For classy, comfortable and safe minibus transport, it's hard to beat the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Transfer 416.
Hop aboard and let me show you why.
The Sprinter Transfer has been around for many years, but this new Sprinter Transfer
416 is the first to be based on Benz's new-generation Sprinter, which was unveiled in 2018.
It's one of two 12-seater variants and sits above the more utilitarian and more affordable
Sprinter Transfer 414.
Both are powered by a 2.1-litre four cylinder turbo-diesel with Benz's 7G-Tronic, seven-speed
auto sending urge to the rear wheels.
But this new Sprinter Transfer 416 gets a higher engine rating with an extra 15 kilowatts
and 30Nm.
And yes, well we are talking about a minibus here, it gets along respectively well with
healthy acceleration from a standing start and sufficient poke for safe open road overtakes.
Drivers are well looked after in the Sprinter Transfer 416, from the intuitive and refined
MBUX multimedia platform, to the multi-function steering wheel, to the numerous storage options
and many driver convenience features.
Only a light touch is required on the steering wheel, and the brakes are really nicely modulated,
and the windscreen wipers have a really large swept area, which is pretty handy on a day-like
today.
Handling is secure, with this rear-drive model feeling settled and composed even on less
than ideal road surfaces.
Noise suppression inside the cab is actually pretty good for a light commercial, and there's
barely any hint of vibration.
And best of all, this latest-generation Sprinter comes equipped with a raft of high-tech features,
especially safety features.
In addition to the staples, the Sprinter Transfer 416 also comes standard with forward collision
warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning
among others.
Our test vehicle has been optioned with dynamic lane keeping and adaptive cruise control.
The factory extras continue with a driver comfort pack that adds parking assistance
with 360-degree camera and rear cross-traffic alert along with a heated driver suspension
seat and halogen fog lights.
Add in the black metallic paint, the high performance roof-mounted air con and a few
other niceties and the options in this particular Transfer add over $12,000 to the asking price.
But then this top-spec Sprinter Transfer 416 is angled more at applications like corporate
charter and tourism work, rather than say, handling pick-ups and drop-offs for the local
bowls club.
The seating adopts a three-two-three-four layout with entry to the rear passenger compartment
via an electric sliding door and electric step.
The electric step stops automatically if it senses an obstruction, and we really like
the sturdy handrail at the entrance.
And with a ceiling height of 1930 millimetres, for most, there'll be no need to stoop.
The cloth-upholstered passenger seating is compliant and comfortable.
All the seats receive a three-point seatbelt, while outboard seats also get a reclining
seat back.
We really like the wall-mounted smartphone holders with USB charging socket, although
they're all USB-C plugs, so you'll need an adapter.
But there's a good amount of room for luggage here in the back.
With 12 occupants at 75 kilos each, there's still allowance for over half a ton of gear.
Yes, it comes with a premium price, but if your business needs to transport people in
safety and in style, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Transfer 416 is a superb option.