OTA updates and 800-volt technology: Mercedes gives a preview of the next Sprinter

No other manufacturer can look back on such a rich commercial vehicle history as Mercedes-Benz. Almost 130 years ago, Carl Benz invented the first motorised delivery van. Three decades ago, the Stuttgart-based company then revolutionised the transporter segment. The first Sprinter set new standards in performance, comfort and safety, and the model name today symbolises the entire segment in the public perception.

In 2018, Mercedes-Benz Vans introduced the third generation of the Sprinter, which from the following year was also available with a purely electric drive. The BEV variants received a comprehensive upgrade in 2024, during which the drivetrain was switched from front- to rear-wheel drive and efficiency was significantly increased.

Sprinter number four arrives in 2026

For the coming year, Mercedes plans to launch the fourth generation of the van family, in which the electric drive will play a far larger role. Originally, Mercedes even announced that the lineup would consist exclusively of fully electric models. The parent company has since abandoned a concrete exit date for combustion engines and softened its electrification strategy.

Due to slower-than-expected EV growth, Mercedes is now again placing greater emphasis on hybrids and combustion engines. In addition to the dedicated electric VAN.EA (Van Electric Architecture), the manufacturer is currently developing a combustion-engine-specific variant, called VAN.CA (Van Combustion Architecture).

Despite the different drivetrains, the two architectures will share 70 per cent of components, which should keep production reasonably economical. Both new platforms will ensure high modularity and allow greater differentiation between passenger and commercial vehicle variants – even for the Sprinter, which is also offered as a people carrier and minibus.

800-Volt technology promises much faster charging

Mercedes is focusing on the fully electric variants of the upcoming van and commercial vehicle generation. For the passenger transport and private customer variants – referred to by Mercedes as “Grand Limousines” – the company is pursuing a dual approach. The VLE, the successor to the V-Class arriving in early 2026, is expected to offer a high level of comfort and space.

Above that will be the new VLS, a true luxury van, hinted at last April with the “Vision V” study. Both the VLE and the VLS, with up to eight seats, will be suitable not only for conventional passenger transport but also as high-end VIP shuttles or mobile offices. Demand for the latter is expected to be particularly strong in the Chinese market.

A few months after the VLE, the electric commercial vehicles will follow, available in the usual variety of versions. In addition to classic panel vans in various lengths and heights, tipper and flatbed variants will continue to be offered. Technically, Mercedes is making a major leap with the generational change – like the fully electric versions of the new CLA and GLC, the E-variants of the Sprinter and its derivatives are also moving to 800-volt technology.

This should enable significantly faster charging. A camouflaged VLE prototype has already demonstrated this, covering the 1,090 kilometres from Stuttgart to Rome in 13 hours, requiring only two 15-minute charging stops. Both civilian and commercial variants will optionally feature rear-axle steering, improving manoeuvrability, reducing turning radius, and optimising handling. Early spy shots have already shown this feature in action.

A sculpture offers design clues

At an event celebrating the company’s anniversaries, Mercedes provided the first glimpse of the upcoming fourth-generation Sprinter. The “The Boulder” stone sculpture unveiled at the event provides the first hints of the transporter’s design. The 6.50-metre-long, 2.75-metre-wide and 2.50-metre-high block features design cues at key points.

The front grille is already clearly visible. The next Sprinter appears to have a long, low-lying bonnet, with more classic combustion engine proportions than its predecessor, which may seem surprising given the growing importance of the electric drive. The long front end could also indicate the inclusion of a front trunk (frunk), theoretically enabled by the new rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Future integration of third-party apps

Mercedes-Benz Vans also previewed connectivity and software for the next generation. The third Sprinter generation introduced the latest version of the Mercedes operating system, MB.OS, already used in passenger EVs such as the CLA and GLC. The previous generation already led the segment in terms of digitalisation thanks to MBUX integration.

Mercedes describes the system as a “Chip-to-Cloud” architecture, allowing precise control of all sensors and actuators. This benefits not only comfort features but also the infotainment system and charging experience. Over-the-air updates will keep the vehicle up to date years after delivery, without requiring a workshop visit.

To enable this, the upcoming commercial vehicles are equipped with high-performance onboard computers connected to Mercedes’ cloud. The new operating system will also allow integration of third-party apps and software solutions, enabling, for example, direct access to fleet management programs via the infotainment system. Proprietary digital services such as the “Van Uptime Monitor” diagnostic tool will also be included, helping to maximise uptime and improve efficiency.