The Mercedes Sprinter is one of the most popular vans currently in the automotive market. It is fundamentally a versatile cargo van, but the German brand offers the Sprinter in different body styles. You can use the van for cargo transportation, convert it into a passenger van, or better yet, as a camper to double the fun on your outdoor adventure. In recent years, the Mercedes Sprinter has become a hit among camping enthusiasts. The van is capable of being converted to a full-fledged camper with a running kitchen and a bedroom.
The conversion companies that make such modifications, add enough space for cargo storage and ample room for living space. However, if you can build any van, why choose the Mercedes Sprinter over others? The GMC Savanna or the Ford Transit can be used in the same way, right? Well, there are quite a few reasons for the Sprinter’s dominance over its competition. It's not just an ordinary cargo van, but it has extra features that make it a viable option for avid campers.
Let’s dive a bit deeper and discover why the Mercedes Sprinter puts other vans to shame.
Engine & Performance
A van's performance plays a huge role in determining if it can be used as a camper or not. For a cargo van to be a successful camper, it should have a powerful engine that can carry the weight of the modifications you make in the back. The Mercedes Sprinter scores considerably well in that department with two powertrain options available from the manufacturer. You get to choose between a 3.0-liter V6 diesel and a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.
The inline-four engine is the preferred choice for city driving and light-duty operations. The 2.0L petrol engine produces 188 horsepower thanks to a 9-speed automatic transmission. However, when it comes to heavy-duty work and camping, the V6 engine is the premium option. The diesel has the same 188 hp power output but 325 lb-ft of amazing low-end torque. That is exactly what you need in a camper! An engine that can produce so much turning force that you have no difficulty driving in the gravel or mud.
If you think that's interesting, wait until you find out that the Sprinter is the only full-size van with four-wheel drive. Imagine a four-wheel-drive camper that is powered by German engineering. That's a dream come true for most!
What’s more, the Mercedes Sprinter can haul up to 5000 pounds of weight, so you can even attach a large trailer behind it without compromising on the van’s performance. All the other vehicles in this segment do not come near the Sprinter’s towing capacity.
Driving-Aid & Tech
When it comes to campers, you want your drive to be safe and free of any accidents. Mercedes cares about your safety and that of your vehicle, which is why you will find a host of driver-assist and safety features in your Sprinter. The latest model can be equipped with a rear cross-traffic alert; parking assist with a rearview camera, drive-away assist, active lane-keeping assist, active cruise control with distance assist, active braking assist, downhill speed regulation, a new windshield-wiper cleaning system, blind-spot assist, trailer stability assist, and a revised crosswind-assist system. For an extra amount of money, all the above features can be added to the vehicle and if you ask us, they're necessary in the modern world.
Interior Comfort
The Sprinter is a van, but in essence, it is a Mercedes, which means you'll find hints of luxury everywhere inside the cabin. The all-black interior has a top-class finish with features that are necessary for a van. For instance, the dashboard has a basic sound system with Bluetooth, USB-C, and a small LCD screen.
If you want, you can add an upgrade to get a 7.0-inch touchscreen, or if you want to up the ante a bit more, you can opt for a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. However, there's no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in the entire setup.
What's more, you get a very comfortable driving seat with a swivel option for easy entry and exit into the vehicle. Such features make the Mercedes Sprinter a hot commodity in the camper segment.
Parting Shot
It obviously helps if you're buying a 2020 Mercedes Sprinter with all the latest options, including modern technology and driving aids. However, the older models offer just as much, if not less. The engine and payload capacity are the deciding factors when you're considering buying a camper. The Mercedes Sprinter scores brilliantly in both those departments, with no other competitor coming close. You would never regret going for the Mercedes over a Ford, a GMC, or even a Nissan NV. There's simply no beating the German's in quality, performance, and comfort.