After 7 years of expectation, the model starts at R$ 274.300 to face the Ford Transit Automatic and the Iveco Daily Hi-Matic
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter now has the 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox option, the same one that was presented for the automaker’s passenger cars in 2013 and that arrived at the Sprinter in the European and North American markets in 2019, along with the OM654 engine, which continues to equip the model today.
The automatic transmission is available in all variants (Chassis, Van, Glazed Van and passenger van) and raises the price of the vehicle by about 5%, which has an initial suggested price of R$ 274.3 thousand.
With this version, the model enters the dispute for the demand for vans with automatic transmission, a segment in which Ford Transit and Iveco Daily have been operating for a longer time.
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During the launch, we did a brief test at the Pirelli Pan American Circuit. With a speed limited to 45 km/h, it was possible to notice features that draw attention, such as smoother gear changes and the 170 hp engine and 41 kgfm of torque working at lower revs, which results in lower fuel consumption.
In addition, the model has the Hill Start Assist and the Hold function. When stopping on a slope, the driver presses the brake pedal all the way down to activate the Hold option, keeping the vehicle stationary without the need to apply the manual parking brake.
Another highlight is the gear selector: a lever behind the steering wheel similar to that of the automaker’s heavy trucks. However, for manual changes, the model has fins (butterflies), referring to the brand’s sports vehicles.
The launch should help the Sprinter maintain its leadership in the market due to the set of its characteristics and its trajectory in the country, which began with the arrival of the first generation in 1997. In 2025, in the semi-light segment, the 517 model closed in the lead with 1,058 units sold, while the second place went to the Sprinter 417, with 828 units.
The model has its space consolidated, and the new automatic gearbox can boost sales, especially for large fleet owners and for the motorhome sector, a segment in strong growth in Brazil. For the self-employed customer, owner of a single van, the novelty may not yet attract so much attention, despite the qualities.
