2018 Mercedes Sprinter Tourer – Ergonomics and Functionality at Passenger Car Level. 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Tourer – Drive, Interior and Exterior. Color: Brilliant Silver Metallic, Rear-wheel drive.
Two ergonomically designed individual seats in the cab of a commercially used panel van or 20 seats for 19 passengers plus the driver in the Sprinter Bus. This is the bandwidth of the seating configurations in the new Sprinter. In addition to offering segment-leading variability, the third generation of this bestseller adapts even more closely than before to the individual needs of the driver and passengers. With Easy Mounting, Mercedes-Benz Vans has also developed a new system with which seat rows can install and remove from the Sprinter Tourer, which replaces the previous crewbus, without assistance.
The wellbeing of the driver plays an important part in the safety of the vehicle’s occupants. A fit and well-rested driver is well equipped to perform his/her tasks safely and reliably, and cope with possible dangers. Comfortable driver and co-driver seats in different versions create the ideal conditions for this with precise adjustments for individual needs. This is also confirmed by the seal of approval from “Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR) e.V.”. The back muscles remain relaxed even on long journeys. Suspension seats ensure maximum spring comfort. The driver’s seat Plus has flattened side bolsters on the seat cushion for e.g. courier, express and parcel service drivers who need to enter and exit frequently. A folding seat on the co-driver’s side facilitates entry and exit on that side.
Electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function are new in the Sprinter segment. They store the seat and exterior mirror settings for up to three drivers – an important convenience in pool vehicles that are used by several drivers. Other configurations can be set manually at any time.
Also new in the Sprinter segment is the Easy Mounting function, which is standard for all Tourer rear seats. It is intuitive to use, and the seats can be installed and removed ergonomically and therefore more efficiently. The bench seats are quickly and easily unlocked using one hand. Rollers ensure particularly easy handling, and prevent damage to trays and flooring. The comfort bench seats make for even more comfort on long journeys.
For passenger transport, the new Sprinter is available with different configurations in the passenger compartment and different equipment variants for the seating. The seats can be optionally equipped with an armrest, four-way head-restraint and backrest angle adjustment, and if required can also feature USB charging sockets and stowage space for smartphones. This makes the new Sprinter ideal as a club bus for away matches or as a luxurious shuttle bus.
The third Sprinter generation sets completely new standards when it comes to telematics. The new multimedia systems leave no wish unanswered when it comes to connectivity and the latest technology. The MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) has a 10.25-inch HD display, and is controlled either via the touch-capable steering wheel controls, the touchscreen or a completely new voice control system. The central display is the communication centre for all the information collated here. Mercedes PRO connect services such as the dynamic route guidance function “Live Traffic” are refined by intelligent algorithms: the telematic system gets to know the user from previous behaviour, and makes suitable suggestions for e.g. destinations, contacts or radio stations. Personal points of interest (POIs) can also be added via a USB interface. This can also be done via Mercedes PRO connect. Additional information such as fuel prices at various filling stations in the vicinity, or weather data, can also be shown.
A technological quantum leap has also occurred with respect to voice control and voice output: The optimised voice control is activated by keywords, and also registers everyday speech. The infotainment system responds to the statement “The fuel tank is empty” by suggesting filling stations in the area or along the chosen route. Messages can also be dictated, and are reliably recognised. A high-speed (LTE-capable) internet connection integrated into the vehicle can either be used exclusively for the connectivity services of Mercedes PRO (see section on “Mercedes PRO connect”), or as a hotspot to connect separate mobile devices.
