2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Updated with 4WD, Crosswind Assist

2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ・ Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz will expand its increasingly successful presence in the commercial van segments in the new model year, offering both an enhanced 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter lineup in the full-size category and launching a new-to-this-country mid-size entry, the Mercedes Metris, that will compete against the likes of the Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster City and Nissan NV200.

Now, Autobytel did detail one of the key upgrades to the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter here: http://www.autobytel.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/news/mercedes-benz-brings-awd-to-2015-sprinter-4x4-122967/. However, it turns out that that was just a starting point, and the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also will add another high-tech driver-assistance measure to its options list. Called "Crosswind Assist," the technology leverages the standard electronic stability program in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 models to automatically counteract wind gusts that could otherwise cause the vehicle to drift out of its lane; the system also helps make life easier for drivers who don't have to strain themselves with constant course corrections.

And that new feature comes in addition to carry-over benefits like a forward collision-mitigation system with automatic braking, blind-spot assistance, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive headlights.

Also, as mentioned above, while the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will continue to keep commercial drivers covered in the full-size segment, offering multiple roof heights, wheelbases and diesel engines, Mercedes will target more urban-oriented rivals with the 2015 Metris. The brand hasn't confirmed U.S. specs for the Metris, but MB did reveal it would go on sale next fall and brought four SEMA-fied models to the recent Specialty Equipment Market Association shindig in Las Vegas.

There, Bernie Glaser, vice president and managing director of Daimler Vans USA, LLC, announced: “It is only logical that we take a global approach and also expand our successful vans business in the USA. Our SEMA 'Mission Metris' presence with four different van concepts will be an effective way for us to hit the ground running to announce the nameplate ‘Mercedes-Benz Metris’ and to show off its unmatched versatility, size, and safety.”