Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a large van that combines commercial capability with premium comfort? The Mercedes-benz Sprinter might be exactly what your business needs. This flagship commercial vehicle has dominated the large van market for years, offering exceptional build quality, advanced technology, and impressive payload capacity in a package that feels more like driving a luxury car than a work van. It’s the vehicle for businesses that refuse to compromise on quality or driver comfort.

From first glance, the Sprinter commands respect on the road. Its imposing presence and distinctive Mercedes styling set it apart from rivals like the Ford Transit or VW Crafter. The current generation brings car-like refinement to the commercial vehicle world, with a quiet cabin, smooth ride quality, and technology that wouldn’t look out of place in a premium saloon. Inside, you’ll find a dashboard layout that mirrors Mercedes passenger cars, complete with modern infotainment and comprehensive connectivity options.

The Sprinter excels as both a workhorse and a comfortable daily driver. Whether you’re covering long motorway miles or navigating tight city streets, it delivers a composed and refined experience that makes every journey more pleasant. The range of body styles and configurations means there’s likely a Sprinter variant perfect for your specific needs. While the premium positioning comes with higher purchase costs than some alternatives, you’re investing in proven reliability, strong resale values, and that unmistakable Mercedes quality that customers and employees will notice every day.

What's the Mercedes-benz Sprinter Like to Drive?

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers a refined and capable driving experience that sets the benchmark for large commercial vehicles. The current engine lineup focuses on efficient diesel power, with the 2.1-litre CDI units available in various outputs from 114hp up to 190hp depending on your payload requirements. The base 114hp engine provides adequate performance for lighter loads, while the more powerful variants offer impressive pulling power for heavy cargo or when fully loaded. All engines prioritise fuel efficiency and smooth delivery over outright performance.

What truly impresses about the Sprinter is how car-like it feels to drive. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making manoeuvring easier than you’d expect from such a large van. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between load-carrying capability and ride comfort, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining stability when loaded. Wind noise is well-controlled, and the diesel engines are notably quiet at cruising speeds. The optional nine-speed automatic transmission transforms the driving experience, providing smooth shifts and helping to optimise fuel consumption across different driving conditions.

Inside the Mercedes-benz Sprinter: Comfort & Features

Step into the Sprinter’s cab and you’re immediately struck by the premium feel that separates it from most commercial vehicles. The dashboard design closely mirrors Mercedes passenger cars, featuring high-quality materials, intuitive controls, and excellent build quality throughout. The seats are supportive and offer good adjustment range, making long driving days more comfortable. The driving position is commanding yet natural, with excellent visibility all around thanks to the large windows and well-positioned mirrors.

Technology is a real highlight, with the standard infotainment system offering smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and clear graphics on a responsive touchscreen. Higher specification models add features like climate control, heated seats, and advanced driver assistance systems that you’d typically find in luxury cars. The cabin is impressively quiet, with excellent sound insulation keeping road and engine noise to a minimum. Storage solutions are thoughtfully designed, with numerous compartments and cup holders positioned within easy reach of the driver and passenger.

The Mercedes-benz Sprinter represents the premium choice in the large van market, successfully combining commercial capability with passenger car refinement. It delivers on Mercedes’ reputation for build quality, offering a driving experience that makes long days behind the wheel more pleasant. The interior quality, technology integration, and overall refinement are class-leading, justifying the premium positioning for businesses that value these attributes.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Mercedes-benz Sprinter Expensive to Run?

Operating a Mercedes-benz Sprinter involves higher upfront costs but delivers strong long-term value for businesses prioritising quality and reliability. Fuel economy is competitive for the class, with real-world figures typically ranging from 35-40 mpg depending on load, driving conditions, and engine specification. The efficient diesel engines help keep fuel costs manageable, especially important for high-mileage commercial users. Insurance costs reflect the premium positioning but are reasonable given the advanced safety equipment and strong security features.

The initial purchase price positions the Sprinter at the premium end of the large van market, typically commanding a significant premium over alternatives. However, Mercedes commercial vehicles historically hold their value well, making them attractive for businesses considering future resale or commercial vehicle finance options. Maintenance costs are generally predictable, with Mercedes offering comprehensive service packages for commercial users. The build quality means fewer unexpected repairs, though genuine parts can be more expensive than mainstream alternatives when replacements are needed.

Mercedes-benz Sprinter Practicality & Boot Space

The Mercedes-benz Sprinter excels in practical application, offering one of the most versatile load-carrying solutions in the large van segment. Cargo capacity varies significantly depending on wheelbase and body style, with load volumes ranging from around 10 cubic metres up to an impressive 17 cubic metres in the largest variants. The wide rear doors and low loading height make loading and unloading straightforward, while the optional side sliding door adds convenience for frequent stops. Internal tie-down points and optional load securing systems help keep cargo safe during transport.

The Sprinter’s strength lies in its adaptability to different business needs. Whether you need a basic panel van, crew van, or specialist conversion, there’s likely a configuration that fits. The high roof variants offer excellent standing room, making them popular for tradespeople who need to work inside the vehicle. For businesses regularly carrying passengers, the comfort levels are significantly higher than most used Mercedes-benz cars, making it suitable for executive transport or luxury passenger applications. The robust build quality means it handles heavy daily use while maintaining a professional appearance.

The Mercedes-benz Sprinter stands at the pinnacle of the large van market, offering a combination of commercial capability, premium comfort, and advanced technology that’s hard to match. It successfully brings passenger car refinement to the commercial vehicle world, making every journey more pleasant for drivers while delivering the payload capacity and reliability that businesses demand. The extensive range of body styles and configurations ensures there’s a Sprinter variant for most commercial applications.

You choose the Sprinter when you refuse to compromise on quality and driver comfort. Its superior build standards, quiet cabin, and car-like driving dynamics make it the preferred choice for businesses prioritising long-term value over initial purchase price. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large fleet, the Sprinter delivers a professional image and dependable service that reflects well on your operation, particularly when considering cars under £10,000 for additional fleet requirements.