2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Worker Review

If you're in the market for a Sprinter Worker, you either need to carry a lot of people, a lot of cargo or both. Whatever your needs, the Sprinter Worker can probably cover it. You'll obviously want to get a configuration that suits your business's or organization's needs. Getting the V6 diesel engi...

Despite its dimensions, this conference room on wheels is easy to drive. Crowded parking lots can create some stress because of its size, and the modest backup camera is only somewhat helpful.

This 6,000-pound van accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 11.5 seconds. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 doesn't feel powerful off the line, but once up to speed it's pretty easy to maintain the truck's forward momentum.

The Sprinter slowed from 60 mph in 138 feet during our emergency panic-stop test. The brakes remained consistent in feel and performance during testing as well as out on the road in normal driving.

The steering is precise for a full-size van. The effort is heavy enough to feel steady on the highway yet light enough for parking lot duty.

The Sprinter is relatively narrow considering how tall it is. Taking sharp turns at speed is not this van's forte. An assertive stability control system lends a hand if it senses the Sprinter going beyond its limits.

Despite its dimensions, this conference room on wheels is easy to drive. Crowded parking lots can create some stress because of its size, and the modest backup camera is only somewhat helpful.

Passenger comfort is a priority for the Sprinter. Occupants will find ample space to spread out. The seats are somewhat upright, but most will find decent comfort over long distances. Ride quality improves as passenger head count increases.

The driving position is a bit upright, but the seats proved comfy enough even during longer drives. Throughout the Sprinter, the full-size seats provide ample leg-, hip- and headroom.

Without question, rearmost passengers will find the Sprinter's ride more bouncy than those up front. Still, it's perfectly acceptable whether empty or fully occupied.

The rear heating package's insulation is meant for warmth, but it doubles as sound insulation. Still, some wind and tire noise reaches the cabin, especially when running empty.

There's lots of room for people and cargo. Driver aids exist to help maneuver the van in tight quarters, but parking still remains a challenge with such a big vehicle. Efforts are made to ease entry/exit and to keep passengers cozy once settled.

All controls are within reach of the driver and functionally intuitive. This is an older version of the Mercedes COMAND system, so the layout is simple.

The Sprinter has a step leading into it, which is necessary considering it sits so high off the ground. The doors are large, so some folks may find them a bit heavy to manage.

Feels less like a commercial truck and more like a large SUV thanks to a commanding seat position and expansive windshield.

The front seats fit most body types fine. Farther back, the large bench seats offer lots of leg- and headroom and will keep passengers comfortable unless all seats are filled. Only then does hiproom get tight.

Massive windows, an optional parking aid system and a rearview camera offer needed driver aids. That said, there are still several blind spots with this large van.

Build quality on our test van was commendable. We heard nary a squeak or rattle. It was solid and true to the level of build quality we expect from Mercedes-Benz.

What can't you carry or ferry in this van? Especially in cargo or crew configurations, and with a host of upfitting options, this is one of the most utilitarian vans available, whether running a contracting business or a professional mountain biking team.

The Sprinter has storage behind the seating compartment, beneath the seats and in seatback storage nets. Need more space? The rear-seat benches are easily removed by two people.

The Sprinter has a 5,000-pound maximum tow rating when equipped with the Trailer Hitch Package. That's nothing to get excited about.

With up to 486.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the cargo van and up to 3,116 pounds of payload capacity, there aren't many durable consumer goods and tools of trade that the Sprinter can't carry.

About as basic as it gets. The Sprinter Worker does offer some helpful driver aids, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors.