The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Is the Best Cab/Chassis Truck You’ve Never Heard Of
You are likely familiar with the heavy-duty chassis/cab pickup trucks built by the Detroit Three. But did you know that you can buy a chassis/cab version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter? This Merc doesn’t have the highest tow rating (7,500 pounds), but is available with dually rear wheels and a maximum payload of 7,500 pounds–and it’s built right here in the U.S.A.
The third generation of the Mercedes Sprinter is here
Mercedes has been selling its Sprinter van–originally based on Dodge Ram vans–for years. The company is on to the third generation of its Sprinter (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023). The laster Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has some features that chassis/cab buyers will be happy to see.
Firstly, Mercedes upgraded its Charleston, South Carolina, assembly plant for the third-generation Sprinter. The second-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinters were built in Germany, disassembled, shipped to South Carolina, and assembled again. But the third-generation North American Sprinters will be made in the U.S.A.
Secondly, Mercedes-Benz updated its engine and powertrain options. The third-generation Sprinter offers a high-output diesel, an AWD option, and even dually rear wheels to increase its payload capacity.
Finally, Mercedes-Benz updated the infotainment, driver aids, and ride quality to keep up with the rest of its lineup. Even though the latest Mercedes Sprinter is a capable work truck, it’s also a comfortable place to be.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis-Cab is highly customizable
You can order a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis-cab (called a cab-chassis by Mercedes) in multiple configurations. Options include multiple wheelbases, engines, and drivetrains.
The first choice you have to make is Wheelbase. The 144-inch, regular cab Sprinter chassis-cab starts at $47,300. Opting for the larger 170-inch wheelbase will cost you $900.
Every Mercedes Sprinter chassis-cab comes with a 4-cylinder diesel V8. But wait, before you run off looking for a gasoline engine instead, know that this engine can make 170 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in its normal tune or 211 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in its high-output tune. The high-output engine costs an extra $2,650. When you go for AWD, this bumps to $9,050 extra.
Finally, you have to choose between the 3500XD trim, with its 6,169-pound payload capacity, or the 4500 trim with its 7,506 payload rating and dually rear wheels. The dually sprinter costs an extra $2,380 and is not available with AWD. No Sprinter Chassis-Cab in North America comes with more than two doors or more than two seats.
The Sprinter is comfortable as a…Mercedes-Benz
When TFL Truck flew to Europe to test the third-generation Sprinter, it concluded that the work van is comfortable as, well as a Mercedes-Benze. Especially in the long wheelbase variant, “The ride quality is exceptional.”
Mercedes also worked to incorporate the cutting-edge infotainment from its other vehicles into the latest Sprinter. This includes navigation and the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant. TFL said, “I do like this big, central display. It’s really nice.”
While Mercedes-Benz does make the Sprinter for a work vehicle, it took pains to smooth out the lines of the interior and dashboard. Details as simple as the air vents appear to be as high quality–and durable–as on more luxurious Mercedes products.
Next, learn whether a used Mercedes G Class is a good deal or see the TFL Truck test drive and review yourself in the video below:
