History and description of Mercedes-Benz cars: Sprinter, Vito

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - is a light commercial vehicle (M-segment according to European classification) produced by a German car manufacturer Daimler AG from 1995 to the present. The body design is produced as a 4-door van, 2-door flatbed truck, cabin on chassis, 4-door minibus, refrigerator and special vehicles (ambulance, manipulator, office, etc.). The maximum lifting capacity is 5.5 tons (third generation). In addition to Mercedes-Benz, it was sold in various countries under the Dodge, Freightliner and Volkswagen brands.

First generation (903, 1995−2006)

The car was first produced in 1995 in Germany to replace the outdated van and truck "Mercedes-Benz TN". The new vehicle was designated "T1N". That same year it was awarded the "International Van of the Year" award (International Van of the Year), which is awarded annually by specialist journalists to new van models appearing on the European market. Development began in 1992 and prototypes were tested for three years in Spain, Germany and France. Over 1.3 million vehicles were produced during the 11 years of the first generation.

The suspension is completely independent, unlike its predecessor. There is a transverse spring in the front and two longitudinal springs in the back. The steering is rack and pinion with power steering. The engine was located in the front under the hood, the drive was to the rear wheels. A little later, a model with all-wheel drive appeared. There were three types of bodywork - a van, a minibus and a flatbed truck.

Engines before 2000 were mainly diesel with the following characteristics: 2.3 liters "208 D" / "308 D" / "408 D" (2299 cm³, OM601, I4, 78 hp), 2.9 liters "210 D" / "310 D" / "410 D" (2874 cm³, OM602, I5, 101 hp) and 2.9 liters "212 D" / "312 D" / "412 D" (2874 cm³, OM602, I5, 120 hp). The petrol engine was the same throughout the entire production period of the generation with a volume of 2.3 liters "214" / "314" / "414" (2295 cm³, M111, I4, 141 hp). The gearbox was installed as a 5-speed automatic or manual.

In 2000, the car was modernized. Diesel engines were updated to the following specifications - 2.1 liters (2148 cm³, OM611, I4, 81, 108 and 127 hp) and 2.7 liters (2685 cm³, OM612/OM647, I5, 154 hp). These engines had a fuel system "Common Rail". The inscription "CDI" was added to the name of the cars. All cars began to be equipped with an electronic stabilization system (ESP). In 2003, another update was carried out, which mainly affected the appearance.

In North America, production and sales began in 2001 under the brand "Freightliner", and since 2003 under the brand "Dodge". In Japan, the car was sold under the name "Transporter T1N" due to the overlap with the name of a Japanese compact car "Toyota Sprinter". In Russia, in 2013, they began production of a modernized (model after 2000) car with the name "Sprinter Classic", which is still being assembled at the Gorky Automobile Plant.

Second generation (906, 2006−2018)

Next generation with code "906" also known as "NCV3" (New Concept Van 3) presented in Europe in 2006. In North America, the car appeared in 2007. Received the "Van of the Year" award from journalists in 2007 and 2008. The body was a 2-door flatbed truck, as well as a 4-door van and minibus. The shortest wheelbase was about 3000 mm, the longest was 4025 mm. Externally, the car received increased headlights and a radiator grille, a change in the shape of the front side windows, as well as other less noticeable changes.

The engine was located in the front, the drive was on the rear wheels, and some cars were also available with all-wheel drive. The gasoline engine was increased in volume to 3.5 liters (3498 cm³, M272, V6) with a capacity of 268 hp. There were two modifications of diesel engines - 2.1 liters (2148 cm³, OM646, I4, 107 hp) and 3.0 liters (2987 cm³, OM642, V6, 190 hp). All diesel engines are equipped with a fuel system "Common Rail". Transmissions were 6-speed manual, 5- or 7-speed automatic. Some models were equipped with air suspension.

In 2013, the car was updated. Some driver assistance functions were added, such as blind spot monitoring, collision avoidance system, electronic crosswind protection, lane keeping assist system, automatic switching of low/high beam, etc. A new generation radio was installed inside, the emission level was brought into compliance with the Euro VI standards. The radiator grille, headlights, upholstery, and steering wheel were also changed.

In 2014, another update was carried out, which affected the radiator grille, and new engines were also added. Petrol with a volume of 1.8 liters (1796 cm³, M271, I4, 156 hp), which can also run on natural gas. Diesel engines with BlueTEC technology with a volume of 2.1 liters (2143 cm³, OM651, I4, twin turbo, 94, 127 and 161 hp) and 3.0 liters (2987 cm³, OM642, V6, turbo, 187 hp).

Third generation (907/910, 2018–present)

The third generation of the car with the code "907/910" and the designation "VS30" was presented on February 6, 2018 in the newly built Mercedes-Benz logistics center on the Mercator Island in Duisburg. For the first time, in addition to the rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive models were available. They have an 80 mm lower floor, which makes loading more convenient. The body is available as a van, bus, flatbed truck, cab on chassis.

The car is equipped with many existing driver assistance and safety systems available in passenger cars. New features include all-round cameras, automatic parking, rain sensor, keyless entry. New multimedia system "MBUX" (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) together with the service "Mercedes PRO connect" ensures constant presence online and maintaining communication with other drivers and the dispatcher, who has access to all the parameters and location of all connected vehicles, which makes fleet management as efficient as possible.

