Mercedes Freshens Sprinter and Makes it the World's First Van to Meet Euro VI Standards

One of Europe's most popular van series, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, has received a mild facelift that affords it a fresh face, updated tech and safety features, and most importantly, a full range of engines that meet the strict Euro VI emissions standard.

In its latest incarnation, Merc's big van gains a more serious looking, squared off front end and double-segmented taillights. The German automaker did not share any photos of the interior, but it tells us that the revised Sprinter comes with new upholstery and seat coverings, a thicker steering wheel, available chrome appliques, a redesigned gearshift knob, and a new-generation radio system with Bluetooth and navigation.

On the safety front, the 2014 model year Sprinter debuts a series of new systems, including the standard Crosswind Assist, and the optional Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

Mercedes brags about the Sprinter being the first van in the world with a complete range of Euro VI compliant engines. It is available with four- and six-cylinder turbo diesel units with outputs ranging from 94hp (95PS / 70kW) to 188hp (190PS / 140kW), and a Euro VI compliant 1.8-liter supercharged four-cylinder natural gas engine featuring direct injection that churns out 154hp (156PS or 115kW).

Depending on the model, power is transmitted by the ECO-Gear six-speed manual gearbox or the 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission with lock-up clutch.

Mercedes will begin accepting orders for the new Sprinter in June and deliver the first vans to customers in September.

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