The UK’s most reliable van, as voted by the top 50 leasing companies[5] for nearly a decade, leads the charge in the UK’s large van market with a new electric model that delivers more range, technology, safety, and uptime for fleet operators.
A complete portfolio with several upgrades to standard specifications will be on offer to customers, including van and chassis body styles in N1 or N2 vehicle class. There will be two lengths on offer, L2 (long) or L3 (extra-long), two trim levels, PRO and SELECT, a choice of 81 or 113 kWh battery capacities[6] and a towing capacity of up to 1.5t[7]. For the first time, there is also a choice of two motors, with either 100 or 150 kW peak output.
Orders are now being taken for 113 kWh panel van models, priced from £73,260, excl VAT. New eSprinter models are also expected to be eligible for the UK government’s OZEV plug-in van grant, giving businesses up to 35% off the purchase price, up to a maximum of £5,000[8].
Produced in net-carbon-neutral production plants located in Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde[9], the first customer vehicles are expected to hit UK roads in May. Orders for 81 kWh battery vans and all other variants will take place later this year.
Game-changing efficiency features designed to keep business moving further
Equipped with the largest battery, (113 kWh 414 Van L3 PRO model), the electric range for the eSprinter, based on the WLTP combined cycle, is up to 271 miles (436 km)[10] – more than double the previous model.
Three driving programmes: Maximum Range, Economic and Comfort, control engine power, engine torque and climate control, while regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, also helps to maximize range. Features such as HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) with heat pump, heated seats and active thermal management also help to optimise real-world range all year round.
Like all electric vans from Mercedes-Benz, the new eSprinter is capable of both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging. The on-board charger can be charged with direct current at up to 115 kW (standard for the UK) at a fast-charging station, meaning the battery with a usable capacity of 113 kWh can be charged from 10-80% in around 42 minutes at a maximum of 115 kW.[11]
Specification highlights: Class-leading driver assistance and safety features
Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the new eSprinter offers exemplary safety, security, and assistance systems as standard. They include Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind spot Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness warning, Intelligent Speed Assist with cruise control, Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, an anti-theft protection package with a double-lock system and on panel van models, reversing camera.
Moving-off Information Assist to avoid collisions with other road users in front of the vehicle when moving off and Sideguard Assist, which helps to better perceive pedestrians and cyclists in a defined area on the passenger side, are both standard for vehicles with N2 approval and optional for N1 approved variants. An optional parking package is also available with a 360-degree camera and a new 3D display for visibility of obstacles.
Specification highlights: innovative and convenient technology
The new eSprinter features the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes Benz User Experience) multimedia system with a 26 cm (10.25-inch) display that delivers even faster computing power and improved menu navigation. Using their Mercedes me[12] account, customers can also access a wide range of free[13] intelligent digital services, including:
- Telediagnostics and maintenance management: provides advance notice of service and maintenance checks and alerts when wear is detected on diagnostic-capable parts to help plan workshop visits ahead of time
- Accident recovery and roadside assistance management: enhance support to help recover vans or tow them to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Service outlet
- Remote vehicle locking and unlocking: Fleet operators and drivers can use the Mercedes me app to be notified of unlocked doors or open windows, before remotely locking or closing.
- Pre-entry climate control: drivers can set and activate their preferred cabin temperature remotely while the van is charging so energy used for heating will draw on the mains power to preserve battery capacity and range
- Display of charging stations and range on map: highlights charging stations available in the surrounding area and displays range to help drivers confidently reach destinations using the existing battery capacity.
New, optional digital services[14] include Navigation with Electric Intelligence, which calculates optimised routes and charging stops in real-time, depending on traffic and the landscape of the route. This feature also calculates the best possible charging strategy to either get to the destination as quickly as possible or to have a particular desired state of charge remaining upon arrival.
For the first time, customers who opt for navigation will also be able to take advantage of the new satellite view and significantly improved navigation for trailers and oversized vehicles, which have been specially adapted to the requirements of large vehicles.
All Mercedes me features are cloud-based, meaning software updates for standard features are sent ‘over-the-air’, directly to the van’s head unit and optional features can be installed at the operator’s convenience.
Reducing downtime with unrivalled aftercare
All new eSprinter vehicles will include an integrated service package (ISP) as standard, which covers the costs of the first four services within the first four years.
Free, Europe-wide roadside assistance, including out-of-charge cover, is included for up to 30 years[15], as well as a three-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year/ 160,000 km battery capacity warranty. Mercedes-Benz Vans is also looking to offer customers the opportunity to extend the vehicle’s battery capacity warranty to a total of 8 years/300,000 km.
