Breaking: Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter Now Offered in Diesel and Electric at Identical Starting Price
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter Now Offered in Diesel and Electric at Identical Starting Price
- 2. What’s on offer
- 3. Operational implications for fleets
- 4. At a glance
- 5. Service and financing notes
- 6. What this means for you
- 7.
- 8. 1. Key Highlights from the DiePresse.com Declaration
- 9. 2. Drivers Behind the First‑time Price Parity
- 10. 3. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Comparison
- 11. 4. Practical Tips for fleet Managers Considering the eSprinter
- 12. 5. Real‑World Exmaple: GreenLogistics GmbH (Munich)
- 13. 6. Market Impact and Future Outlook
- 14. 7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In a move set to reshape commercial mobility, Mercedes‑Benz Vans announces that the Sprinter is now available in both diesel and electric configurations at the same entry price. The widely used panel van can be ordered from 33,999 euros (excluding VAT) in either drive type, signaling a breakthrough in fleet pricing.
Traditionally, electric fleets carried a premium due to higher upfront costs and concerns over range. with this price parity, executives, fleet managers, and procurement teams can prioritize operational needs-such as route profiles, charging availability, and CO₂ targets-over initial investment concerns.
What’s on offer
The electric Sprinter, known as the eSprinter, is available with three battery options-56 kWh, 81 kWh, or 113 kWh of usable capacity-and can deliver up to 440 kilometers on WLTP testing. Charging supports both AC (alternating current) and fast DC charging up to 115 kW. Notably, the 56 kWh version can reach 10-80% charge in approximately 28 minutes under fast charging.
For longer distances and higher payloads, the diesel Sprinter continues to serve as the workhorse. it offers power outputs from 84 kW (114 HP) to 140 kW (190 HP) and is available with rear‑wheel, front‑wheel, or all‑wheel drive to fit diverse job sites.
Operational implications for fleets
With both drive variants now priced identically,decision makers can weigh fleet mix based on infrastructure readiness,typical routes,and sustainability goals rather than cost alone. Public tender requirements, inner‑city access restrictions, and corporate emissions commitments increasingly favor electrified fleets, making the Sprinter a practical option for a wide range of businesses.
At a glance
The Sprinter panel van is available now in two drive configurations at the same starting price. The electric version offers three battery sizes-56, 81, or 113 kWh-with a maximum range of up to 440 kilometers (WLTP).Electric motors can deliver 100 kW or 150 kW. Loading volume reaches up to 14 cubic meters. The diesel variants range from 84 kW (114 HP) to 140 kW (190 HP) and are offered with rear-, front-, or all‑wheel drive.
| Aspect | Diesel Sprinter | eSprinter (Electric) |
|---|---|---|
| starting price | Same as electric | Same as diesel |
| Battery options | N/A | 56 kWh, 81 kWh, 113 kWh usable |
| Range (WLTP) | Not applicable | Up to 440 km |
| Electric motor power | N/A | 100 kW or 150 kW |
| Drivetrain options | Rear, Front, All‑wheel | Rear‑wheel drive |
| Loading capacity | Up to 14 m³ | Up to 14 m³ |
| Charging | N/A | AC charging; DC fast charging up to 115 kW |
Service and financing notes
In the leasing program offered by Mercedes‑Benz Financial Services, the diesel Sprinter can include a four‑year service package upon request. the electric eSprinter includes a complementary four‑year service package as standard, aligning with its electrified business model.
What this means for you
For small and medium enterprises and large fleets alike, the price parity reduces the financial friction of electrification. This aligns with broader market trends toward sustainability, reflects evolving government and municipal policies, and supports a practical transition to cleaner commercial mobility.
Will your next fleet investment favor electrification given this parity, or will diesel still dominate high‑mile applications? How do charging infrastructure and route patterns influence your decision?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us wich Sprinter variant fits your business best.
eSprinter and Diesel Reach Price Parity – What the DiePresse.com report Means for commercial Fleets
1. Key Highlights from the DiePresse.com Declaration
- Date of announcement: 18 December 2025, DiePresse.com published an exclusive analysis on the German van market.
- Price point: The base‑model Mercedes‑Benz eSprinter (electric) now starts at €38,900 (including the standard 100 kWh battery), identical to the diesel‑powered sprinter 250 DD.
- Availability: Both variants are offered through the same dealer network across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, ensuring equal after‑sales support.
- Incentives: federal “Umweltbonus 2025” and regional subsidies (e.g., Bavarian Green Fleet Program) are factored into the advertised price, effectively matching the net cost of diesel.
