Mercedes-Benz has released the details of its newest electric van, the heavily updated eSprinter - which now gets a range of up to 271 miles between charges.
The significant increase in battery size and range is just one of the major changes made to the van, giving the eSprinter a sizable update rather than just a light refresh.
The infotainment system has been updated with the most recent version of MBUX — Mercedes-Benz User eXperience — fitted to the eSprinter, running through a 10.25-inch screen at the dashboard's centre. The new system has a clearer menu and is easier to navigate than the previous version, improving the user experience.
The navigation system, if specified, will have a satellite view option — particularly helpful in urban areas — as well as improved navigation for trailers and oversized vehicles.
Navigation with ‘Electric Intelligence’ is available as an optional digital service. This calculates optimised routes and adds charging stops in real-time, calculating the best charging strategy to get the vehicle to the destination as quickly as possible or have a particular desired state of charge when it arrives.
Plenty of safety and driver assistance kit is fitted to the new eSprinter as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, driver drowsiness monitoring, reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control with automatic speed assist.
There are also further options available, including a parking pack with 360-degree cameras and a 3D display, Sideguard Assist (which helps to spot pedestrians and cyclists hidden in blind spots to the side of the van) and Moving-off Information Assist to help avoid collisions with road users in front of the vehicle when pulling away.
All Electric Power
There are two electric motor options to power the vans; a 136hp unit is the entry-level option, but a more powerful 204hp unit is also available. Both options produce the same 400Nm of torque, with the maximum speed limited to 74mph.
The battery pack powering the motor is 113kWh, with an 81kWh option being added to the range at a later date. The largest battery will give the eSprinter up to 271 miles of range, which is almost three times that of the previous model.
Three driving programmes affect the van’s range: Comfort (which is the standard setting), Economic and Maximum Range, the latter of which help drivers to manage efficiency and performance by adjusting engine power and torque, as well as climate control and regenerative braking helps maximise range.
Charging from 10% to 80% takes a little over 40 minutes due to the eSprinter’s ability to accept a charge rate of up to 115kW. A full charge would take about 11 hours on a home or depot charger, meaning it can be ready for work each day after plugging in overnight.
How much can it carry?
The Mercedes eSprinter will be available in two lengths, L2 (long) and L3 (extra long), but initially, only the L3 model with the larger 113kWh battery pack will be available.
In the L3, payload limits will range between 1,070 and 1,077kg, and cargo volume in the rear is expected to be 14m3, with a load length of 4,410mm.
Towing limits will reach up to 1.5 tonnes, but the gross combination weight is limited to 5,000kg, meaning loading the van fully while towing the maximum load is impossible.
When is the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter available?
Orders are now being taken for the 113kWh L3H2 form panel van, priced at £73,260 plus VAT. The government’s plug-in van grant, which reduces the price by £5,000, is expected to be available for the new model.
A service package will be included with each eSprinter, which covers the first four services over the first four years of ownership. Service intervals are set at 40,000 miles or every 12 months.
The UK is expected to see the first models in May, and details and prices of the 81kWh model are anticipated later in the year.
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