Alas, poor Dodge. Had they managed to hang on to the Sprinter brand, they could have taken advantage of this high-demand vehicle. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo is looking to become the urban delivery vehicle/commercial workhorse of the moment. And some added updates to the look, power, safety and feel of this 2- to 3-place, high-domed, diesel-powered workhorse remain in line with the rest of the German automaker’s offerings.

First things first: the new-look Sprinter Cargo is still offered in 3 trims: the half-ton 2500, the heavier duty, three-quarter-ton 3500 and the stretched-out EXT. Each trim is offered with either a 144-inch or 170-inch wheelbase, while both the 2500 and 3500 EXT versions add some 15 inches to the standard 274 inches of overall length. Finally, this ungainly (and rather pricy) hauler comes with either the standard roof boasting 65 inches of interior headroom, or the High Roof variant with 76.4 inches of inside headroom.

A new grille and front fascia—not to mention a lowered stance—are among the more noticeable tweaks to this latest Sprinter Cargo’s profile, while available new safety features headline the reworked options list. More significant, however, is a new inline 4-cylinder (I4) diesel powerplant that bumps the once-solo 3.0-liter diesel V6 to optional status.

That new 2.5-liter diesel-powered I4, though it sounds like a step backwards, is bolstered by its partnership with M-B’s unique 7-speed shiftable automatic transmission that has for some years graced European editions. Look for 161 hp out of this combo, along with 265 lb-ft of torque.

Fear not, traditionalists among us. The venerable 3.6-liter diesel V6 is now an option for any trim in the lineup and returns with its equally venerable 5-speed shiftable automatic to put down 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Whether by design or not, mileage figures remain unavailable for either powertrain.

Anyhow, standard goodies across the 2014 Sprinter Cargo spectrum are expected to remain pretty sparse, with 16-inch steel wheels and a roof rack returning outside, as well as cloth upholstery, power door locks, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and air conditioning adorning the inside. In a nod to Mercedes’ upper-end niche, however, all Sprinter Cargo iterations are expected to return, toting the 80-watt audio system of last year, along with the ubiquitous single-CD player and 5 speakers.

Traditional options again include a rearview camera, upgraded exterior chrome, roof rack side rails, heated seats, rear heating units and upgraded seats. Additional options scheduled for 2014 include iPod integration, navigation and, on 3500 and 3500 EXT trims, an available air suspension system.

Finally, standard safety features from last year remain 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and turn-signal-integrated mirrors, while standard LED daytime running lights debut for the 2014 model year. New safety options this year, include the self-descriptive Crosswind Assist system that works with the stability control components to keep this slab-sided van on track in hefty breezes. Further introductory safety options include a blind-spot warning system, collision warning, lane-keeping assist and auto hi/lo-beam headlights.