One 3.0 liter gasoline engine (2997 cm³, M276, V6, 190 hp). There are three modifications of diesel engines, all with a volume of 2.1 liters (2143 cm³, OM651, I4, twin turbo, 114, 143 and 163 hp). Front-wheel drive cars are equipped with new gearboxes - 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic.

Sprinter III 2018, truck

Sprinter III 2018, bus

Sprinter III 2018, interior

Mercedes-Benz Vito (V-Class)

Mercedes-Benz V-Class — a large minivan produced by the German automobile company "Mercedes-Benz" in the form of a panel van (Vito) or a passenger bus (Viano). In the passenger car segment, it was sold under the brand name "V-Class". Production began in 1996 and to date, the model has three generations. "V-Class" is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, has three lengths and two wheelbases. The engine is located transversely at the front, both petrol and diesel models are available with manual or automatic transmission.

First generation (W638, 1996−2003)

The first generation of "Vito" with the code W638 began to be produced in 1996 at a plant in Spain. The name Vito comes from the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain, where these minivans were produced. Initially, the car wanted to be called Vitoria, but Seat protected this name for its own use.

The first generation Vito was produced in the following versions:

• Mixto with two rows of seats and a small cargo compartment;
• Minibus Transporter with three rows of seats;
• Panel van with one row of seats and a large cargo area;
• Motorhome "Vito F" or "Vito Marco Polo";
• A passenger car version called "V-Class".

The length of the car was 4660 mm, width 1870 mm, height 1844 mm, wheelbase 3000 mm and unladen weight 2700 kg. In 1996, the Vito was named Van of the Year.

The petrol engine lineup included three 2.0-litre models (1998 cm³, M 111 E 20, R4, 129 hp), 2.3 liters (2295 cm³, M 111 E 23, R4, 143 hp) and 2.8 liters (2792 cm³, VR6, 174 hp). Diesel engines were installed with a volume of 2.3 liters (2299 cm³, OM 601, R4, 79/98 hp) and 2.2 liters (2151 cm³, OM 611, 82/102/122 hp). The gearbox was a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The drive was only on the front wheels.

Second generation (W639, 2003−2014)

The second generation of the Mercedes Vito began to be produced in July 2003 with the code W639 for the regular version and V639 for the extended version. The main difference is the rear wheel drive, which allowed to reduce the turning radius somewhat. The body length is from 4750 to 5223 mm, the width is 1901 mm, the height is 1903 mm, the wheelbase is from 3200 to 3430 mm. The curb weight is from 1790 to 2190 kg. The Vito model is available in three versions:

• Panel van with seating for up to three and a large cargo area;
• Mixto with up to six seats in two rows and a smaller luggage compartment;
• Station wagon with up to nine seats.

The Viano model as a passenger car is available in four trim levels: Trend, Fun, Ambiente and Avantgarde. Since 2007, a model with a high-end X-Clusive trim level has appeared. The main production of the second generation Vito and Viano was also carried out in Spain in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, but since 2008, assembly has been established in Mexico, and since 2010 in China. In 2005, the Vito was recognized as the van of the year. In October 2010, the facelift of the model was presented. In addition to the engines, the appearance of the lighting system and radiator grille has changed.

Petrol engines were installed only 6-cylinder V-shaped engines of the following volumes: 3.2 liters (3199 cm³, M112 E32, 190/218 hp), 3.5 liters (3498 cm³, M272 E35, 258 hp) and 3.7 liters (3724 cm³, M112 E37, 231 hp). Diesel engines were installed as 4-cylinder in-line units with a capacity of 2.2 liters (2143 cm³, OM 651 DE 22, 95/136/163 hp) and 2.3 liters (2148 cm³, OM 646 DE 22, 88/95/116/150 hp), as well as 6-cylinder V-shaped 3.0 liters (2987 cm³, OM 642 DE 30, 204/224 cm³)The gearbox was a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic (TouchShift).

Third generation (W447, 2014−present)

The third generation of small vans from the German car manufacturer "Daimler AG" is produced with the code W447. For the first time, this generation of the van will be available in North America under the name "Metris". The rear side doors are made in the form of sliding doors. The drag coefficient is 0.32. The cars have a monocoque body made of sheet steel. Two wheelbase options are available: 3200 mm and 3430 mm, and three body lengths: 4895 mm, 5140 mm and 5370 mm. The width is 1928 mm, the height is 1880 mm. The curb weight is from 1800 kg to 1976 kg. The front suspension is MacPherson with triangular wishbones, the rear suspension is on semi-independent arms. Rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive models have also become available.

Until 2019, 2.0-liter gasoline engines were installed (1991 cm³, M274 DE 20, R4, 211 hp), as well as 1.6 liter diesel engines (1598 cm³, OM622 DE 16, R4, 88/114 hp) and 2.1 liters (2143 cm³, OM651 DE 22, R4, 136/163/190 hp). After 2019, diesel engines were updated to the following models - 1.8 liters (1749 cm³, OM622 DE 17, R4, 102/136 hp) and 2.0 liters (1950 cm³, OM654, R4, 136/163/190/237 hp), all with single or twin turbocharging. Gearbox 6-speed manual and 7- or 9-speed automatic.

In 2018, Mercedes-Benz introduced a fully electric version of the e-Vito with an 84 kW electric motor and a range of 150 km. In early 2019, Mercedes introduced an electric V-class called the EQV. Unlike the Vito van, the Mercedes-Benz EQV is a large passenger car with up to eight seats. Its engine output is 15 kW, and its range is 350 km.

Vito W447, interior

Vito W447, salon

Vito W447, trunk