Mercedes-Benz Sprinter celebrates its 30th anniversary
The first van from the Star to have a proper name rather than an abbreviation. To celebrate, a special 30th anniversary series debuts
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the large Sprinter van in 2025 with a special series and an equally special exhibition at the Stuttgart Museum. The "30 Years Sprinter" edition will be available from the beginning of February and emphasises all the premium aspects of the van. Developed on the basis of the Select version, it offers the new Driver Assistance Package and additional comfort features as integrated special equipment as standard.
From 4 February to 30 March 2025, visitors to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart can also find out more about the history of the Sprinter family. The first generation Sprinter, the current Sprinter and the eSprinter will be on display. First-time visitors will receive a special anniversary gift when they buy their ticket. The museum shop also has a pop-up corner with Sprinter fan merchandise.
An ambitious project
Thirty years ago, the brand with the star launched the Sprinter, a van that was to make history. The first Mercedes-Benz van with a strong identity, it changed the light commercial vehicle segment in 1995.
Mercedes-Benz 30 years of Sprinter
During these 30 years, the Sprinter has won customers all over the world thanks to its popularity with aftermarket tuners and conversion specialists, who continue to adapt it for a wide range of uses. In fact, 75 per cent of all Sprinters in the world have been customised. It has also been available as a fully electric vehicle for about five years. In the course of 2025, the Sprinter will also reach the 5 million sales mark.
Mercedes-Benz 30 years of Sprinter
1995, the beginning of a new van era
The Sprinter was unveiled in the spring of 1995. It followed in the footsteps of the legendary T1/TN and was the first van with the star to have its own name. It inherited only the basic technical concept from its predecessor, everything else was designed from scratch.
Mercedes-Benz 30 years of Sprinter- I Gen.
The combination of a monocoque body with rear-wheel drive, a modern chassis with independent front suspension and powerful engines was an absolute novelty at the time. In addition, the first Sprinter was fitted as standard with four disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS), an automatic differential, height-adjustable three-point seat belts and seat-mounted safety belts. A driver's airbag was available as an option.
Mercedes-Benz 30 years of Sprinter- I Gen.
The GVWR was originally limited to 3,500 kg. Since 2000, the driver's airbag has been standard, with an optional passenger airbag extending protection to the second passenger on the double bench seat. Windowbags and ASR traction control have also been available since mid-2000 along with the introduction of the electronic stability programme ESP.
Mercedes-Benz 30 years of Sprinter- II Gen.
2006, technological and safety update
The second generation Sprinter was launched at the beginning of 2006. There was a choice of three wheelbases, four lengths, three roof heights and gross vehicle weights from 3.0 to 5.0 tonnes. ESP was also introduced as standard on closed versions up to 3.5 tonnes. Two years later it became standard on all body versions up to 3.5 tonnes GVW. Since 2008, air suspension has been available as an option to increase comfort and safety.
Mercedes-Benz 30 years of Sprinter - 2nd Gen.
Another milestone followed in 2009 with the introduction of BlueEfficiency: a system of measures aimed at maximising efficiency, which introduced the new six-speed manual gearbox and the automatic start/stop system to the Sprinter, resulting in improved driving dynamics and a significant reduction in fuel consumption. 2013 saw the introduction of Crosswind Assist, a completely new safety system for a van. From 2016 the Sprinter will also be available in a 5.5-tonne version.
Mercedes-Benz 30 years of Sprinter - 3rd Gen.
2018/2019, connectivity and wide variety of choice
The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was launched in 2018. The Sprinter not only retained the existing range of variants, but also expanded it, thanks in part to the introduction of front-wheel drive. The 2018 Sprinter sets new standards, particularly in terms of infotainment and connectivity, thanks to the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system, available for the first time in a commercial vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz 30 years of Sprinter - 3rd Gen.
The Sprinter now responds to voice commands and enables the use of central fleet, vehicle, driver and location services. In terms of safety features, Mercedes-Benz has once again taken the vehicle to a new level, for example with DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist. The next milestone will be reached in 2019 with the launch of the first eSprinter.
Mercedes-Benz 30 years of Sprinter - 3rd Gen.
2024. More versatile than ever
Efficiency, range and load capacity: the latest Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is an all-rounder. The eSprinter is available in two body versions and lengths, with three battery sizes and a range of up to 478 kilometres (WLTP). It is based on a new three-module concept that allows the platform to be easily adapted to other vehicle variants. With a load volume of up to 14 cubic metres and a gross vehicle weight of up to 4.25 tonnes.
Mercedes-Benz 30 years of Sprinter - 3rd Gen.
Since last year, the conventionally powered Sprinter has been joined by the eSprinter, which has been updated in terms of connectivity and safety. Both models feature the latest generation MBUX multimedia system with new Digital Extras as standard. The safety and assistance systems have also been upgraded: Active Brake Assist now includes a Forward Collision Warning function.
More Sprinter spirit:
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