Mercedes Benz Sprinter 4x4. Thoughts?

[adrstout]

This seems like it could have some popularity on the forum in the future:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/minivans-vans/1411_2015_mercedes_benz_sprinter_4x4_first_drive/

I imagine the capabilities are enough to get most places folks would want to go with plenty of space. I won't be selling my Taco as a down payment anytime soon but this could be an interesting vehicle.

 

[mhiscox]

There are several posts about this already scattered around the Portal, including the Motor Trend article. Searching for "Sprinter" in the titles of threads will get you information dating back quite a while.

That said (and as the article makes clear), the test course MBz let the journalist drive--there are articles in most of the magazines and auto blogs--was so lame that there was little to be learned. It'll have to wait, I suspect, for delivery of the first vans this spring to get a good idea of the capabilities. Most all of us agree that the addition of 4WD and a low range will be a valuable addition for an overlander for keeping stress down when caught in snow and mud. On the other hand, limited tire size and very limited aftermarket support with suspensions, skidplates, rocker guards, winch bumpers, etc., mean that it will rarely serve as a serious off-road truck. But if you are of the school of thought that says that 4WD is to use to get unstuck, after which you find a better route, the Sprinter system should be good.

By the way, if you are seriously interested in the topic, the Sprinter Source forum (www.sprinter-source.com) will have better than ten times the discussion of the truck as you'll find on ExPo.

 

[adrstout]

Thanks for the info, Mike. I just saw the article pop up on Motor Trend and thought it must be new. Haha, should have searched more first.