The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 Is Finally Here
For the past eight months, there has been a hole in Mercedes-Benz's lineup: the 4x4 version of the new Sprinter van was not revealed alongside the rest of the redesigned model line when it debuted in February. Since then, we at C/D have been waiting with bated breath for the full details on what is obviously the best vehicle that Mercedes sells. Okay, we're exaggerating a bit, but there is something irresistible about the Sprinter-especially in 4x4 form. The world can now rest easy, as Mercedes has finally shown photos of the new Sprinter 4x4 and given details about its drivetrain.
Mercedes says that the new Sprinter 4x4's all-wheel-drive system has a default 35/65 front-to-rear torque split, and the system is selectable at low speeds. Mercedes boasts about the Sprinter's new traction-control system, which the brand calls 4ETS; it can send torque to individual wheels when it senses a loss of traction. The Sprinter 4x4's Adaptive ESP system (essentially an advanced stability-control system) is full of functions that improve the van's capabilities, including a skid-control system that can be disabled if more slip is needed and a load-recognition system that can tell if the van's center of gravity is higher and adapt the stability control accordingly. The Sprinter can be fitted with three differential locks, and a low-range reduction gear is available as an option, which helps with low-speed off-roading, especially when towing or carrying a full load.
Like the outgoing Sprinter 4x4, the new model is so far available only with a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 engine, which now makes 190 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque-a 2-hp gain, but 1 lb-ft less than before. For the new model, the engine is now mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous five-speed. The new Sprinter is available with a gasoline engine for the first time-a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-but Mercedes has not said whether that powertrain will be available in 4x4 form.
The only thing distinguishing the Sprinter 4x4 from regular rear-wheel-drive versions is the raised ride height: the Sprinter 4x4 is 6.1 inches taller at the front and 5.3 inches taller at the rear. Approach, departure, and breakover angles are all improved compared to rear-drive Sprinters, as is the 4x4's gradient-climbing ability. These sort of things are useful when you're a delivery driver in Iceland or the owner of a Mercedes repair shop in the Alps. The new Sprinter goes on sale in the United States in early 2019, just in time to frolic in the end-of-winter snow.
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