Mercedes is looking to add four wheel drive capability with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4. While, many aftermarket companies can outfit your commercial van with 4WD, only the GM full-size Express and Savana vans can be optioned with AWD.
Mercedes will offer a push-button all-wheel-drive system on a variety of Sprinter model. You can have it in two wheelbases, both roof heights, and in cargo, crew, or passenger configurations. By the way, Sprinter Crew Van is a combination of two rows of seating and cargo area in the back. The driver can activate the Sprinter AWD with a push of a button and the standard torque split is 35% to the front and 65% to the rear. Computers will take care of readjusting the torque delivery depending on traction conditions. Speaking of torque, the Sprinter 4×4 will be solely available with the powerful 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel engine. It produces 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of the good stuff.
You can also get a low-range gear option for the 4×4 model, which shortens the ratio by 42% and enables additional low speed capability. Mercedes is careful not to call this van an “off-roader”, but they do say that the van is lifted (4.3 inches in the front and 3.1 inches in the rear) and has a 20% better approach angle. Mercedes is proud to say that the 4×4 adds only 265 pounds to the curb weight and does not have a significant effect on payload capacity.
You can look forward to the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 available at authorized Mercedes or Freightliner dealerships in early calendar 2015.
Take a look at the Quigley Nissan NV 4×4 competitor.
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Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFL since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.
