2018 Sprinter Major Changes Electric in 2019

[carringb]

Originally Posted by TomH

I notice the website is dot ca rather than dot com. Does Canada get any of the European models that the US doesn't? Sprinters in Europe do have differential locks as an option. Is it possible they really are referring to mechanically locking differentials that are being replaced by electrically controlled lockers and that it is not about LSD?

I thought maybe it was referring to a center differential lock, since many Euro 4x4s use a locking center differential instead of a transfer case. But also I'm not aware of Daimler offering the North American vans with axle lockers, mechanical or electric. I'm not even sure Limited Slip is a factory option (but Quaife does make one for it).

[TomH]

Isn't the North American 4x4 Sprinter a version of LSD?

[joelm]

I'm super curious about the traction with FWD. I'm mostly interested in light snow applications and that may suffice to avoid the cost of 4WD. Thought it seems that they won't have the LB with FWD. Bummer.

Gas engine also has a lot of appeal. Probably reduced milage but will avoid hassles with diesel as that market gets squeezed.

If they go with gas as an option, then hopefully they won't get delayed like last fall.

I wonder when the US plant is going to come online.

[carringb]

Originally Posted by TomH

Isn't the North American 4x4 Sprinter a version of LSD?

They market their traction control as being a LSD substitute. It's better than not having traction control, and works fine for slippery roads. But IMO I still prefer actual limited slip.

[TomH]

I just got a call from Brian F. (SMB-W). He confirmed minimal changes to US Sprinters for 2018. Changes made in Europe for 2018 will be available in US for 2019 model-which will become available late 2018. My build is now delayed as late as July with possible 14 week build. That could be almost 22 months from the initial deposit.

[PvT]

Here's a 2019 "Quick Facts" I stumbled across. Article dated February 7, 2018

https://www.trucks.com/2018/02/07/qu...-sprinter-van/

[EmMay]

I'm sure, with a gas version available, we will see a few go ahead and just wait another 9-12 months + for the 2019... we're 12 months in and it's crossing our minds.
We'll be curious what Brian F. has to say about the pacing of '18's and '19's available to SMBwest.

[Backcountryguy]

It definitely is a long road from first order to delivery. We expect delivery in May (we hope). at that point we'll be 20 months into the effort from first deposit.

[Fitz]

But once you take delivery you will never look back!