Mercedes-Benz previews Sprinter Luxury Coach

Inside, it has the accoutrements of a business class airline cabin

Auto Nation Group, Inc., distributor for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the country, recently previewed its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Luxury Coach to some members of the motoring media.

It is the premium version of the brand’s popular versatile high capacity passenger van with all the accoutrements of a business class airline cabin.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is considered one of the most reliable and hard-working vans in its class, and its highly versatile platform allows custom-built options to serve both the commercial and passenger segments.

The first generation Sprinter was introduced in Europe in 1995 and won International Van of the Year in the same year.

A central console located in the passenger cabin houses dual LCD monitors that houses the audio-visual and air-conditioning controls as well as additional storage spaces.

The second generation model was introduced in 2006 in Europe, and was voted Van of the Year in 2007, and again in 2008 by the Professional Van and Light Truck Magazine.

In 2014, the Sprinter underwent a major facelift including featuring the current signature 3-slat grille design.

But prior to the facelift, new assistance systems were also introduced in 2013 such as crosswind stabilization, collision avoidance systems, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, and adaptive highbeam as standard or optional features.

Its adaptive electronic stability program with crosswind assist takes control of critical system functions and measures load conditions to facilitate maximum stability especially during heavy crosswinds in highway driving.

The system automatically applies brake force to one or more wheels the moment the system detects wheelspin, understeer, or oversteer, while the engine output is immediately adjusted to stabilize the van.

“The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter stands out because of its superior performance, which is second to none. And today, we are proud to unveil the luxury coach version of the Sprinter with a refined cabin that epitomizes the prestige of the brand,” said Joseph Ayllón, assistant vice president for public relations, Auto Nation Group.

The Mercedes-Benz Luxury Coach is designed to accommodate nine passengers in luxury and style.

The Sprinter is an ideal luxury vehicle for both short- and long-haul drives.

Powered by a 2.1-liter, 4-cylinder, 2-stage turbocharged diesel engine, it is rated at 163 hp, mated with a 6-speed manual transmission to deliver a best-in-class fuel efficiency.

This provides more than enough power to haul its payload, and has enough comfortable space for up to nine people and ample room for luggage all at the same time.

Its high roofline allows an interior standing height of about 191.8 cm (about 6 feet and 4 inches), so passengers can easily relax and sit down, stretch out, and settle in their individual armchairs.

The Sprinter Luxury Coach has individual executive armchairs, upholstered in luxurious leather in stitched diamond-cut pattern.

A motorized stepboard allows passengers to climb up with ease.

For onboard entertainment, a central console located in the passenger cabin houses dual LCD monitors for the audio-visual and air-conditioning controls.

The central console also provides additional compartments, and is accented with glossy laminates in wood grain finish to complement the luxurious feel of the interiors.

For added cabin privacy, a motorized glass screen divider between the driver and cabin helps further reduce noise, while pleated curtains on all windows provide individual privacy as well as sun protection.

Getting on board the Sprinter Luxury Coach is quick and easy, thanks to its spacious sliding side door entry, which is currently the widest opening door in its class.

An automatic motorized stepboard is also added to enable passengers to board the Sprinter with ease at the press of a button.

Currently, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Luxury Coach is available only in manual transmission and in Arctic White.

The price for your very own land-based luxury business class coach is P5.99 million.