Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
The only time when most of us care even just a little about commercial vehicles is when we're expecting a parcel delivery, but that doesn't mean there aren't people who are interested in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter just as much as you are in the next Lamborghini.
In fact, they might even go out and buy one, because they're the ones who run those delivery companies. Business owners, however, will pay more attention to one of these vehicles' practical features and reliability than its design, so camouflaging them still seems a little overkill.
But it will be a cold day in hell before a manufacturer tests an unreleased model - be it a commercial vehicle - without the mandatory wrapping, so it's best to give up on that fantasy. Besides, Mercedes-Benz has extra reasoning to keep the new Sprinter's looks a secret, since that's the main reason that led to its split with Volkswagen.
The two German companies used to work together previously on the development of the Sprinter and Crafter vans, much like Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat did for their Jumper, Boxer, and Ducato respectively. Joining forces meant lowering the development price, and when it comes to utility vehicles, it's all about cash.
Now, though, both brands wanted to include some of their stylistic identity into the new generations, so they had to part ways. Mercedes-Benz wanted to bring the Sprinter visually closer to the new V-Class, which is considerably smaller and more luxurious.
Not that the new Sprinter won't be a limousine of its own in the segment. Previous spy shots partly revealed the interior, and even though there's enough plastic there to cover the supply for the Lego factory for a week, it's still the cabin you'd want to find yourself in out of any other on the market.
The powertrains are also one of the Sprinter's strong points, and we suspect most of them will carry over with just minor adjustments to increase efficiency (more power, better economy and lower emissions). Expect the Sprinter to get a host of new electronic driver aids as well, further increasing its safety ratings.
Mercedes-Benz used an unusual black wrap to cover the van so far, but this pickup bed is the first time the 2018 Sprinter showed up in the black and white camouflage. That means the car we are looking at here is 100 percent production ready, which also suggests the release date is drawing closer.
How close, though, we're still not sure. Mercedes-Benz should introduce the new Sprinter by the end of this year, but the opportunities to do so are thinning with every day that passes. The only two major motor shows left are the one in Frankfurt and the one in Los Angeles, so take your pick.
But it will be a cold day in hell before a manufacturer tests an unreleased model - be it a commercial vehicle - without the mandatory wrapping, so it's best to give up on that fantasy. Besides, Mercedes-Benz has extra reasoning to keep the new Sprinter's looks a secret, since that's the main reason that led to its split with Volkswagen.
The two German companies used to work together previously on the development of the Sprinter and Crafter vans, much like Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat did for their Jumper, Boxer, and Ducato respectively. Joining forces meant lowering the development price, and when it comes to utility vehicles, it's all about cash.
Now, though, both brands wanted to include some of their stylistic identity into the new generations, so they had to part ways. Mercedes-Benz wanted to bring the Sprinter visually closer to the new V-Class, which is considerably smaller and more luxurious.
Not that the new Sprinter won't be a limousine of its own in the segment. Previous spy shots partly revealed the interior, and even though there's enough plastic there to cover the supply for the Lego factory for a week, it's still the cabin you'd want to find yourself in out of any other on the market.
The powertrains are also one of the Sprinter's strong points, and we suspect most of them will carry over with just minor adjustments to increase efficiency (more power, better economy and lower emissions). Expect the Sprinter to get a host of new electronic driver aids as well, further increasing its safety ratings.
Mercedes-Benz used an unusual black wrap to cover the van so far, but this pickup bed is the first time the 2018 Sprinter showed up in the black and white camouflage. That means the car we are looking at here is 100 percent production ready, which also suggests the release date is drawing closer.
How close, though, we're still not sure. Mercedes-Benz should introduce the new Sprinter by the end of this year, but the opportunities to do so are thinning with every day that passes. The only two major motor shows left are the one in Frankfurt and the one in Los Angeles, so take your pick.
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