Sprinter 4x4 at car show

[wincrasher]

I was at a car show on the weekend put on by the manufacturers (not dealers). Was actually looking for a reasonably priced new car for my nephew who is graduating high school this spring. To sum up, there aren't any!

To my surprise, besides all the astronomical prices, the only van at the show was a Sprinter/Freightliner display. They had a 4x4 short wheelbase model. It was a bare van, I suppose meant as a commercial vehicle. This one was badged a Freightliner, but I think they are mechanically identical to Sprinter.

Here are some pics:


What struck me was how tall it was. Look at that gap between wheel and fender! This van was SRW, as you'd expect on the short wheelbase. The last pic is me holding the camera at eye level (I'm 5'10") looking toward the van. My eyeballs couldn't crest the lower window frame on the driver's door. So all you brave souls wanting the 4x4, be prepared for a climb! Or get running boards I guess.

[bobojay]

Freightliner & MB Sprinters are identical except for the badging. I think some of the folks that say they want the 4x4 will change their minds once they see one in person. Climb is right..

[wincrasher]

I'd like to understand the design rationale for adding the chassis lift. I've owned several pickups and SUV's that were 4WD and the had the exact same ride height as the 2WD version.

[Davydd]

They are supposed to be 3.1" higher at the back and 4" higher at the front. I assume those dimensions are at the axles. That's what they told us last May. The European 4x4 didn't seem that high to me when I saw one 2-1/2 years ago on the Alaska Highway and got a tour of it. This is the best comparison I have of a CS Reisemobile DUO with my Great West Van. I hope to see some under conversion at Advanced RV this coming May.