---
title: "Mercedes-Benz Unveils New 2018 Sprinter and Announces Electric Variant"
description: "The new 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter made its world debut at the brand's new logistics center in the city of Duisburg, Germany, about 260 miles northwest of its Stuttgart headquarters. The third-generation of the popular van aims to deliver maximum versatility, a progressive exterior and interior design."
date: "2018-02-06"
modified: "2018-02-06"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/18278/mercedes-benz-unveils-new-2018-sprinter-and-announces-electric-variant"
categories:
  - "Electric Vehicles"
  - "Mercedes-Benz News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "Commercial Vehicles"
  - "Electric Vehicle"
  - "Germany"
  - "Mercedes-Benz"
  - "Sprinter Van"
---

# Mercedes-Benz Unveils New 2018 Sprinter and Announces Electric Variant

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/02/18c0113_001-source-1.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The new 2018 Mercedes-Benz [Sprinter](<https://thestore.thedrive.com/>) made its world debut at the brand's new logistics center in the city of Duisburg, Germany, about 260 miles northwest of its Stuttgart headquarters. The third-generation of the popular van aims to deliver maximum versatility, a progressive exterior, and interior design, but most importantly, lower operating costs to fleet operators.

The new Sprinter lineup will also see the addition of a new front-wheel-drive platform, which should fulfill [the automaker's](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/18237/mercedes-amg-super-bowl-challenge-flops-but-someones-still-getting-a-new-c43>) desire to reach a broader commercial audience with a wide range of transportation needs. According to the automaker, the front-wheel-drive model will deliver better traction for lightly loaded vehicles, especially during inclement weather. In addition, it will boast additional load capacity and a lower loading sill due to the modified rear axle and wheel arches, something which should appeal to small and large businesses alike. Mercedes will continue to produce the current rear-wheel and all-wheel drive Sprinter.

![message-editor%2F1517953368227-18c0106\_05-source.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1517953368227-18c0106_05-source.jpg>)
*The 2018 Sprinter shown in one of its 1,700 possible configurations., *MBUSA**

Another first for the versatile van is the deployment of "Mercedes PRO Connect," which will offer fleet managers an internet-based platform to fulfill their logistical and transport requirements. The system allows operators to access a vehicle's location, fuel load, and service records on demand. This, in combination with its 1,700 possible configurations should nip at the heels of Ford and its best-selling [Transit van](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/1536/ford-transit-vans-are-moroccos-living-rooms>).

![message-editor%2F1517953417155-18c0108\_06-source.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1517953417155-18c0108_06-source.jpg>)
*The interior of the new 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter., *MBUSA**

The new interior is reminiscent of Mercedes' new design language that's shared across the passenger car lineup. A large 10.25-inch high definition touchscreen boasts the new MBUX multimedia system, which houses the Bluetooth, navigation, and radio controls, in addition to a rear-view and 360-degree camera. Purpose-built [Sprinters](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/324/driving-a-mercedes-benz-sprinter-to-the-best-damn-city-in-america>) can be outfitted with different kinds of driver seats ranging from bolstered, flat, suspension, and even memory foam seats. In passenger configurations, the Sprinter can seat a maximum of 20 people (19 plus driver).

Powertrain details for the North American market have not been released, but the European Sprinter will be powered by a 2.1-liter four-cylinder [diesel engine](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/17868/mercedes-benz-is-ditching-diesel-in-the-u-s>) with three available horsepower outputs for rear- and front-wheel drive, and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 190-horsepower. Single and dual-rear-wheel setups will be available. Lastly, Mercedes-Benz also announced that an electric, emissions-free variant dubbed the eSprinter will enter the European market sometime in 2019, but did not give any details on future North American availability.

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)