Mercedes-Benz put a twist of durability on the commercial van market when, at a press event in Charleston, S.C., Oct. 28-29, it unveiled its 2015 Sprinter van with standard Crosswind Assist and an optional four-wheel drive feature (4×4).

The Crosswind Assist compensates for the effects of wind on the vehicle, eliminating the need for counter-steering. It works off Mercedes-Benz’s Electronic Stability Program and activates once speeds reach 50 mph. The system puts the brakes on individual wheels facing toward the wind, preventing the vehicle from drifting.

Also standard on 2015 models is extended service intervals up to 20,000 miles.

The optional four-wheel drive on 2015 Sprinter models lifts the body of the van by 4.3 inches at the front and 3.1 inches in the rear. Depending on the body style—it is available on the passenger van, crew van and cargo van—the all-wheel drive system of the Sprinter four-wheel drive  adds about 265 pounds in weight. It configures to units with 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbases and is available in low and high roof configurations.

The standard engine on four-wheel drive  units is a four-cylinder diesel engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The V6 diesel powertrain also is available as an option.

Since 2010, all Sprinters in the U.S. have been powered by BlueTEC diesel engines. The engine has a Diesel Exhaust Fluid injection system that reduces nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and water in a downstream catalytic converter.

For 2015 models, a SULEV version of this engine is available. Plus, there’s the optional V6 diesel motor/BlueTEC six-cylinder engine.

Additional features on the 2015 model include:

• Collision Prevention Assist;
• Blind Spot Assist;
• Lane Keeping Assist; and
• Highbeam Assist.

The Sprinter lineup, introduced by Mercedes Benz in 1995, comprises five models: cargo, cab chassis, passenger, crew and minibus. With three options for roof heights, body length and gross vehicle weight rating, plus two options for wheelbases and diesel engines, Sprinters can be manufactured in up to 50 variations.

Photos: LM