Mercedes-Benz has reportedly delayed its next-generation eSprinter business van. According to Automotive News, a supply who was briefed on the delay claims that as an alternative of manufacturing within the U.S. starting in late 2026, it’ll as an alternative start someday in the summertime of 2028.
European manufacturing will reportedly start sooner than the U.S., but it surely’s nonetheless been delayed, as properly. Mercedes’ manufacturing unit in Dusseldorf, Germany will begin constructing the redesigned eSprinters within the first quarter of 2028, not May 2026 as initially deliberate. Meanwhile, the electric-only van manufacturing unit in Jawor, Poland gained’t start eSprinter manufacturing till the summer season of 2027.
No cause has been given for the delay thus far, and when Automotive News reached out to Mercedes for extra info on the choice, the spokesperson declined to remark.
It’s additionally vital to level out that this reported manufacturing delay is for the finally redesigned model of the eSprinter, not the van that was formally revealed as we speak. As far as we all know, the 2023 eSprinter continues to be on monitor to succeed in U.S. dealerships later this 12 months. At least that’s what the press launch stated as of this morning.
When it will get right here, the brand new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter will solely be accessible in long-wheelbase, high-roof, big-battery type, though it’s possible that different variants can be launched after the preliminary launch. It can have the identical 488-foot cargo capability because the combustion-engine Sprinters in the identical configuration.
G/O Media might get a fee
While its vary has but to be examined by the EPA, Mercedes says that utilizing the European WLTP check cycle, the eSprinter ought to stand up to 311 miles within the metropolis and 249 miles on the freeway. A pre-production prototype additionally lately accomplished a 295-mile journey on a single cost. Mercedes didn’t say whether or not or not the van it examined was hauling any cargo, although, so it’s most likely protected to imagine it was empty. Adding stuff within the again would most likely cut back that vary, however we nonetheless anticipate the eSprinter to be a helpful automobile for supply drivers and tradespeople, particularly in denser city areas.
Source: jalopnik.com