With an all-new Sprinter model on the horizon for 2019, the 2018 model sees little change and could mean tempting bargains for the small businesses that customize Sprinters for their individual needs. For 2018, drivers have the ability to choose a high- or low-roof design and one of three wheelbase lengths. Compared to ungainly rivals, like the Nissan NV series and Ram ProMaster, the Mercedes has a much more handsome face.

Drivers can choose between a turbodiesel V-6 with 188 horsepower driving through a 7-speed automatic and a four-cylinder 2.0 liter gas-powered engine making 190 horsepower driving through a 9-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is available for the diesel engine; the gasoline-powered Sprinter comes as rear-wheel drive only. The 2018 Sprinter has a payload of up to 6,636 pounds and a tow rating of up to 7,500 pounds for the 3500 diesel model. The 2500 model has a payload of up to 3,500 pounds and a tow rating of up to 5,000 pounds.

The interior of the Sprinter is sparse, for good reason. Mercedes rightly assumes that the people who buy Sprinters customize them for business needs, so the Sprinter comes from the factory pretty basic. The base cargo models get two seats up front and a ton of empty space in the back, while passenger models destined for shuttle duty can seat up to twelve. Properly equipped, the Sprinter has up to 530 cubic feet of cargo space with the 170-inch extended wheelbase. For the 144-in wheelbase, cargo space sits at 319 cubic feet.

As for equipment, most versions get a 7-inch color display screen, Bluetooth compatibility, a USB port, and a reversing camera. A navigation system is available as an option. Drivers can also have the option of adding a high-performance air conditioning package as well as a driver performance package.

The current Sprinter hasn’t been crash tested, and other than a standard reversing camera, the Sprinter comes with a crosswind mitigation system that keeps the vehicle in its lane during a gust of wind. Since the Sprinter has the aerodynamic profile of a brick on wheels, that’s a welcome feature. Safety options, meanwhile, include blind-spot monitors, parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking. Again, these are welcome features for a large, tall vehicle that is so often used by businesses in cities and areas that may be unfamiliar to the person driving. With an all-new 2019 Sprinter on the horizon, these 2018 models may be the most economical way to get into one.