AN uprated range of Sprinter vans has been announced by Mercedes-Benz including front-wheel-drive variants.

The new Sprinter will also be the first series-production vehicle to use the new Mercedes 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission.

Priced from £24,350, the new model range is due to go into production in June.

The core of the model range will remain with; three wheelbases, four vehicle lengths and three roof heights. There will also be a new ‘tractor head' chassis specifically designed for motorhomes.

Four-cylinder and V6 turbocharged commonrail diesel engines will remain available alongside 7G-TRONIC PLUS for rear-wheel-drive models while the new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmissions will be available on the front-wheel-drive versions.

New headlamps, a new-look interior and a new naming structure will also be part of the package with the vehicles badged L1 to L4 depending on length and H1 to H3 for height. RWD, FWD and AWD will also appear in the name.

For example, the model currently known as a Sprinter 314CDI panel van medium will be referred to as a Sprinter 314CDI panel van L2H2 RWD.

Other innovations include the introduction of MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience, technology which is being carried over from the passenger car range.

It is fitted as standard in conjunction with a seven-inch touch screen and has steering wheel touch pads with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, USB ports and DAB radio for the first time in a Sprinter.

An MBUX head unit with a 10.2-inch touch screen is also available. All MBUX headunits are available with an optional integrated Navigation System with Live Traffic and a range of Mercedes PRO headunit functions.

Technical highlights include Eco Monitoring - which allows real time fuel consumption data to be reviewed - and Theft Management which monitors the alarm and pre-defined geofences to warn against possible thefts.

Real time and historic location coordinates can be reviewed and several service and maintenance parameters can be monitored to prevent downtime.

Other standard equipment includes Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, automatic headlights, keyless start, electrical power steering and an adjustable multi-function steering wheel with touch control buttons.