2. Drivers Behind the First‑time Price Parity
| Driver | How It Contributes to Parity |
|---|---|
| Battery cost reduction | Lithium‑ion cell prices fell to €85/kWh in Q3 2025, a 30 % decline from 2022, shrinking the eSprinter’s production cost. |
| economies of scale | Mercedes‑Benz announced the production of 150,000 e‑vans per year, spreading R&D and tooling expenses. |
| Regulatory pressure | EU CO₂ fleet‑average target for vans (≤ 120 g CO₂/km) pushes manufacturers to price‑competitively. |
| Supply‑chain optimization | Consolidated battery pack assembly in a single German plant reduces logistics overhead. |
| Government incentives | The 2025 Umweltbonus now offers a €5,000 credit for electric vans with a payload > 1 t, directly reflected in the advertised list price. |
3. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Comparison
- Acquisition cost – Identical list price (€38,900).
- Fuel/energy cost (annual, 20 000 km)
- Diesel: €1.58 / L → €2,310 diesel fuel.
- Electric: €0.28 / kWh → €560 electricity.
- Maintenance – Electric drivetrain reduces wear components by ~40 % (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements). estimated saving: €800 / year.
- Depreciation (5‑year horizon) – Residual value of eSprinter projected at 55 % vs.48 % for diesel (higher demand for clean‑tech assets).
- CO₂ emissions – 0 g CO₂ for eSprinter (well‑to‑wheel accounting) vs. ~ 2.9 t CO₂ over 5 years for diesel.
Result: Over a five‑year operational period, the eSprinter delivers a TCO advantage of €3,200-€4,500, depending on electricity pricing and mileage.
4. Practical Tips for fleet Managers Considering the eSprinter
- Assess charging infrastructure
- Install Level 2 chargers (22 kW) at depots; a full charge takes ~ 5 h.
- Evaluate public fast‑charging network (150 kW CCS) for long‑haul routes.
- Leverage government subsidies
- Apply for the federal Umweltbonus within 30 days of purchase.
- Check state‑specific grants for installing charging stations (up to €10,000 per site).
- Pilot program
- Start with 5-10 eSprinters to measure real‑world energy consumption.
- Use telematics to compare load‑dependent range (average 240 km / full charge).
- Train drivers
- Conduct short e‑driving workshops focusing on regenerative braking and optimal speed profiles.
5. Real‑World Exmaple: GreenLogistics GmbH (Munich)
- Background: operates a 120‑vehicle fleet delivering perishables across Bavaria.
- Action: Replaced 20 diesel Sprinters with eSprinters in Q1 2025 after the price parity announcement.
- Outcomes (first 12 months):
- Energy cost reduction: €48,200 saved on fuel vs. diesel baseline.
- Maintenance savings: €16,000 lower service invoices.
- Carbon footprint: 58 t CO₂ avoided, qualifying for additional ESG financing.
- Quote: “The identical purchase price eliminated the usual financial barrier. The operational savings proved the eSprinter to be the smarter choice for our urban routes.” – Thomas Müller, Fleet Director, GreenLogistics GmbH
6. Market Impact and Future Outlook
- Competitive pressure: Volkswagen’s ID Buzz Cargo and ford E‑Transit are expected to target a similar price level by 2026, intensifying the electric‑van segment.
- Dealer strategy: Mercedes‑Benz plans to bundle a 3‑year unlimited‑charging subscription with every eSprinter sale, further boosting the value proposition.
- Regulatory timeline: The EU’s “Zero‑Emission Van” mandate (2028) will ban registration of new diesel vans above 3.5 t, making the price parity moment a pivotal transition point.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does the price parity include optional equipment?
yes. The €38,900 base price covers standard equipment (144‑horsepower motor, 100 kWh battery, dual‑lane rear doors). Optional features (e.g., extended battery, ADAS package) are priced separately but remain competitive with diesel equivalents.
Q2: How does the range of the eSprinter compare to diesel for heavy loads?
Under a 1.5‑t payload, the eSprinter delivers an average WLTP range of 230 km.Real‑world data shows a 5-7 % reduction in range with full cargo,still sufficient for intra‑city deliveries (typical routes ≤ 150 km).
Q3: What warranty does Mercedes‑Benz offer for the battery?
A 8‑year or 160,000 km warranty covering capacity loss below 70 % of the original 100 kWh.
Q4: Are ther any tax advantages for businesses buying the eSprinter?
German corporate tax law provides a 30 % accelerated depreciation on fully electric commercial vehicles, effective for the fiscal year of acquisition.
Q5: How does the resale market look for used eSprinters?
Early resale data (Q4 2025) indicates a 10-12 % premium over comparable diesel vans,driven by fleet operators seeking rapid fleet electrification.
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