Overview

What's New for 2013:

• No changes for 2013

Exterior Features
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is sold as a passenger van or a crew van in 2500 series trim, or as a cargo van in 2500 or 3500 series trim. Sprinters can be purchased with a standard roof or a high roof, with a regular 144-inch or extended 170-inch wheelbase, with a regular-length or extended-length body, and the 3500-series models include dual wheels on each end of the rear axle. An 18-passenger mini-bus model is also offered, which can be set up as a hotel shuttle, airport shuttle, commuter shuttle, or a para-transit shuttle.

Mercedes says the Sprinter's rear cargo doors open 270 degrees for easier loading.

Interior Features
Mercedes says that 2013 Sprinter models with a long wheelbase, an extended body style, and a high roof can carry as much as 547 cubic feet of cargo. The smallest model, a Sprinter equipped with a standard wheelbase, standard length, and a standard roof, totes 318 cubic feet of cargo. High-roof models offer 6.5 feet of standing height inside the cargo area.

Optional Features
Mercedes-Benz offers Sprinter buyers numerous options, depending on the model selected. Metallic paint and leatherette seats are optional, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and a stereo with a CD player. A Premium package includes heated power side mirrors, cruise control, and upgraded front seats. A Cold Climate package provides an electrically heated windshield and heated front seats. A Lighting package adds bi-xenon headlights and headlight washers, and an Accessory package combines the Lighting package with fog lights, a light sensor, and a rain sensor.

Additionally, a Sprinter can be equipped with a variety of window configurations, rear air conditioning and heating, front and rear park-assist sensors, reversing camera, upgraded interior lighting, suspension front seating, and trailering equipment. A set of 16-inch aluminum wheels is available, as well as side curtain air bags, an air bag for the front-seat passenger, dark-tinted privacy glass, roof rails, and more.

For a complete list of Sprinter upgrades, it is best to visit the Sprinter website.

Under the Hood
All 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are equipped with a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder turbo-diesel engine generating 188 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 325 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,400 rpm and 2,400 rpm. A 5-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the rear wheels. Maximum towing capacity is 7,500 pounds and maximum payload capacity measures 5,415 pounds, depending on the model and equipment.

Fuel Economy
The EPA does not rate fuel economy for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) in excess of 8,500 pounds. The smallest 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model has a GVWR of 9,900 pounds.

Safety
The 2013 Mercedes Sprinter vans are equipped with a driver air bag and a standard stability control system that adapts to the weight of any payload in the cargo hold, Mercedes says. Depending on the model, an air bag for the front passenger is optional, and side curtain air bags are available for the driver and front passenger. Additional safety-related upgrades include front and rear park-assist sensors, reversing camera, and a first-aid kit.

As this overview is written, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed crash tests on the 2013 Sprinter. However, the NHTSA gives this van a 1-star (out of 5 stars) rollover resistance rating--the lowest rating possible.