2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

While the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is designed as a fleet vehicle, advanced safety features are offered at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the automaker has made it possible to get the full touch screen system. Finally, they also make available Mercedes PRO connect digital fleet solutions. Dozens of configurations in four main styles offer diverse transportation solutions.

What’s New for 2020?

Mercedes-Benz was one of the first to offer state-of-the-art safety systems for commercial use vehicles. This continues in 2020 as Mercedes-Benz offers updated driver assistance features. This exclusive package is an affordable addition to any Sprinter van.

For businesses, this should mean fewer scratches, fender-benders and accidents. This, in turn, helps business insurance rates. It greatly reduces repair and replacement costs. It may prevent points from being attached to commercial driver's licenses. It's just a win-win for everyone involved.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter – The Pros

1. Outstanding Performance

The gas engine is an affordable way to move your freight. The base turbo four cranks out 188 horsepower. That is aided by 258 pound-feet of torque. A class-leading 9G-Tronic automatic transmission controls the action.

If you want a different level of push, the 188-horsepower turbo diesel V6 delivers 325 pound-feet of torque. It kicks in at a mere 1,400 rpm. Both engines are fuel efficient, helping businesses watch their bottom line.

2. Class-Leading Specifications

The Sprinter leads the pack in many ways. The 5,000-pound tow rating leads within its class. The super-high roof leads the entire van class with 87.8 inches of clearance. The other two roofs are 66.5 and 77.8 inches. Thanks to a dually rear axle, the biggest Sprinter offers 516 cubic feet of cargo space.

Payload is remarkable across the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter lineup. The two versions of the Sprinter 1500 can handle 3,765 pounds or 3,854 pounds. The 11 versions of the 2500 haul from 3,400 pounds to a maximum 4,354 pounds. The three 3500s haul over 4,000 pounds with a maximum of 4,522 pounds. The eight 3500XD configurations handle from almost 5,000 pounds to a maximum of 5,684 pounds. Finally, the 4500 payload is always over 6,200 with a maximum of 6,735 pounds.

3. Excellent Connectivity

Only Mercedes-Benz can offer the MBUX touch screen. This 7-inch display works with intelligent voice control. 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter drivers will find it easy to stay in touch with the office. The optional navigation system shows them the best distance between two points. An optional wireless charger and standard USB ports maintain your smartphone battery.

The Mercedes PRO App offers a remote check on everything from gas levels to brake lining wear. It can act as the key to this vehicle which has push button start. Fleet managers can use Mercedes Pro for business purposes as well.

4. Driver Monitoring and Assistance

An Attention Assist system watches for drowsy or distracted behaviors in the daily 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter driver. Traffic sign assist lets you know when the speed limit is dropping. It should reduce the chances of speeding tickets and speed-related accidents. High beam assist helps the driver at night. In difficult driving conditions, the fog lamps offer a cornering light function.

5. Automatic Driving and Braking Assistance

Distance Assist DISTRONIC is a radar-based system that can work at speeds as low as 16 miles per hour. An Active Distance Assistant will apply braking force to slow the van when pedestrians or slowing vehicles are detected. When traffic moves again, the van can pick up speed and continue at the desired setting.

With DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist can bring the van to a stop if necessary for safety. When the driver is fully in charge, the system will sound an acoustic warning and autonomously reduce speed to prevent an accident. 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter buyers will be happy to know that, although it is similar to the current passenger car system, this system has been customized for van use.

6. Maintaining A Safe Trajectory

Only Mercedes-Benz has Crosswind Assist. This system reduces the chances that strong winds will move the vehicle. It is very important for safety at higher speeds. Trailer Sway Control regulates braking to maintain safe travel while towing.

Blind Spot Assist detects traffic in the adjacent lane. If the neighboring car is too close, the driver will see an icon in the mirror. They will get an acoustic warning if they turn on the blinker. Active Lane Keeping Assist works at speeds over 37 miles per hour. It recognizes lane departures and will vibrate to warn the driver. By selectively braking one side, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter helps the driver get back to safety.

