Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch its third-generation Sprinter large van and cab-chassis range in Australia around October this year, following the fully redesigned model’s global unveiling in Germany recently.

The prestige manufacturer has taken the Sprinter into a new era with the latest in safety and infotainment technology combining with modern design and updated diesel engines across various configurations to suit all manner of trade applications.

All up, Mercedes claims that no fewer than 1,734 combinations are possible across the wide variety of body styles, cab configurations, body lengths, carrying capacities, cargo space heights and powertrains, the latter including a choice of four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines in Australia, manual and automatic transmissions and, wait for it, three drivelines – rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and now, for the first time, front-wheel drive.

Full details for the Australian market are still to be confirmed, however tradespeople who have already invested in purpose-built bodies with the current generation should be able to transfer over to the new model, which was designed and engineered to be fully compatible.

The central powertrain is Mercedes’ 2.1L ‘OM651’ four-cylinder diesel engine that is available in three states of tune for trade applications – 84kW/300Nm, 105kW/330Nm and 120kW/360Nm – and is put into active service across all three drivelines.

The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, while front-wheel drive versions will have the attention-grabbing option of a new-to-Sprinter nine-speed torque-converter automatic. The rear-drive/AWD variants use the more familiar 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic (now with selectable drive modes).

A 3.0L ‘OM642’ V6 diesel also carries over for RWD and AWD variants, producing 140kW/440Nm and combining with the 7G-Tronic Plus auto, while a fully electric version dubbed the eSprinter is expected to begin production in 2019.

Mercedes is promoting the benefits of the front-driver which allows for payload increases of up to 50kg compared to equivalent RWD variants, while an 80mm-lower loading edge is said to make for considerably more convenient movement of cargo and occupants when moving in or out of the vehicle.

A new ‘tractor head’ variant will also be available in combination with FWD, which allows for flexibility when designing and using bespoke bodies.

Maximum load capacity remains at 17m³ for the Sprinter van, while gross vehicle mass (GVM) extends as far as 5,500kg.

Mercedes says the rear doors on the van, no matter which variant or tyre option (including dual rear and now ‘super single’ rears), can be opened to the side walls more easily. There is no longer a mechanically released catch in the 90° position, and the door is designed to be easily opened with one hand.

The headline act in the cabin is the availability of Mercedes’ new MBUX multimedia system, as seen on its latest passenger cars but now in service for the first time on a commercial vehicle. This is a state-of-the-art system that includes a high-definition 10.25” touch screen display that acts as an intelligent hub for all the infotainment functions in the vehicle.

MBUX has sophisticated voice control and fully integrated wide-ranging internet connectivity that can help owner-operators locate jobs or fuel stations and the like with a few key words. It can also hook into a more complex fleet management system for functions like data logging, service information and locational data.

Other features to flow across from passenger models to the new Sprinter include sophisticated driver-assist safety systems, such as radar-based intelligent cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness warning, and advanced parking with 360° all-round visibility.

Mercedes also promises high levels of attention to detail in areas such as seating, ergonomics, storage facilities, air-conditioning performance and “classic Sprinter strengths” such as easy maintenance and good value retention when the total cost of ownership is calculated.