The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a large van first launched in Europe in 1995. Its tall roof, standing-height cabin and car-like driving manners changed what people expected from a van, and in North America it became the default vehicle for everything from package delivery to luxury executive shuttles and wedding transportation. The current, third generation arrived in 2018, and an electric eSprinter is now part of the range.

Sprinter at a glance
Maker Mercedes-Benz Vans
Launched 1995 (Europe); U.S. sales from 2001
Generations Three (1995, 2006, 2018)
Built in Germany; also Ladson (North Charleston), South Carolina, for North America
Passenger versions Up to 15 seats; executive conversions typically 8–14

1995: replacing the “Bremer Transporter”

Before the Sprinter, Mercedes’ large van was the T1, often called the Bremer Transporter after the Bremen plant that built it. Its replacement needed to be more comfortable and more car-like to drive. The first Sprinter delivered that with independent front suspension, disc brakes on all wheels and a range of roof heights and lengths. It quickly became one of Europe’s most popular large vans — so much so that in German-speaking countries, “Sprinter” became a generic word for a big van.

Arriving in America under other names

The Sprinter came to the U.S. in 2001, but not as a Mercedes. It was sold as the Freightliner Sprinter (Freightliner being Daimler’s truck company) and, after the Daimler-Chrysler merger, as the Dodge Sprinter. It was not badged as a Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. until 2010. That story, and the tariff that shaped how Sprinters were built for America, is told in the Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter.

2006: the second generation

The second Sprinter (2006–2018) was bigger, safer and more refined, with electronic stability control that adapted to the load being carried. Its high roof and long wheelbase made it the favorite of the growing luxury van conversion industry in the U.S., which turned Sprinters into mobile boardrooms and VIP shuttles. See executive Sprinter van conversions.

2018: the third generation

The current Sprinter brought:

  • A modern, car-like dashboard with the MBUX infotainment system.
  • Advanced driver assistance, including adaptive cruise control and active brake assist.
  • Front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive versions.
  • A full production plant in Ladson, South Carolina, building Sprinters for North America.

The electric eSprinter

Mercedes offers the eSprinter, a battery-electric version whose latest generation arrived in North America in 2024. It is aimed at delivery fleets first, but electric passenger versions show where group transportation is heading. Read our eSprinter guide.

Why the Sprinter works for group travel

For passengers, the Sprinter’s advantages are simple: you can stand up inside, the seats are individual and comfortable, and there is room for luggage. It carries a group together in one vehicle, which matters for weddings, corporate roadshows, airport pickups for teams and nights out. Read how many passengers and bags fit in a Sprinter, or see our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which carries up to 12 passengers.