7. Scratch-Free, Stress-Free Slow Maneuvering

The reversing camera can be augmented by ultrasonic sensors. A Parking Assist offers a visual warning on the multimedia touch display. A 180-degree parking view and trailer zoom can help even more.

A 360-degree system surrounds the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with cameras in the exterior mirrors, cameras in the radiator grille, and four cameras mounted at the rear end of the vehicle roof. With so many angles, the van driver has a panoramic bird's eye view. In a crowded parking lot or on a busy worksite, this system helps protect people and property.

Covering even more parking dangers, an emergency autobrake may respond to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert. This can spare the van from costly fender benders in a variety of parking situations.

8. New Four-wheel Drive

Even vans need four-wheel drive for bad road conditions. Thus Mercedes is offering a four-wheel drive system as an option. At speeds up to 16 miles per hour, the driver can select all-wheel drive by using an instrument panel switch. Torque moves front and rear at a 35:65 ratio.

When surfaces are slippery, the all-wheel drive system alters the electronic traction control system (4ETS) for maximum effectiveness. 4ETS pulses the spinning wheels that need to slow and directs torque to the wheels that have traction. Without adding weight, Mercedes has provided a virtual inter-axle differential, rear axle lock, and front axle lock.

9. Downhill Speed Regulation

The engine, transmission, and braking functions can be altered when the driver choose Downhill Speed Regulation. This feature is available with the 4x4 drivetrain. At speeds of 2 to 11 miles per hour, the van can alter braking, gearing and torque to manage a load as it goes down an incline.

Like cruise control, the driver simply pushes a cockpit button. The steering-wheel buttons can be used to adjust speed. This mechanism reduces wear and tear on the brakes and provides for safer downhill travel at slow speeds.

10. Exclusive Wet Wiper System

Not only can you get a rain sensor, but the Wet Wiper System can improve visibility when the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter driver is washing the windshield. By spraying the windshield wiper fluid through the wiper arms, the wiper blades wipe it away faster. There’s no blurring. This is especially important when there’s limited visibility. It also conserves washer fluid, reducing maintenance costs.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter – The Cons

1. Long-term Repair Costs

While it’s not a concern in the early years of ownership, it may concern some that the van will need to go to a Mercedes-Benz dealership for repairs as it gets older. This may make it more expensive when the warranty expires.

2. No V8 in the lineup

While the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has impressive stats, there isn’t a V8 in the lineup. In fact the only V8 in the segment is available with the Nissan NV3500. It beats the diesels by providing 375 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of torque. This allows it to claim a class-leading 9,400 pounds of payload.

 3. More Expensive

While not always the most expensive, many 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van choices are pricier than the competition. However, the buyer will have to weigh the quality, amenities and safety features when making a comparison.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

For the fifth time, the Sprinter has earned the Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America Award. This time the industry analysts singled out the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Std Roof 144 WB.

Whether you are comparing the Sprinter to the Ford Transit, Nissan NV, or Ram ProMaster, you’ll find that Sprinters just as often leads as follows in terms of payload and towing. Furthermore, the quality of Sprinter cabins leads the pack. Likewise, Sprinter ride quality is better.

As for technology, the MBUX touch screen is the closest thing you can call a luxury item on a commercial van. The advanced safety systems aren’t offered on the Sprinter’s rivals. The affordable nature of this driver assistance really allows the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to cruise to the front of the pack.

Shoppers who worry about muddy worksites or snowy days will find that the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 is the best answer. The competition can't match this capability.

Conclusion

Businesses will do well if they utilize Sprinters in their fleet. The variety of sizes and payload capacities ensure a good match for many different types of companies. As evidenced by its Vincentric Best Fleet Value Award, comparing cost of ownership for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter may seal the deal.