Mercedes-Benz goes for 4wd

MERCEDES-BENZ used the recent Hanover Van Show in Germany to launch four-wheel drive versions of the new Sprinter and Vito.

Both have permanent four-wheel drive, distributing power between the front and rear wheels at a 35:65 ratio under normal conditions. But equipped with a 4-ETS electronic traction system, if wheels lose grip, they are automatically braked while power is transferred to those wheels that still have traction.

All model lengths and gross vehicle weights will be available with four-wheel drive and a six-speed gearbox is fitted as standard. For more extreme use there will also be a traditional 4x4 Sprinter with selectable four-wheel drive and low-ratio gearbox.

Also on display at the show were four-wheel drive versions of the Volkswagen Crafter, which comes off the same production line as the Sprinter, and Ford also joined the all-wheel drive club with a 4x4 Transit.