US buyers. This engine delivers 161 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, available from 1,400 to 2,400 rpm. Its undersquare design (83 mm bore and 99 mm stroke) prioritizes high tractive power. Featuring dual overhead camshafts operating 16 valves, the engine employs a common rail injection system with a maximum pressure of 29,001 psi (2,000 bar) and seven-hole injection nozzles. A two-stage exhaust-gas turbocharger system ensures consistent charging.
This engine provides maximum torque from low speeds across a wide range, achieving both high specific power and torque. This “downsizing” strategy is crucial for minimizing fuel consumption, reducing emissions, and optimizing weight. A Lanchester balancer, rear-positioned camshaft drive, and a dual-mass flywheel contribute to exceptionally smooth engine operation. Exhaust gas recirculation with two-stage cooling, SCR technology with DEF injection, and a particulate filter ensure clean exhaust emissions. For the 2015 model year, a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) version of this engine became available, the only diesel with this designation.
Powerful and Refined Six-Cylinder BlueTEC Engine
As an option, the sprinter mercedes 2015 offered a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, producing 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. This engine is a testament to advanced engine design, built with an aluminum crankcase and a 72-degree V angle. Offset rod journals and a balancer shaft contribute to its remarkably smooth performance. Technical highlights include four duplex chain-driven overhead camshafts and common rail injection with piezo injectors featuring eight spray holes per nozzle. Notably, this V6 was the exclusive engine choice for the new optional 4×4 system introduced in MY2015.
Enhanced Efficiency Through Optimized Components
The exceptional fuel economy of the 2015 Sprinter isn’t solely due to engine technology. Mercedes-Benz engineers meticulously refined various components to maximize efficiency.
Seven-Speed Automatic Transmission
The four-cylinder sprinter mercedes 2015 is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, the only one of its kind in a North American van. This transmission is specifically tuned for optimal fuel efficiency. Improved damping technology reduces noise and vibration, while a lockup clutch with reduced slip provides a more direct connection to the accelerator, enhancing agility. The transmission’s shift points are precisely calibrated to the engine’s characteristics, and the oil heat-up behavior during cold starts is optimized, minimizing friction losses.
Low-Friction Rear Axle
Developers focused on every detail to enhance the Sprinter’s efficiency, including the driven rear axle. Modifications down to the microgeometry of the differential’s tooth flanks, improved installation precision, and optimized oil flow minimize churning losses, contributing to low-friction and economical operation across all axle variants.
Additional Fuel-Saving Measures
Further efficiency gains were achieved through an optimized generator management system and an enhanced fuel pump that regulates pressure and flow according to demand. The ECO power steering pump is activated only when power assistance is needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Proven Reliability and Durability
The Sprinter’s reputation for reliability is backed by rigorous testing, from high-speed endurance runs to extreme short-distance tests in harsh Scandinavian conditions. The 2015 model continued this tradition, having undergone approximately five million miles of endurance testing, including real-world customer usage with diverse driving profiles.
Introducing the Sprinter 4×4 with Optional Low Range
A significant addition for the 2015 model year was the availability of a 4×4 version of the sprinter mercedes 2015, launched in the U.S. in early 2015. Offered in both 144” and 170” wheelbases, and low and high roof configurations, the 4×4 was available as a Passenger Van, Crew Van, and Cargo Van. Exclusively powered by the 3.0L V6 BlueTEC diesel engine, the Sprinter 4×4 delivered 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
Alt: Front grill of a 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, showcasing the updated design with the Mercedes star emblem.
While not designed as a dedicated off-roader, the sprinter mercedes 2015 4×4 significantly expanded the van’s versatility, providing enhanced traction for construction sites, oil fields, and challenging weather conditions. The all-wheel-drive system, activated at the push of a button, distributes torque 35:65 front to rear. The Electronic Traction System (4ETS) manages traction in various conditions, a unique combination of all-wheel drive and active safety in this segment.
For even greater capability in difficult terrain, the Sprinter 4×4 offered an optional low range gear, shortening the gearing by 42% and substantially increasing tractive power. The Sprinter 4×4 also featured a lifted body, increasing ground clearance by 4.3 inches (110 mm) at the front and 3.1 inches (80 mm) at the rear, improving slope climbing ability by up to 20% compared to standard Sprinter models. Despite these enhancements, the 4×4 system added minimal weight (approximately 265 lbs or 120 kg), preserving payload capacity.
