Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 Review: Off-Road in The Alps

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 has been updated for the 2019 model year and, in this review, we test it off-road in the Austrian Alps at 2,800 metres! As with the previous generation, the new Sprinter 4x4 conversion is the work of Austrian-based Oberaigner. Under the bonnet is the choice of two engines on the Sprinter 4x4; the 4-cylinder 2.1-litre OM651 (143hp/300Nm) or the V6 3.0-litre OM642 engine (188hp/440Nm). The smaller engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, while its big V6 brother comes with the super smooth 7G Tronic Plus automatic. The Oberaigner 4x4 system, developed in Austria, is selectable and activated by the push of the button when stationary or at low speeds (up to 6mph). This, in turn, engages a spur-gear pair on the transfer case (35:65 front to rear) and reduces the gear ratio by 42% for more traction. At the business end of the vehicle, the Sprinter 4x4 is available in various shapes and dimensions and will eventually be offered as a chassis cab for conversions (dropside, tipper, box van). Payloads are expected to be as high as 1,150kg on 3.5t variants thanks to the lightweight Oberaigner 4x4 system, and the chassis has only been lifted 120mm at the front and 80mm at the back. Inside the cab, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 is incredibly advanced thanks to things like the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) which includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, steering-wheel mounted controls and more.