Alright, let’s get it over with quick – you’re all excited that there are changes to the Mercedes Sprinter van for 2013. But wait – who gets those changes? Sorry, Charlie: only minor cosmetic changes will be forthcoming from Mercedes for US-available 2013 Sprinter models. For NAFTA Sprinters, we’ll get a new grille design, new headlights, and a new bumper with LED daytime running lights.
Yes, I know I posted before we’d get 4×4 Sprinters in 2013. Well, that rumor came from a Mercedes dealership sales manager, who was perhaps speaking optimistically – sadly, now it looks as if the next chance for Mercedes-imported 4×4 Sprinters in North America might be 2014 or 2016. Don’t hold your breath! If you’re dead-set on a 4×4 Sprinter, get thee to Whitefeather Conversions or talk to the Sprinter Store.
Here’s some cheery thoughts, anyway – if you live in Europe and buy a brand-spanking-new 2013 Mercedes Sprinter this spring, what can you expect? At least some of these goodies:
- A choice between the standard 5-speed automatic tranny, or the world’s first 7-speed automatic transmission (for a van, anyway). It’s the 7G-Tronic version, claimed to have “silky smooth gear changes”, even at very cold temps, temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F).
- A new BlueEFFICIENCY package with an engine start/stop system, low rolling-resistance tires and ECO steering system. It’s claimed this will lower the typical four-cylinder diesel Sprinter van’s fuel consumption rating to as low as 7.4 liters/100 km. This package can also include a high-ratio rear axle, dropping fuel usage even further to an estimated 7.0 liters/100km.
- Two new functions added to the adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Brake Disk Wipe and Electronic Brake Prefill. The wipe removes water from the brake discs, the prefill gently activates the brakes if the driver quickly removes their foot from the accelerator.
Want to see more 2013 Sprinter spyshots? Auto Evolution has some 2013 Sprinter cold-weather spyshots, and some 2013 Sprinter hot-weather testing spyshots in Death Valley. There’s also some more Death Valley pictures on the German Mercedes Fans site.
P.S. I’ve also just added the 2013 Sprinter 2500 & Sprinter 3500 Cargo Van Ordering Guides to my Sprinter RV Conversion Resources page.
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