Mercedes-Benz Vans is celebrating nearly 130 years of innovation by looking both backward and forward. The company that invented the van in 1896 is previewing its next milestone: the future Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The new concept redefines the commercial vehicle with digital intelligence, versatility, and a customer-focused design philosophy that continues the brand’s pioneering legacy.
130 Years of Transporters: Bridging Past and Future
In anticipation of its “130 Years of Transporters” anniversary, Mercedes-Benz Vans showcases a remarkable juxtaposition , the world’s oldest roadworthy delivery van beside the latest eSprinter. This pairing symbolizes a journey of evolution, where engineering excellence and customer-driven innovation remain constant across generations.
Adding artistic flair to this milestone, Mercedes-Benz revealed “THE BOuLDER,” a striking stone-look sculpture that hints at the design of the next-generation Sprinter. Measuring 256 inches long, 108 inches high, and 98 inches wide, the piece serves as both art and vision , capturing the durability, strength, and adaptability that define the brand’s DNA.
Shaping the Next Generation of the Sprinter
Carved from a single block of material, “THE BOuLDER” offers a first look at the contours and proportions of the upcoming Sprinter. Its expressive form communicates a balance of robustness and elegance, designed for a wide range of professional and personal applications. According to Mercedes-Benz, this next-generation van will once again revolutionize the segment by combining proven functionality with cutting-edge digital and powertrain technologies.
Customer-Centric Design Philosophy
Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, emphasized the company’s dedication to customer needs, noting that every innovation is built around real-world applications. For nearly 130 years, Mercedes-Benz Vans has served as a dependable partner to countless industries, from logistics and construction to passenger transport and recreation. That commitment continues with a focus on tailor-made solutions, innovative drive systems, and long-term value.
From the 1899 Benz Delivery Vehicle to Modern Innovation
The story of Mercedes-Benz Vans began in 1896, when Carl Benz created the first motorized transporter. His early models , the Benz delivery van and the Benz combination delivery vehicle , offered versatility and performance unmatched by horse-drawn carriages of the time. The latter could even convert into a two-seater passenger car, making it the world’s first true multi-purpose vehicle.
Today, Mercedes-Benz has meticulously restored an 1899 Benz combination delivery vehicle, known as the “Ideal Van.” Built under license in England, it featured a 3 hp engine and could carry up to 550 lbs, demonstrating the brand’s enduring commitment to practical innovation and craftsmanship.
Three Decades of the Modern Sprinter
Nearly a century after Benz’s original design, the Sprinter redefined the van market in 1995. Its balance between car-like handling, durability, and versatility made it the benchmark for light commercial vehicles. Over five million units later, the Sprinter remains a trusted companion in industries ranging from delivery and construction to emergency services and adventure travel.
The Next Evolution: VAN Architecture and Digital Intelligence
The future Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will be built on the all-new VAN architecture, offering two variants , VAN.EA for electric models and VAN.CA for combustion-engine versions. This flexible platform enables clear differentiation between luxury private vans and premium commercial transporters, allowing for extensive customization across use cases and industries.
Customers can expect multiple configurations with different lengths, wheelbases, and payload capacities, tailored to specific needs such as courier services, construction, rescue, and even camper conversions. Each variant embodies Mercedes-Benz’s premium standards for safety, comfort, and innovation.
Performance and Connectivity
The upcoming Sprinter integrates the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), making it the most connected and intelligent van the company has ever produced. This AI-supported system allows over-the-air updates, ensuring that software and driver assistance systems remain up to date for years.
With advanced chip-to-cloud integration, MB.OS seamlessly connects vehicle sensors, comfort features, and navigation tools. It also allows commercial operators to run third-party applications directly through the in-vehicle interface, enabling custom fleet management and industry-specific functionality. This technological leap makes the Sprinter a living, adaptable platform rather than a static vehicle.
Summary
As it celebrates 130 years of innovation, Mercedes-Benz Vans continues to shape the future of mobility with the next-generation Sprinter. The fusion of digital intelligence, modular architecture, and timeless craftsmanship ensures that the van remains a symbol of dependability, innovation, and progress for decades to come.
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Source: Mercedes-Benz
