The summer test season in Europe brings a real range of new vehicles tested and we can now see that it includes more important transport vehicles such as 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, our spy photographers spotted tests in the south of Spain. It still seems that the new generation will not look radically different, except for the front fascia.
From the appearance of 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the headlights are thinner, only meet around half the grid. The grid seems to extend even further into the nose, but this may be an illusion caused by the redesigned headlights. The hood does not look as tilted as the current van. Otherwise, the rest of the body resembles pretty much what you will find on 2017 Sprinters.
For the simple design of the overhaul, it might be more interesting. It will undoubtedly be launched with a range of gasoline and diesel engines, we have heard that the next Sprinter will accommodate electric powertrains and stand-alone technology. We doubt that the bump on the roof is an autonomous housing technology. It is more likely to contain some type of climate control or telecommunications equipment. We also hope that the new truck will be fully revealed next year.
For the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, this new Sprinter is planned to replace the outgoing model that actually has a twin brother in the Volkswagen Crafter – both are built at the Mercedes-Benz facilities in Ludwigsfelde and Düsseldorf. This time, when the Sprinter 2018 goes into production, it will be a Mercedes-Benz product.
When the next Sprinter van makes its debut, it should also be offered with different forms of electrified powertrain, including plug-in hybrids and fully electric versions. The German manufacturer has also found a volume buyer for its future electrified versions of both Vito and Sprinter in the messaging service provider Hermes, which said it intends to buy around 1,500 units of EVs from Vito And Sprinter by 2020, according to Inside EVs.
The German courier service provider aims to totally reduce emissions in urban areas of all major German cities by 2025, according to the report.
“The electric motor is a key technology for urban transport, especially in the trade, and last-minute deliveries must be more efficient and in specific emissions-free applications.” We are proud that we can already announce that Hermes will be our first Customer, and with a significant number of vehicles on it, “said the head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volker Mornhinweg.
An important key aspect for the future is the gradual electrification of our fleet in urban areas. At the same time, we are continuing to upgrade to low-emission Euro 6 vehicles, “said Frank Rausch, CEO of Hermes Germany GmbH. The logistics provider has partnered with Mercedes-Benz since 1972.