A Success Story: Mercedes-Benz Celebrates 25 Years of Sprinter

The van division of Mercedes-Benz celebrates 25 years of Sprinter. Even the first Sprinter in 1995 featured comprehensive safety technology. At that time, all-round disc brakes and a standard anti-lock braking system were part of the equipment.

(Stuttgart) In 1995, Mercedes-Benz presented a newly developed transporter – which quickly became the reference model and shaped an entire vehicle class. From the beginning of development, it was clear: both active and passive safety are central components of the vehicle concept. Since then, the Sprinter has continuously been a pioneer in this discipline. This starts with car-like handling and extends through “hard” technology such as ABS and airbags to the latest generation of digital driving assistants. Thus, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter consistently raises the bar for vans in its third generation.

1995: Even the first Sprinter brings comprehensive safety technology

No other transporter offers more safety features in 1995. The package includes all-round disc brakes, standard anti-lock braking system (ABS), automatic brake differential, driver airbag on request, height-adjustable three-point seat belts, and seat-mounted buckle holders. The comfortable suspension and car-like handling should not be underestimated. Because: Those who drive more relaxed remain attentive longer and drive more safely. This is how the Sprinter earns its reputation as a safety transporter.

And the development continues: As part of a comprehensive model update, the Sprinter receives more powerful headlights in 2000. In addition to active safety, Mercedes-Benz continues to push passive safety. The driver airbag is now standard equipment, and an optional passenger airbag is available. As a particularly large double airbag, it also protects the passenger in the inner seat of a double passenger seat bench. To better maintain driver condition, the driver’s workplace is redesigned: The cockpit now resembles that of a car. The gear lever is designed as a joystick at a convenient height and further improves ergonomics – and thus safety. In 2001, the next safety feature arrives: window airbags are now also available.

With standard ESP®, the Sprinter sets new standards in 2002

In 2002, the Sprinter receives another upgrade. This includes a more powerful brake booster and the standard use of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), initially introduced in the closed variants of the Sprinter up to 3.5 tons gross weight. ESP® is a revolution in safety technology for vans because it can actively support the driver in critical driving situations. Two years later, ESP® is also included as standard in all chassis of the Sprinter up to 3.5 tons gross weight. A measure with consequences: The accident cause “leaving the roadway” drastically decreases in the statistics in the following years. Just a year later, the “Transporter Training on Tour” complements the technical aspects with driver training.

Second generation Sprinter from 2006: safer than ever with ADAPTIVE ESP®

Innovation continues consistently, as underscored by the completely new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter of the second generation in 2006. From this generation on, significantly more loading volume is available – a new transverse leaf spring made of GFRP at the front axle and new parabolic springs at the rear axle, soon complemented by an optional air suspension, enhance comfort and safety. The Sprinter is now even more comfortable, which is particularly noticeable in long-distance use regarding the driver’s condition safety.

As ADAPTIVE ESP®, the system now adapts for the first time to different loading conditions with mass and center of gravity detection and therefore regulates even more sensitively and precisely in critical driving situations. The same applies to the adaptation to various superstructures. An optional extension of ESP® is the start assistant: it prevents unwanted rollback when starting on a hill.

2013: new Sprinter with revolutionary assistance systems

With the new Sprinter, new assistance systems arrive in the summer of 2013 – including again world premieres for vans. For example, the crosswind assistant makes its debut. It compensates for the effects of gusts of wind on the vehicle almost completely within the limits of physical possibilities. Standard on all closed variants, it will soon also be available for Sprinter with separate superstructures such as motorhomes or box bodies.

The distance warning assistant (COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST) consists of the functions distance warning, the adaptive brake assistant Brake Assist Pro, and an additional warning level in case of acute collision danger. The blind spot assistant warns the driver when changing lanes of vehicles in the neighboring lane or in the so-called blind spot. The lane-keeping assistant warns of an unintentional departure from the lane by observing the road ahead and its markings. Finally, the high beam assistant ensures optimal illumination of the road with situational dimming or brightening of the high beam. Glare for oncoming or preceding vehicles is almost excluded.

2018: The third Sprinter generation enhances safety

Networking and diversity are at the center of the third Sprinter generation. But even with the safety features, Mercedes-Benz Vans elevates the vehicle to a new level. The Active Distance Assistant DISTRONIC, for example, can relieve the driver by automatically maintaining a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead at speeds from 20 km/h. A radar sensor in the front bumper determines the necessary data for this. The system detects lane changes or braking maneuvers of other road users and can react immediately – in an emergency, the Active Distance Assistant can brake the Sprinter to a standstill.

Other introduced assistance systems in the new Sprinter include, for example, a rearview camera with a display in the interior mirror and a modern parking package with 360-degree surround view. A rain sensor and wipers with an integrated Wet Wiper System ensure optimal visibility even during windshield cleaning.

Prevention is better than cure

Since 1995, the development of the Sprinter has followed the principle: prevention is better than cure, accident avoidance is better than reducing accident consequences. In this regard, the Sprinter benefits from both its car-like driving behavior and the development of assistance systems for passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz. Their safety technology is adapted to the specific requirements and conditions of vans and is also incorporated into the Sprinter.

Photo: © Mercedes
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