The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, initially offered as a Dodge, introduced American drivers to a distinctly European approach to cargo vans. Unlike traditional American vans, the Sprinter emphasized a taller, more upright design focused on maximizing interior space and driver ergonomics. As Ford and Ram followed suit with their own European-inspired vans, the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 stood out as a benchmark, blending practicality with a touch of Mercedes-Benz refinement. Let’s delve into a comprehensive review of this game-changing vehicle.
Driving Dynamics and Cabin Comfort of the 2012 Sprinter 2500
One of the most immediate differences between the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 and its American counterparts is the driving position. Stepping into the Sprinter, you’re greeted by a high seating position offering excellent visibility through a large windshield and over a minimalist dashboard. This elevated perspective is a significant advantage in urban environments and during maneuvering. While the engine does intrude slightly into the cabin, legroom remains generous, and unlike some competitors, there’s no bulky engine cover or intrusive console impeding movement within the driver’s area.
The seats in the 2012 Sprinter 2500 are noticeably firmer than those found in traditional American vans. Reflecting a German design philosophy, they prioritize support, which becomes increasingly appreciated during long hours behind the wheel. While perhaps not as plush initially, these seats are designed to promote better back health and reduce fatigue over extended periods. For enhanced adjustability, an optional package offers manual adjustments for front and rear height, recline, and lumbar support. While power adjustments might be preferred by some, the manual controls are durable and eliminate potential electrical failures.
Unmatched Cargo and Passenger Space in the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500
The 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 truly shines when it comes to cargo capacity and versatility. Mercedes-Benz offered the Sprinter in a range of configurations to suit various needs, including:
- 144-inch Wheelbase Regular Roof: Providing a balance of maneuverability and cargo space.
- 144-inch Wheelbase High Roof: Adding significant vertical space for taller cargo and interior headroom.
- 170-inch Wheelbase High Roof: Extending cargo length for even larger loads.
- 170-inch Wheelbase Extended Length High Roof (Cargo Van Only): The ultimate in cargo volume, maximizing length and height.
Even the standard roof Sprinter surpasses the cargo height of GM vans (60.6” vs. 52.9”). The high roof option is a game-changer, offering a ceiling height that allows individuals up to six feet tall to stand upright inside – a crucial feature for professionals working within the van. Among its competitors at the time, only Nissan offered a factory high-roof option.
The rear cargo opening of the 2012 Sprinter 2500 is also wider than traditional vans (61.6” vs. 57.0”), and this width is maintained from floor to ceiling thanks to the nearly vertical side walls. This boxy design contrasts sharply with the more rounded, “jelly bean” shapes of American vans, maximizing usable space. Cargo lengths range from 128.5” to 185.0” depending on the configuration, outperforming GM vans which offered 124.6” or 146.2”. In terms of cubic feet, the Sprinter 2500 boasts 318, 494, or 547 cubic feet, significantly exceeding the 270 or 314 cubic feet offered by GM vans. Even the shortest, standard roof Sprinter offers more cargo volume than a long-wheelbase GM van and more than double the space of a typical minivan.
The wide, floor-to-ceiling door openings further enhance accessibility. A right-side sliding door is standard, with a left-side door available as an option. The rear doors can swing open a full 270 degrees, facilitating easy loading and unloading in tight spaces. The Sprinter 3500 model boasts an impressive payload capacity of up to 5,375 pounds, and a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. The 2500 model tested offered a payload of 2,872 pounds.
Engine and Performance of the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 Diesel
Despite its substantial cargo and towing capabilities, the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 is powered by a relatively modest engine: a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 producing 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This contrasts with the larger, more powerful V8 engines commonly found in American vans from GM, Ford, and Nissan. The Sprinter paired this diesel engine with Mercedes-Benz’s reliable five-speed automatic transmission.
While the horsepower figure might seem low compared to V8 options, the diesel engine’s torque, available at low RPMs, provides ample power for hauling cargo. During test drives, the 2012 Sprinter 2500 demonstrated adequate acceleration, even at highway speeds. An estimated 0-60 mph time of around 13 seconds is respectable for a vehicle of this size and class. It’s important to remember that the Sprinter 2500 is designed for utility and efficiency, not outright speed. While acceleration with a full load or while towing wasn’t extensively tested in the original review, user feedback suggests that the engine performs adequately even under heavy loads. However, some users have noted that braking performance might be a greater concern when fully loaded.
The diesel engine is notably quiet, especially at higher speeds. Engine noise is primarily noticeable at idle and during low-speed maneuvers. The five-speed automatic transmission performs smoothly, although some reviewers noted that it could be more responsive in certain situations. Interestingly, paddle shifters were not offered as an option.
Fuel Efficiency of the 2012 Sprinter 2500: A Key Advantage
Fuel economy is a significant selling point for the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500, particularly when compared to gasoline-powered American vans. Mercedes-Benz claimed fuel economy in the low 20s mpg in city driving and mid-20s mpg on the highway. While these figures might seem optimistic for a large van, real-world testing in a mixed suburban/highway loop yielded 17.6 mpg. This is notably better fuel economy than many large SUVs and significantly better than comparable gasoline vans. The 2012 Sprinter 2500 does require AdBlue, a diesel exhaust fluid, but its cost and availability were less of a concern compared to earlier diesel vehicles.
Handling and Ride Comfort of the 2012 Sprinter 2500
Despite its size, the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 offers surprisingly manageable handling. The expansive windshield provides an excellent forward view, minimizing the perception of driving a large vehicle. Rear visibility depends on the van’s configuration (cargo, passenger, or crew), with cargo vans potentially lacking rear windows. Large, dual-element mirrors compensate for this, and optional front and rear obstacle detection systems further aid in close-quarters maneuvering.
The steering is light and relatively slow, typical for vans, but feels natural and intuitive after a short adjustment period. Body control is superior to traditional American vans, contributing to a more confident driving experience. The ride quality of the 2500 model is described as slightly jiggly when unloaded, but still acceptable for a commercial vehicle. It’s important to note that comparing the Sprinter 2500 to a Nissan NV 3500 (a heavier-duty model) might not be entirely fair, as the Nissan NV 3500 is known for a more truck-like ride. Stability control is standard, enhancing safety and handling in various driving conditions.
Pricing and Market Position of the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 started at a base price of $37,285 for the 144-inch wheelbase model and $42,395 for the 170-inch wheelbase version. Options like the high roof ($2,670), extended wheelbase ($2,440), and extended rear overhang ($950) added to the price. Basic amenities packages further increased the cost. While comparatively expensive for a cargo van, especially when stacked against a Chevrolet Express 2500 extended length van at $31,740, the Sprinter offered unique advantages. However, opting for the diesel engine in the Chevrolet Express narrowed the price gap considerably.
The 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 occupied a unique market position, offering a blend of European design, superior cargo space, and better fuel efficiency compared to traditional American vans. Its premium badge also carried prestige, a factor valued by businesses serving discerning clientele.
Conclusion: The 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 – A Leader in its Class
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 stood as a class leader, offering a compelling combination of high roof availability, expansive cargo volume, refined suspension, and a fuel-efficient diesel engine. Until Ford and Ram introduced their European-sourced vans, the Sprinter was in a class of its own, defining a new standard for cargo vans in the American market. For businesses and individuals seeking maximum utility, efficiency, and a touch of European sophistication, the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 remained a top contender.
