The thought of purchasing a 2011 Mercedes-Benz van might initially raise eyebrows, especially when considering more budget-friendly options from Ford or GM. It’s true, the Sprinter, even back then, carried a higher price tag. Interestingly, just a couple of years prior, this same vehicle was marketed as the Dodge Sprinter, a remnant from the DaimlerChrysler era. For all intents and purposes, it remains the same exceptional van. While the Dodge Sprinter was arguably worth its premium, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter demands an even steeper price, suggesting the three-pointed star carries significant weight in perceived value.
However, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter justifies its cost through superior construction and design compared to its American counterparts, although it’s important to note it’s built to a different standard than Mercedes-Benz’s luxury car line. One of the most compelling advantages is its sheer size and intelligently designed interior. The Sprinter boasts an incredibly low load floor for a full-size van, yet offers remarkable interior height, easily accommodating someone over six feet tall standing upright in the cargo area. This contrasts sharply with competitors like the 2011 Ford E-Series, where maximum interior height is considerably restricted. In its largest configuration, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cargo van provides a massive 547 cubic feet of storage. To put this into perspective, a 2011 Chevrolet Express offers a maximum of only 237.3 cubic feet. This significant difference in cargo capacity makes the 2011 Mercedes-Benz van an ideal choice for businesses and individuals requiring substantial hauling capabilities.
Despite its larger dimensions and increased height, maneuvering the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is surprisingly manageable, especially in urban environments. Contrary to expectations that it would handle like a large truck, the Sprinter’s modern chassis engineering allows for greater agility than traditional full-size vans from Detroit manufacturers. Driving the 2011 Mercedes-Benz van feels surprisingly normal, with the exception of the expansive windshield and short front end, which enhance visibility and maneuverability in tight spaces.
Fuel efficiency is another key area where the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter excels, thanks to its turbocharged diesel engine. Under the Mercedes-Benz badge, this engine delivers enhanced power compared to its Dodge iteration. Furthermore, it incorporates Mercedes Bluetec technology, ensuring cleaner emissions comparable to gasoline engines. While the diesel V6 engine in the 2011 Mercedes-Benz van provides torque figures similar to smaller V8 engines in rival vans, horsepower is notably lower. Acceleration is not a strong suit of the Sprinter, and its name might be considered somewhat ironic in this regard. Therefore, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz van is optimally suited for city and suburban driving rather than high-speed highway cruising.
For those who find the Mercedes-Benz branding too ostentatious, the Sprinter is also available as a Freightliner with virtually identical specifications. However, the price point remains nearly the same, which is arguably the most significant drawback of this vehicle. Although the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers clear advantages in numerous aspects over older designs from Ford and GM, the additional cost may be difficult for some buyers to justify. This is unfortunate, as the Sprinter represents a significant step up in terms of functionality and design in the full-size van segment. As a practical alternative, exploring the used market for a Dodge Sprinter could be a worthwhile strategy to access the core benefits of this van at a potentially lower price.
