Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for sale: everything you need to know

If you need a big van, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has probably already appeared on your shopping list. It’s the benchmark by which all other large vans should be judged, with enormous ability to match its significant stature.

Available in a huge range of body styles and drivelines, there’s a Sprinter for just about every need you could possibly imagine, be that simple local deliveries in a short-body, low-roof variant with front-wheel drive, or a tipper model with all-wheel drive ready for the building site. And it does all that while being comfortable, easy to drive, and well-equipped too.

The Sprinter doesn’t have the big van space all to itself, with rivals including the ‘Backbone of Britain’ Ford Transit, the Volkswagen Crafter, and French options such as the Peugeot Boxer and Renault Master. But the Sprinter is the pick of the bunch.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been around since 1995. You’ll be most familiar with those early models from the dramatic encroachment of iron oxide from virtually every seam and panel gap, but modern Sprinters don’t imitate fishing trawlers quite as quickly these days, yet have kept the size and versatility of their forebears.

The number of Sprinter variants is frankly enormous. There are three variants of the same 2-litre diesel engine, split between three trim levels. Then things get serious, with four body lengths, three roof heights, and depending on the engine, either front, rear, or all-wheel drive. That’s ignoring the Luton van, dropside, tipper, and chassis cab models, and of course the all-electric e-Sprinter.

So depending on that little lot, there’s probably a Sprinter out there for just about any business user. And while they don’t have the same levels of kit as Mercedes’ cars do, all new Sprinters get an MBUX-equipped infotainment system as standard, which includes voice control so drivers won’t have to be handling mobile devices on the move. ESP, crosswind assist and attention assist features improve safety, too.

Impressive too is the way the Sprinter drives. Handling in vans is judged by different standards to cars, but the Sprinter is still one of the best vans of its type to drive, it’s composed whether lightly or heavily loaded, and rides well too. The cabin is comfortable, though you’ll need to trade up to Premium trim to benefit from air conditioning - something to bear in mind when shopping used, too.

In our opinion the Sprinter is the best van in its class, and that’s against some tough competition. The Volkswagen Crafter is another high-quality van, while the Ford Transit remains very good to drive, and like the Mercedes, both offer a wide range of variants. The Peugeot Boxer and its ilk, and the Renault Master represent good value too, though they don't have the wide range of talents of the Sprinter.

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What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model to buy?

The best used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a tough one to answer, because the wide variety of models on offer will suit some users better than others. As a general rule though, the smaller, front-wheel drive models carry the least but have the best fuel efficiency, while rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants are the load-luggers, but will naturally use more diesel.

Premium specification is desirable for its air conditioning, reversing camera, and more comfortable driver’s seat, but kit on the basic Pure version isn’t too bad - the touchscreen and smartphone integration are very welcome. Don’t forget the e-Sprinter either - its lower payload and modest range may not be too limiting for around-town use, and electric vans are a doddle to drive.

Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fuel economy and performance

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter x15: All Sprinters are powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The first of these makes 150PS and comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. A nine-speed automatic is optional, while there are front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive layout options. Combined economy is up to 32.8mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter x17: The next 2.0-litre diesel makes 170PS and has the same gearbox options as the x15, but is rear-wheel drive only. In its most efficient body shape it can do 31mpg combined.
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter x19: The x19 makes 190PS from another 2.0-litre diesel,  is offered in manual or automatic formats, and is rear-wheel drive, with an all-wheel drive model in the Euro VI emissions class. The most efficient rear-drive models have combined economy of up to 26.9mpg, and AWD models 22.9mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz e-Sprinter: The e-Sprinter is the electric variant in the range, with a 114PS electric motor at the front axle, a 55kWh battery pack and a range just shy of 83 miles on a charge (up to 109 in urban driving), or nearly 96 miles with a 50mph speed limiter in place.

What used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter trim levels are available?

Like many vans of this size the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter isn’t just separated by different trim levels but different body styles too. The trims below apply to both the panel van and the crew cab variants (available in several wheelbase and roof heights), while the electric e-Sprinter is limited to the Progressive trim line. Luton van, dropside, tipper, and chassis cab variants are also available, with their own levels of specification. From new there’s also a huge range of options.

• The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Pure features a basic level of equipment including start-stop, cruise control, keyless start, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Mercedes’ MBUX system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
• The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Progressive gets all the same kit as the Pure, but adds an adjustable steering column with height and rake adjustment, a driver’s armrest, and wooden flooring in the load area.
• The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Premium is where air conditioning finally joins the party, along with nicer fabric upholstery for the seats, an upgraded driver’s seat, wheel trims for the steel wheels, and a reversing camera.

Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dimensions and load capacity

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s dimensions are:

• Length: 5267mm (L1), 5932mm (L2, e-Sprinter), 6967mm (L3), 7367mm (L4)
• Width: 2020mm (without mirrors), 2345mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 2356mm (H1), 2638mm (H2), 2687mm (e-Sprinter), 2831mm (H3)
• Ground clearance: 143-162mm (FWD/RWD), 150mm (e-Sprinter), 219mm (AWD)

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s load capacity is:

• 7.8 cubic metres (L1H1)
• 9.5 cubic metres (L2H1)
• 11.0 cubic metres (L2H2 FWD)
• 11.0 cubic metres (e-Sprinter)
• 10.5 cubic metres (L2H2 RWD/AWD)
• 10.5 cubic metres (L2H2 AWD)
• 14.0 cubic metres (L3H2 RWD/AWD)
• 15.5 cubic metres (L3H3 RWD/AWD)
• 15.5 cubic metres (L4H2)
• 17.0 cubic metres (L4H3)
• Payload 731kg (e-Sprinter), 852kg (x15 L2H1 FWD) to 2813kg (x19 L2H2 AWD)

Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter road tax

Like all vans, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has a flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’, costing £320 per year for the 2023/2024 tax year, or £176 if you pay every six months.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

With such a vast range of potential model combinations, Mercedes doesn’t list insurance group ratings for the Sprinter, and these will also depend on the circumstances of both driver and usage. We would recommend speaking to your broker to see how much a particular model might cost to insure.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz Sprinter review