Now that Ford and Ram are launching tall, European-designed full-size vans in North America, just how is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - the model that originally sparked this full-size van renaissance - going to stand out from the crowd? Perhaps the North American introduction of the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4, a full-size van with factory-installed four-wheel drive, might do the trick.
We reported earlier on both the latest iteration of the Sprinter 4x4, along with the chance it could finally come stateside, but official confirmation from the automaker itself arrived earlier this morning. Four-wheel-drive Sprinters are indeed coming to America under both the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner nameplates, and should reach dealers by January 2015.
Four-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz Sprinters wear small "4x4" emblems on their rear doors, but they're easily identified by their stance: the already towering Sprinter sees its ride height cranked up 4.3 inches in front and 3.1 inches in back in order to accommodate the 4ETS four-wheel-drive driveline. The system itself is similar to the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system used in the ML- and GL-Class models - including our formidable Four Seasons 2013 Mercedes Benz GL450. However, there is one notable difference: 4Matic is fully automatic, while 4ETS requires some driver assistance. Push a button to the left of the Sprinter 4x4's steering column, and 35 percent of the engine's power goes to the front axle. Don't look for a series of locking differentials, like on the G-Class or the almighty Unimog; instead, the traction/stability control system can brake slipping wheels. If you truly require off-road fortitude, the 2015 Sprinter 4x4 will offer low-range transfer case gearing as an option.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the 2015 Sprinter 4x4 will be available in any form you like, so long as it's a van. Buyers can add four-wheel drive to Sprinter passenger, crew, and cargo vans regardless of wheelbase or roof height. The only stickling point lies with powertrain. Although Mercedes launched a new 2.1-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder/ seven-speed automatic pairing for the 2014 model year, the four-wheel-drive option mandates upgrading to the 188-hp, 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6, which is bundled with a five-speed -speed automatic transmission.
Pricing for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 has yet to be announced, but like the Sprinter itself, which starts at $36,915 in base cargo guise, don't expect the 4ETS system to be cheap. That said, it should be less expensive than prior four-wheel-drive Sprinter conversions offered in North America, which typically added anywhere from $18,000-$25,000 to the price tag. Better yet, Mercedes' factory-built system is fully certified and warranted -- something the aftermarket conversions can't come close to matching.
People ask me questions fairly infrequently, but when they do, these are the questions I’m frequently asked.
What do you do?
I’m an associate Web editor at Automobile Magazine. Which, in a nutshell, means I write about cars and car news primarily for our lovely Web site.
Are you a car guy?
How could I not have been? A disturbing number of my relatives have worked in the auto industry, and I spent my formative years as a child grinning in the back seat of my dad’s 1965 Mustang. I’d also note I’m more of a “wheeled machine” guy, as I also have an alarming affinity for things like trucks, trains, and buses. Don’t ask.
Does every 9-5 shift involve driving exotic supercars in the French Riviera?
I wish.
How can I get your job?
Timing is everything. By luck, an internship opening at AutoWeek opened while while I was finishing my collegiate coursework; I then worked at freelancing news items for Winding Road. A similar position opened up at Automobile just as I graduated, and I’ve been here ever since.
What’s your dream car?
Honestly, this changes with the weather.
Seriously, what cars do you like?
For reasons beyond my understanding, I have a soft spot for Francomobiles, especially the Citroen ID/DS, 2CV, the Renault 4 (not 4CV), and anything designed and constructed by Gabrielle Voisin. Also, I’m in the process of convincing my wife that a vintage Mercedes-Benz Unimog or a Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer is both a sound investment and a practical family vehicle. Wish me luck with that.
What’s the best car you’ve driven?
Oh, dear. I’ve had some fun with some really fun machines during my time at Automobile, including (but not limited to) the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon, a Porsche Cayman R, a Bentley Continental GT, and an Aston Martin DBS. I also once managed to miraculously cram my hulking frame into the confines of a Lotus Exige.
I’ll never forget my brief time behind the wheel of a giant International semi truck (let alone trying to shift the 18-speed gearbox), but the most memorable vehicle piloted during my employment? That honor has to go to a mint-condition Peugeot 205 Turbo 16.
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