This piece was originally published in 2013, and recaps the technology and vehicles of the time. We have updated this with current vehicles in 2023 as well as keeping the older information for information purposes only.
The utility and cargo van segment has quietly become very competitive with the likes of the Nissan NV, Ford Transit van, Ram ProMaster, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Both the Transit van and ProMaster are recent editions to the segment (in 2013), joining the Sprinter and NV vans. In an attempt to separate itself from the rest of the pack, the then next-generation of Mercedes-Benz vans featured technology like Crosswind Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Assist. All of these features were firsts for the Sprinter after Mercedes decided to add “safety as a standard feature” on all of its vans.
2013 news: Every Mercedes-Benz van will be on the receiving end of Crosswind Assist, which offsets the effects a vehicle experiences when it drives through a sudden strong gust of wind. The Crosswind Assist function is based off the Electronic Stability Program and kicks in when traveling at or above 50 mph. This system relies on sensors that calculate the van’s yaw rate as well as lateral acceleration to determine the amount of force produced by an errant gust of wind. To balance the van out, the Crosswind system applies the brakes to specific wheels that are in direct contact with said wind. The steering system also works to help keep the van from drifting.
Another new feature on all next-gen Mercedes-Benz vans includes Blind Spot Assist, which helps the driver when changing lanes. Big exterior side mirrors feature a bigger field of vision, and, in most variants, a wide-angle lens is also included. Blind Spot Assist is a new feature on all Mercedes-Benz vans and includes a system warning if a vehicle is in your blind spot when attempting to change lanes. The Blind Spot Assist system springs into action once the van is traveling more than 19 mph. The Blind Spot Assist system employs four short-range radar sensors, which can be found on the left and right sides of the lateral rub panels. If another vehicle is in your blind spot, a small red light will illuminate on the exterior side mirror. If the driver elects to still switch lanes even when that red light is on, the system will begin to beep until it detects you’re safe again.
Lane Keeping Assist is also standard on all next-gen Mercedes-Benz vans and warns the driver when the van begins to drift from its lane. A camera mounted behind the windshield monitors the lane up ahead of the van and alerts the driver through a visual and audible warning. If the van drifts into another lane without the use of a turning signal, the Lane Keeping Assist system will take it as an unintended movement and alert the driver.
2023: The Mercedes range of vans has taken many more leaps forward since we wrote about the new Sprinter in 2013. Electric vans are now heading up the range, as well as the core Sprinter range (for large shipments), the Vito (medium) and the Citan (small).
The Mercedes Benz Sprinter
Classed as the most adaptable large van of the range, there are over 1,700 variants including the Panel, the eSprinter (electric), the Crew and the Luton. More on this range can be found here: https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/en/sprinter. All Sprinter vans come with advanced safety features as standard including Active Brake Assist, Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist, Hill-start Assist and Headlight Assist. They also have an alarm, deadlock and visible VIN.
The Mercedes Benz Vito
The Vito range is seen as a game changing vehicle for SMEs, as it comes with intelligent and adaptable features as standard. Free vehicle monitoring technology is built in as well as rear wheel drive on all models except the eVito, which is better for transporting heavier loads.
There are a number of models in the Vito range including the Vito Tourer (9 seater), the Crew, the Panel and the eVito. More on the Vito range: https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/en/vito
The Mercedes Benz Citan
The Citan is for smaller loads but that doesn’t mean it compromises on design, handling, technology or safety. Safety as standard comes in this range as well as the others, including six airbags, rigorous testing, hard wearing materials and a high quality finish.
Models in the Citan range include the eCitan, the Citan panel, the Citan crew and the eCitan Panel. More on the Citan range: https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/en/citan-range-overview
Source: Daimler & Mercedes Benz website
