If you’re tired of anonymous electric jelly beans from Mercedes, you’re in luck as the company is bringing a boxy, new EV to America. However, we’re not talking about the EQG but rather the eSprinter.
Currently available to order, the electric high roof cargo van starts at $71,886 and has a 170 inch (4,318 mm) wheelbase as well as a 2,624 pound (1,190 kg) payload capacity. Buyers will also find 488 cubic feet (13,819 liters) of cargo room, which makes it ideal for last-mile deliveries.
Mercedes didn’t say much about equipment, but the cargo van is sparsely equipped. That isn’t surprising given its purpose, but the model comes with cruise control and a heated cloth driver’s seat.
More: 2024 Mercedes eSprinter Coming To America With 249 Mile WLTP Electric Range
An assortment of options will be available including a power sliding door and 16-inch alloy wheels. Other upgrades include leatherette seats, a heated leather steering wheel, and a digital rear view mirror.
Customers can also get a 10.25-inch MBUX infotainment system, which boasts EV-specific navigation. Mercedes said it “updates the range in real time depending on the current traffic situation and the topography of the route” and “also calculates the best possible charging strategy to get to the destination as quickly as possible, or to have the desired state of charge at the destination.”
Power is provided by a 113 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, which feeds a rear-mounted electric motor developing 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Customers can also upgrade to a 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) motor for an additional $3,430.
Mercedes didn’t mention an EPA range, but said the van can travel up to 249 miles (400 km) in the WLTP cycle. Regardless, the battery can go from a 0-100% charge in approximately 12.5 hours with a 240V/32A wallbox charger.
The model comes standard with a dismal 50 kW DC fast charging capability, but customers can upgrade to a 115 kW rating for $593. It enables the battery to go from a 10% to 80% charge in a little over 40 minutes.
On the topic of range, Mercedes said the eSprinter has three driving programs and five recuperation stages. The automaker said they “optimize electrical consumption and range” as the D Auto setting “automatically defines the energy recovery rate based on the traffic situation” while “a radar sensor automatically adjusts the recuperation strength to ensure optimized recuperation.”
Note: Prices exclude a $2,295 destination and delivery charge
