Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Electric Dropside Review

The eSprinter Dropside at a glance

When it comes to style, class and comfort, there is certainly no denying that Mercedes-Benz knows what they’re doing. From their luxury vehicles to their beloved vans, they seem to have hit the nail on the head with many of their models. Their infamous Sprinter range is, of course, no exception.

Now, having firmly positioned themselves as a dominant name in the commercial vehicle market, Mercedes have set their sights on the world of electric vans, with the eSprinter range hitting the roads in 2019. With the eSprinter, of course, come its practical variants. Cue the eSprinter Dropside model. This all-electric alternative to the already popular diesel range was long anticipated, and rightly so.

For tradespeople looking for a balance of comfort and practicality, the Dropside variant of the eSprinter might just be the model of choice. Boasting plenty of space for the transportation of debris, waste, tools, materials and palettes alike it presents a number of possibilities for sole traders, small business owners and commercial fleets. What’s more, with side and rear accessibility, loading and unloading is made swift and easy; we’ll explore this in further detail shortly.

Read on to discover our thoughts on the engine, specifications and capabilities of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Dropside.

Engines and Spec

Let’s take a look at the driving force behind this vehicle, a 55kWh battery. This reasonably sized battery certainly isn’t groundbreakingly large, but there’s no doubt it does the job well. However, with a range of up to 96 miles on full charge, we were a little underwhelmed. This makes it the perfect choice for town and city driving, but less than ideal for long journeys. That said, if you’re in the market for a dropside vehicle, it is likely that trips to and from the builders’ yard or tips will be frequent. For which the eSprinter is ideal.

As is the case with most large electric vehicles, the surge of power doesn’t quite match that of smaller models, but that doesn’t detract from the eSprinter Dropside packing a little punch when it comes to torque. Handling is smooth and comfortable in built-up urban environments and open roads alike.

Moreover, the eSprinter Dropside’s running costs are significantly lower than its petrol and diesel counterparts; drivers of the eSprinter can expect significant savings over the lifespan of their van.

Payload & Storage

For those in need of a van with plenty of load space, the eSprinter is a good choice, with a large flatbed area complete with dropside access; this is more than enough for long items and sizable cargo.

However, Mercedes have fallen short of the mark when it comes to the eSprinter’s payload capacity. Offering a maximum weight of just 774 kg, the van doesn’t stand up to other electric competition such as the Peugeot e-Expert or Citroen’s e-Dispatch; if you’re after a more sizable payload, one of these might be a better option.

Interior

As we enter the cab, we’re greeted by Mercedes’ usual quality. The eSprinter’s interior is well-built and spacious, with adjustable seats, ample storage, great accessibility and a neatly designed dashboard that doesn’t intrude on legroom.

Aside from the DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity, there’s not much in the way of entertainment. However, if a well-designed, high-quality cab is what you’re after, the eSprinter is an excellent choice. It does exactly what it needs to, and it does it well.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable Driving Experience
• Smooth & Quiet
• Large, Practical Load Area

Cons

• Limited Payload
• Lower Range Than Competitors

The Verdict

As electric vehicles surge in popularity, there is no denying that vans such as the eSprinter Dropside are among the next generation of workhorses. This model offers a high-quality design coupled with practical loadspace and a comfortable interior, making it a serious contender for your next business vehicle.

As we touched upon earlier, though the eSprinter may lack in payload capacity and range, it excels in terms of comfort and space. While it may not be the ideal choice for long journeys and transporting heavy cargo, it’s perfect for shorter trips and town driving.

Here at Van Sales UK, we’re pleased to offer our customers an extensive range of new and used electric vans including the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Dropside model, available for £499 + VAT per month.

To discuss this, or any of our other vans, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Call us now on 0117 428 7721 or send an email to sales@vansalesuk.co.uk.