The basis of the cooperative development between UPS, Spier and Mercedes-Benz is the new Sprinter 513 BlueTec with its 95 kW-strong Euro 6 engine and long wheel base. Three models will be produced – the UPS P60, the UPS P70 and the UPS P80 – each with different body lengths. The first of the new vehicles will be delivered to the parcel service in August.

As a start, the new UPS Sprinter will be produced in a small series, and will put into service in Germany, Great Britain and Ireland. The new delivery vehicle will now replace the traditional UPS model, which was based on the Mercedes-Benz Vario. According to UPS, the main advantages of the vehicle, which has a maximum permissible weight of 5.3 t, are its excellent ergonomics and safety, a high carrying capacity with a lower kerb weight, and its fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly drive concept.

With a maximum clearance of 2,075 mm by 840 mm, the passenger-side sliding door is a good bit higher and wider than that of its predecessor, the Vario-based UPS delivery vehicle. The new door is designed to make it easier for the deliverer to get in and out with parcels in arm. The same goes for the first of the three wide steps to the driver’s cab.

The sliding door, the doors between the cab and the load compartment and the rear door can also be locked electronically. They can be opened and closed using a transponder that the driver wears around his wrist – thus eliminating time-consuming fiddling with a key.

The additional windows on the passenger side allow the driver to better see pedestrians or bikers on the right side of the vehicle and other safety measures include a rear view camera.

An improved specially-developed start button, designed specifically for this vehicle, is also highly practical – it allows the driver to start and stop the engine without a key.

The new delivery vehicle is based on the new Sprinter and all three engine models have an efficient four-cylinder OM 651 engine. The Mercedes-Benz 95 kW engine fulfils the strict Euro 6 exhaust emissions standard.

The vehicle’s extensive safety features include a standard driver airbag and a new Crosswind Assist, which uses Adaptive ESP. Sensors detect lateral wind forces and the Crosswind Assist selectively brakes individual wheels on the side facing the wind, preventing the vehicle from yawing.

Also on board the new UPS Sprinter is Collision Prevention Assist which protects against rear-end collisions. If the distance to the preceding vehicle drops below a critical threshold, the system warns the driver with a light in the instrument cluster. If the probability of an imminent collision increases, the light begins to blink and an acoustic warning signal sounds. This second warning level kicks in early enough to allow the driver a chance to react.