The Mercedes Sprinter has come a long way in 30 years, with the 3-star badge a very popular base for motorhomes.

It’s easy to see why, with the Sprinter having an enviable reputation for reliability. This is highlighted by the success Mercedes enjoyed at our 2025 Owner Satisfaction Awards, where the brand took the title of Best Pre-owned Base Vehicle and came second in the Best New Base Vehicle category.

It’s unsurprising, therefore, to hear it’s one of the best vans for a camper conversion, and remains a popular choice with manufacturers today, as seen by Malibu releasing its first Sprinter-based model for the 2025 season, the Genius 641 LE.

British caravan manufacturer Coachman, which only moved into motorhomes a couple of years ago, opted to use the Sprinter for its low-profile and A-class motorhomes, too.

As the Mercedes Sprinter celebrates its 30th year, I’m taking a look back at the generations of Sprinter that have been released.

Prequel

As far back as the 1890s, road vehicles – including commercial ones – were built by separate companies owned by Karl Benz and by Gottlieb Daimler.

In 1926, the companies combined to form Daimler-Benz AG and shortly afterwards began trading as Mercedes-Benz.

The long-serving Mercedes-Benz light commercials 207/208 and 307/308 were looking a bit dated by the early 1990s and commercial operators criticised the semi forward-control layout, which placed the engine half in the cab and half under the bonnet. Thus, a completely new design of LCV was unveiled in 1995.

First generation of the Mercedes Sprinter: 1995-2006

Sprinter was the first Mercedes-Benz LCV to be named rather than being identified by a letter or two followed by a series of numbers.

The engine had moved forward out of the cab and major improvements included disc brakes all round, independent suspension and power-assisted steering as standard.

It was very well received and won International Van of the Year immediately after its launch.

Notable early Sprinter adopters among converters were Cockburn Holdsworth, with the cleverly designed Lysander high-top, and Compass, with its Luton overcab coachbuilts – Caravel, Commodore and Clipper.

Many European conversions were imported, especially from Germany and Italy, including the low-profile Rimor Sailer.

Second generation of the Sprinter: 2006–2018

This facelift was far more than a nip-and-tuck. Game-changing improvements included firmer suspension, along with a switch to CDI turbocharged diesel engines. Second-generation models are sometimes referred to as the ‘Euro Sprinter’.

Auto-Trail surprised us all by launching its first A-class, the Grande Frontier. When considering our home-based volume converters, it is rather surprising to note only Auto-Sleepers produced coachbuilts throughout the generation’s 12-year production run.

Originally monikered after British counties, they were actually commissioned by Marquis as dealer specials.

These were eventually renamed and absorbed into Auto-Sleepers’ main offer. They remain popular today and are seen as the Broadway crew’s flagship coachbuilts.

Many European converters based either flagship or niche ranges on the second-generation Sprinter. A favourite of the author was the rather optimistically priced Adria Polaris, which featured Al-Ko Kober rear chassis extensions with independent torsion suspension.

Third generation of the Mercedes Sprinter: 2019-present

Although all-wheel drive and raised ride height had been available on later second-generation models, it was on this generation that ’vans so equipped became more popular.

There are many bespoke converters offering conversions for the ‘global expedition’ market, but perhaps one of the most desirable (judging by the crowds waiting to inspect it for themselves at exhibitions) is the Hymer Venture S.

Third-generation Sprinters prioritise driver-assist systems, with an industry-leading number fitted as standard, plus a huge range – tightly focused on different end-users – available as cost options.

Did you know?

• More than five million Sprinters have been sold globally.
• E-Sprinters have been around for eight years.
• Ownership of Mercedes-Benz has been registered to Daimler-Benz, Daimler-Chrysler, Daimler AG and currently the Mercedes-Benz Group.
• The origin of the three-pointed star emblem has been the subject of debate for decades. However, most now agree that it was designed by Paul and Adolf Daimler as a tribute to a similar design used by their father, Gottlieb Daimler, to locate their house on a postcard depicting a view of the Cologne district of Deutz.

For those who are thinking of buying a pre-owned motorhome on a Mercedes base vehicle, take a look at what I have to say about a used Rapido integral on a Mercedes-Benz – it’s a well-built and highly specified A-class.

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