Leading Safety Features, Including Standard Crosswind Assist
Safety remained a paramount focus for the 2015 Sprinter, which debuted a range of new assistance systems, some being world-firsts in the van segment. Building on previously introduced features like Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist, the 2015 model added standard Crosswind Assist on 2500 models. These systems collectively aimed to prevent accidents and further enhance Mercedes-Benz Vans’ leadership in safety technology.
Crosswind Assist: A Segment First
The sprinter mercedes 2015 became the first van globally to offer Crosswind Assist as standard (on 2500 models in North America), a significant safety milestone. At speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h), Crosswind Assist helps stabilize the van against strong crosswinds. By automatically braking individual wheels on the windward side, it reduces the need for driver counter-steering, particularly beneficial on bridges or when overtaking large vehicles. The system utilizes sensors from the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) to detect crosswind forces and react accordingly, taking into account vehicle speed, load, and driver steering input.
Alt: Interior view of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van dashboard, highlighting the ergonomic design and modern infotainment system.
Collision Prevention Assist and Adaptive Brake Assist
Optional Collision Prevention Assist warned drivers of insufficient distance to vehicles ahead and potential collision risks. It included proximity warning and adaptive Brake Assist. A radar sensor monitors the distance and relative speed to the vehicle ahead, providing visual and acoustic warnings if the distance becomes unsafe or if the approach speed is too high. Adaptive Brake Assist, active in the background, automatically boosts brake force during emergency braking if the driver’s input is insufficient, helping to avoid or mitigate rear-end collisions.
Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
Optional Blind Spot Assist used radar sensors to monitor blind spots during lane changes, alerting drivers to vehicles in adjacent lanes with visual and acoustic warnings. Lane Keeping Assist, also optional, used a camera to detect lane markings and warned the driver with an acoustic signal if the vehicle unintentionally drifted out of its lane.
Highbeam Assist
Highbeam Assist, another optional feature, automatically switched between high and low beams based on traffic conditions detected by a camera, optimizing road illumination and reducing glare for other drivers.
Standard Safety Features
Beyond these advanced systems, the sprinter mercedes 2015 included a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as ADAPTIVE ESP® incorporating ABS, ASR, EBD, BAS, LAC, Roll Over Mitigation, Enhanced Understeering Control, Brake Disc Wiping, and Electronic Brake Prefill. Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) was standard with trailer coupling options. Occupant protection included a yielding body structure, three-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, head restraints, and front airbags.
Driver-Focused Interior and Infotainment
Recognizing the importance of driver comfort and well-being, the Sprinter’s interior was designed to be a comfortable and ergonomic workspace. Features included a spacious driver’s cab, comfortable and supportive seats with adjustments, clear instrument layout, and conveniently positioned controls. Aerodynamically optimized mirrors reduced dirt buildup, while effective heating and ventilation, combined with high ride comfort and low noise levels, made long journeys more pleasant.
Standard infotainment included a 5.8-inch color display with Bluetooth connectivity, telephone keypad, phone book, SD card slot, USB interface, and AUX input. A backup camera display with guide lines was available, and the Becker MAP PILOT navigation unit was a new option, offering a fully integrated and updateable navigation system.
Versatility and Total Cost of Ownership
The sprinter mercedes 2015 maintained the Sprinter’s hallmark versatility, offering numerous body styles, weight ratings, and rear axle variants. The “Sprinter Preferred Upfitter Program” facilitated customization with special bodies and interior equipment from certified partners. Mercedes-Benz emphasized the Sprinter’s low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), further enhanced by extended service intervals up to 20,000 miles for the 2015 model year, making the Sprinter an economically sound choice for businesses.
In conclusion, the sprinter mercedes 2015 represented a significant step forward for the Sprinter van, delivering enhanced aesthetics, improved efficiency, groundbreaking safety features, and continued versatility. It solidified its position as the leading commercial van, offering a compelling package for businesses seeking a reliable, safe, and economical vehicle.
