By now, Americans are used to the idea that we seldom have access to many of the more interesting automotive options available to other markets. We seldom get the good diesel engines and until now, couldn’t get our paws on the all-wheel-drive Mercedes Sprinter van. That is slated to change in 2015. The current AWD Sprinter as sold in Europe features a push-button AWD system with a fixed power distribution split of 35% up front and 65% in the rear. An electronic anti-locking braking system called the 4ETS system replaces mechanically locked differentials and includes a downhill brake control system. A low range transfer case may also be an option for the US-bound Sprinters. While Europe currently has access to two engine options, it is most likely the US would see the larger 3.0 liter V6 option. Sold under Mercedes and Freightliner badges, we could see these new platforms as early as August of 2014.
