The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is my country’s best selling full-size van. In that segment, it also predominates the market for taxicabs and ambulances. This 4,325 mm (170.3”) long wheelbase Sprinter taxi stood out, thanks to its shade of brown. Most of them are white or silver. Just like cars.
Because of the blue license plates, the minibus can be recognized as a taxi from a country mile. Every vehicle in the business wears them.
The Sprinter is powered by a 2,143 cc, inline-four turbodiesel with 143 DIN-hp. That Mercedes-Benz engine line, known as the OM 651, was introduced in 2008 and can be found under the hood of many “light-duty” Benzes, right up to the 221- and 222-series of the S-Class.
According to its registration, this second gen Sprinter is a nine-seater (the driver included) and can accommodate five wheelchairs.
I couldn’t find out which company did the interior conversion, but here’s a similar configuration. (photo courtesy of Aanpassingsbedrijf Bierman B.V.)
Further down the street, I caught this much smaller van, yet with more power and a somewhat bigger engine. A 155 DIN-hp, 2015 Ford Transit Custom 2.2 TDCi, owned by a landscaper.
The front-wheel drive Transit Custom, introduced in 2012, fits right between the compact Transit Connect and the full-size Transit.
Just like the big Benz, the zippy Ford also has sidebars. With such a chic chique last name, it would be nice if the landscaper is specialized in French gardens.
That last Transit Custom looks like the same size as a Mercedes Metris.
Direct competitor over there?
Yes, some other competitors in that segment are the VW Transporter, Renault Trafic and Peugeot Expert.
I’m not sure why people in wheelchairs would need such a high roof, or is that the only way it comes? Looks like it would be scary in high winds.
People in a wheelchair don’t need such a high roof, but I’m sure the cab driver likes the height, when helping them getting in and out of the vehicle and securing the wheelchairs. Not to mention passengers who can walk in and out of the bus through the front side door on the right.
Mercedes offers a solution to the wind issue in a technology that counteracts wind forces on the road via the stability control system, it sort of steers into the wind to reduce the load on the operator to control things.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/new-car-review/curbside-review-2019-mercedes-benz-sprinter-2500-4×4-passenger-van-144-you-get-a-row-and-you-get-a-row-and-you-get-a-row-and/
The high roof is very nice if you have to wrestle with stuff inside a van.
I don’t know who deserves credit for designing these vans with the different ceiling heights and lengths but it was brilliant.
And note that this isn’t the Sprinter’s highest factory roof. Google Image Search “Sprinter L3H3”, for example.
Panel vans with factory raised roofs have been around for ages. As an aside, I’ve read that the current Sprinter is available in more than 1,700 (!!) configurations.
How on Earth, do those small tires support the Maximum Load Rating of this? 110 psi?
Less.
My god but the Dutch are a tall lot.
Why, even one in a wheelchair needs a taxi this high, and long.
When all the global warming stuff comes to pass and the sea comes in, at least the Netherlander’s solution will be easy enough: everyone just has to stand up.
Slightly more seriously, would this big unit hold more than one chair? I can’t recall seeing a wheelie taxi of this size here, Mercedes or other.
It can accommodate five wheelchairs, as mentioned. Also, see my comment further above.
It’s a taxi you know. To bring people in a wheelchair to a revalidation centre, and that’s just one example.
To fully understand the task and flexibility of such minibuses/taxicabs, have a look here. Same Sprinter version, L3H2:
https://www.tribus-group.com/nl/mercedes-benz-sprinter-rolstoelbus-jong-gebruikt-l3h2-wit/
Ah! Ik begrijp het.