The Mercedes Sprinter is arguably the van by which all others are measured, and the 4WD variant is widely considered the most desirable. It’s a powerhouse of the commercial sector with a proven engine and drivetrain that regularly exceeds half a million miles with basic servicing. The Sprinter has long been a figurehead of the vanlife movement and, in more recent years, has become a favorite amongst the overlanding community. In stock form, the 4WD variant showcases impressive backcountry credentials, but thanks to aftermarket support, these vans can be transformed for hardcore off-grid exploration. I’m not sure there’s another van on sale today that has access to such a wide array of parts, accessories, and services. Subsequently, there’s no shortage of expedition-ready Sprinters online, including builds from Living the Van Life, Bruce Banner, and the half-a-million-dollar offering from Benchmark Vehicles. Today’s low-mileage (30,000 miles) 2018 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 incorporates a wealth of premium upgrades and a beautiful camper conversion. If you’re looking for a turn-key, live-in option for exploring at home or overseas, then this go-anywhere van is a great option. In order to better understand the merits of this platform for international travel, check out the adventures of our 2023 Overlanders of the Year :: Mali Mish in their 2017 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 170.
From the Seller:
“My wife and I went back and forth for years about getting a trailer or building out a Sprinter van. We spent months waiting for our van to get built in Germany and then shipped to the US. My plan was always to camp and get into adventures with my best friend, Ryan. Ryan had been building out his van as a DIY project. Unfortunately, Ryan passed away from brain cancer before we were able to get out in the vans together. But I was able to share our build with him a few weeks before he passed. Our van will always hold a dear place in my heart. My wife and I first traveled to the Painted Hills of Oregon. I remember exploring backroads and finding a brilliant campsite on the dry river bed near Bridge Creek. Hearing the water ripple through the evening, I was hooked. Our favorite trip was in the late fall of 2019. We drove down Highway 395 through California. We spent a few days dispersed camping in Death Valley. We couldn’t believe how quiet and still the desert was. In Southern Utah, we met a family of four from France [that was] taking a year off and making their way around the US. These moments of exploration where we didn’t know where our journey would take us, where we’d end up, and who we’d meet are at the heart of exploration. We love how easy our van made taking short or long trips. We especially appreciated the added capability thanks to the 4WD and the Agile Off-road suspension kit. As our family has grown, we’ve slowly outgrown our van. We hope to find someone as excited to explore as we have been.”
2018 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4
The Sprinter is fitted with a dependable V6 motor that delivers 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A reliable and relatively economical engine is matched with impressive all-terrain capability, thanks to 4WD (technically AWD) that can send 33 percent of the torque to the front wheels and has 20 percent more ground clearance than its 2WD counterpart, an optional low/high 4×4 Package, Downhill Speed Regulation, and more. Inside, the Mercedes is well-equipped with driver comforts that include:
- Air-conditioning
- Cruise control
- Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
- Active Safety Plus Package
- Swivel Seat Package with heat
- Xenon headlamps
- Heated windshield
- Trailer Hitch Package
- Kenwood stereo and upgraded Focal speakers
- AMP automatic power step
- Pedalbox (improves acceleration off a standing stop)
- R11 insulation and sound deadening
Distinguishing Features
- Method 301 wheels with BFGoodrich KO2 AT tires (with a spare set of General Grabber studded winter snow tires)
- Agile RIP kit suspension
- Espar D2 diesel heater
- Dometic fridge
- Safari roof rack with driver-side ladder
- Freshwater (22 gallons)
- Four AGM batteries, 200 watts of solar, a 3,000-watt Magnum inverter, and more
- Dometic automatic retracting awning
- 1Up swing arm for bike racks
- Air compressor
- Brush guard
- LED light bar and floodlights
- Fantastic fans (2)
- Portable induction cooktop
- Microwave
This 2018 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 is listed for $137,900 and is currently located in Bend, Oregon. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Email: japhymd@gmail.com
Tel: 215-687-2515
