The Mercedes Sprinter impresses with its eco-qualities

Its name is often synonymous with the 3,5-ton class of light commercial vehicles: the Sprinter from Mercedes-Benz. The star-brand brand has released its workhorse under the eco-label "Blue Efficiency." The series is equipped with a special engine and, among other features, an automatic start-stop system.

On the route between Stuttgart and Cologne, the Sprinter lives up to its name. Because the traffic allows it, you can really put the pedal to the metal. And The turbo diesel with its 120 kW/163 hp throws its power onto the roadAt the end of the 380-kilometer route, the on-board computer shows an average speed of 112 km/h. And even more importantly: A average consumption of only 12 liters of diesel per 100 kilometersImpressive for a car with a drag coefficient similar to that of a refrigerator: The Sprinter belongs to the 3,5-ton class and characterized by a long wheelbase and high roof.

In Cologne, the lever is flipped: With a click, the Eco button engages. the 316 CDI belongs to the Blue Efficiency series: The new engine generation (the four-cylinder OM 651, available in three power levels), a gearbox tailored to this four-cylinder engine, which full power even at low speeds and the automatic start-stop system. This switches off the engine as soon as the Sprinter stops at a traffic light and the driver has disengaged the gear. The engine restarts when the clutch pedal is depressed.

7,7 liters of diesel average consumption

A changed driving style is now also being added, as taught by Mercedes-Benz in its eco-driver training courses: Full throttle, quickly shift up until the car has reached the desired speed and then lift the accelerator by two or three millimeters. With a proactive driving style, we drive the Sprinter between Cologne and Düsseldorf on the highway, country roads, and in city traffic, mostly during rush hour.

At the end of the journey, after about 400 kilometers, the on-board computer shows an average consumption of only 7,7 liters of diesel Less than most all-wheel-drive fun cars in the SUV class. And with that, we've even undercut the figure in the technical data: Mercedes-Benz specifies an average fuel consumption of between 7,9 and 8,5 liters for this model.

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Comfortable for the driver, plenty of space for the load

Even under load, the engine is unaffected by the load. Only on steep inclines does it falter somewhat, which isn't really surprising given a payload of almost a ton. Fuel consumption also increases, rising by one to two liters depending on driving style and route.

Otherwise, the following applies to the Sprinter: Comfortable for the driver, plenty of space for the load. Only in the details do small details become apparent. For example, the storage compartments. What's missing is a compartment for CDs or a personal cell phone. The cup holders on the dashboard are also a bit far away. Otherwise, everything is as it should be: The driver has everything in view, good all-round visibility, and plenty of comfort, which helps make even long journeys a breeze.

Conclusion: The Sprinter is not only a practical, versatile commercial vehicle with a top chassis and engine - it has recently also real eco-qualitiesPrices start at €25.620 (excluding VAT) for a Sprinter panel van with a 70 kW/95 hp diesel engine, the 210 CDI. The almost fully equipped test vehicle, a 316 CDI panel van with partial glazing, the 120 kW/163 hp diesel engine, a long wheelbase, and a high roof, costs €45.245 (excluding VAT).