Motors with Joe Rayfus: Sprinter still going strong

There are workhorses, and then there’s the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, a van that’s as much a part of Ireland’s commercial backbone as the Ball on N7 or a breakfast roll. Now, 30 years since the first Sprinter rolled off the production line, Mercedes-Benz marks the milestone with a special edition that lives up to the badge... the Sprinter Premium Edition 30 Years.

In a segment increasingly crowded with capable alternatives, the Sprinter has long stood out not just for its three-pointed star, but for its breadth of ability, refinement, and engineering pedigree. This limited-edition model, based on the high-roof SELECT 319 CDI variant, takes everything that makes the Sprinter great and turns the dial up, discreetly, but effectively.

Let’s be clear, this is still a van, not a plush MPV masquerading as one. Mercedes-Benz understands that even commercial drivers deserve comfort, and nowhere is that more evident than in the cabin of the 30th Anniversary Edition. The ARTICO black leatherette upholstery, heated driver’s seat, and comfort driver’s armrest are a clear upgrade from your average delivery van. The new leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox combine to make this feel more car-like than most large vans have any right to be.

The wet wiper system, borrowed from Mercedes-Benz’s luxury saloons, ensures clear visibility even in Irish winter downpours, a detail those early morning van drivers can truly appreciate.

There’s plenty of tech on board, too. The MBUX multimedia system brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into play, while a suite of advanced safety features includes Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, and the superbly intuitive Intelligent Speed Assistant. It’s among the most tech-laden commercial vans on the market today.

Under the bonnet, this Premium Edition steps up from the standard 150hp 315 CDI engine to the 190hp 319 CDI, powered by Mercedes-Benz’s latest 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel from the OM 654 series. It delivers smooth, confident torque through that excellent 9-speed automatic gearbox, ideal for motorway cruising, city delivery work, and everything in between.

Despite the extra power, it's still rated to a 3.5-tonne gross vehicle weight and remains HVO-capable, making it future-proof for cleaner fuel standards. Fuel efficiency is

enhanced by the ECO Start/Stop system and resistance-optimised tyres, making this one of the more economical heavy vans to run in the real world.

Inside the cargo area, Mercedes hasn’t forgotten what this van is ultimately for… work. The wood flooring, roof-high interior side panels, and LED light strip transform the load space into something that’s genuinely user-friendly. Add in the rear doors that open to the side walls, a rear step, grab handle, and armrests on both front doors, and you’re looking at a layout that’s built to save time, backs, and tempers on a busy workday.

Even small touches like the coat hook in the cab, exit lamps, and fog lamps with cornering function all feed into the same message: this is a van for those who take pride in their work, and in the 30th Anniversary Edition, they’ll find a tool that works hard, and looks the part too.

With prices starting at €48,180 for the Premium Edition, it sits quite in price, but also in specification. Irish buyers will also appreciate that this limited-edition model is built to full right-hand drive spec and is officially available through authorised Mercedes-Benz Commercial dealers across Ireland.

After 30 years on the market, the Sprinter continues to define what a large van should be. This special edition is less about showy celebration and more about subtle elevation, a recognition of everything the Sprinter has been, and everything it continues to be.

Whether you're managing a fleet, running a mobile business, or just looking for a no-nonsense workhorse with a premium edge, the 30th Anniversary Sprinter might just be the best version yet of an industry legend.