New Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes with a nine-speed auto box and front-wheel-drive as John Lewis reports
Restyled externally and with a host of internal changes, Daimler’s latest, third-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes with a variety of new features which should widen its appeal to operators. Among them is the arrival of front-wheel-drive for the first time. Previous versions were rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive (4×4) only.
Choosing front-wheel-drive wins a 50kg payload capacity boost, 0.5cu m more passenger space and a floor height that is 80mm lower than that of rear-wheel-drive models. They remain available alongside the 4×4 derivatives. As well as making it easier for people to climb in and out, the 80mm floor height reduction also means that the door apertures are 80mm higher.
Front-wheel-drive Sprinters gross at from 3.0 to 4.1 tonnes while their rear-wheel-drive counterparts are from 3.0 to 5.5 tonnes. Daimler points out that the latter’s plus-points include a tighter turning circle than front-wheel-drive can offer and greater ride comfort.
Another key development is the introduction of an optional 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic gearbox – a first for this sector – on front-wheel-drive variants alongside a new six-speed manual gearbox. Drivers who want to over-ride the 9G-TRONIC and switch to manual can do so using steering wheel shift paddles.[…]
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