Dave Arbogast Sprinters · Buyer's Guide
Searching for a Mercedes Sprinter 4x4? Today's answer is 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It engages on its own, sends power to the wheels with grip, and turns a luxury Sprinter into a confident all-weather traveler.
For years, the Sprinter 4x4 was the go-to choice for snowy roads and mountain trips. Starting with the 2023 model year, Mercedes-Benz replaced it with a smarter all-wheel-drive system. Here's what changed, how the two systems compare, and how to choose the right AWD Sprinter van for the way you travel.
At a Glance
- Mercedes-Benz replaced the Sprinter 4x4 with automatic 4MATIC all-wheel drive for the 2023 model year.
- AWD engages on its own and splits torque up to 50 percent per axle, with the same ground clearance and off-road angles as the old 4x4.
- Our Adventure Series is built for all-weather travel, and 4MATIC is available on select Touring and Cross Country builds.
Sprinter AWD vs. 4x4: What Changed
The earlier Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 was a selectable system. The van drove its rear wheels until the driver pressed a button to engage the front axle, and in 4x4 mode it sent 35 percent of the torque to the front and 65 percent to the rear.
The 2023 Mercedes Sprinter AWD works on its own. It sends torque where it's needed, with up to a 50 percent split per axle, and on dry highway it can run in rear-wheel drive until the road calls for more grip. Mercedes-Benz also kept the ground clearance, approach angle, departure angle, and breakover angle of the old Sprinter 4x4, so the all-wheel-drive van gives up nothing in capability.
| What Matters Most | 4MATIC AWD (2023 and newer) | Sprinter 4x4 (2022 and earlier) |
|---|---|---|
| How it engages | Automatically, all the time | Driver presses a button |
| Front-axle torque | Up to a 50 percent split per axle | 35 percent front, 65 percent rear |
| Low range | None; a low first gear in the 9-speed automatic helps on steep starts | Available on earlier models |
| Clearance and angles | Same as the 4x4 | Baseline |
| Where you'll find it | New and late-model luxury Sprinters | Pre-owned Sprinters |
Is AWD Better Than 4x4 on a Mercedes Sprinter?
For the way most luxury Sprinter owners travel, yes. A ski weekend, a gravel road to a lake house, a mountain pass in a sudden storm, or a wet highway with icy patches all call for traction that's ready before you need it. An AWD Mercedes Sprinter delivers that without anyone watching the road surface and deciding when to switch systems.
The old Sprinter 4x4 earned its reputation with its low-range gear for slow, steep, technical trails. The newer AWD Sprinter drops low range, but its 9-speed transmission has a low first gear that gives it strong pulling power from a stop. For luxury travel to the mountains, the ski lodge, and the trailhead, all-wheel drive is the more comfortable everyday system.
Do You Need an AWD Sprinter Van?
Choose 4MATIC AWD If
- You live or travel where winters bring snow and ice
- You visit ski areas, mountain towns, or lake homes
- Your trips include gravel or unpaved roads
Choose Rear-Wheel Drive If
- You travel mainly on highways and city streets
- You live in a mild climate
- You want the widest choice of floor plans
Meet the Adventure Series
Our Adventure Series is our all-wheel-drive, adventure-focused luxury Sprinter, built for winter weather, mountain roads, and trailheads. It pairs AWD capability with the comfort of a luxury cabin, so the drive to the destination feels as good as the destination itself.
Adventure floor plans come in 8- and 10-passenger layouts with an onboard bathroom, and 9- and 11-passenger layouts that put the space into seating. Compare every layout in our Sprinter van floor plans guide. Curious about the bathroom layouts? Our guide to luxury Sprinter vans with a bathroom walks through the tradeoffs.
4MATIC AWD across our lineup
You don't have to choose Adventure to get all-weather traction. 4MATIC all-wheel drive is available on select Touring Series builds for family and group travel, and on select Cross Country Series builds with a private half-bath and galley. Just look for 4MATIC in the van's listing, or use the 4MATIC drivetrain filter when you browse each collection.
Want AWD in a smaller van?
Our Mini Touring Series is a luxury Ford Transit conversion with all-wheel drive. It brings all-weather confidence to a smaller van that's easy to drive and park every day. Compare the two in our Discovery Touring vs. Mini Touring guide.
Shopping for a 4x4 Sprinter Van for Sale?
If you're searching for a Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 for sale or a Sprinter AWD for sale, start with the model year. A new or late-model van will be an AWD Sprinter, which is the current version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4. A used 4x4 Sprinter van for sale will be a 2022 or earlier model with the selectable system. Our used Mercedes Sprinter buyer's guide covers what else to check on a pre-owned van, and you can browse our pre-owned inventory any time.
All-wheel drive also affects the Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 price. Our guide to luxury Sprinter van costs explains how AWD, wheelbase, and equipment shape the price, and our Sprinter van pricing guide shows where AWD builds fit. When you're ready, our Sprinter van financing guide and online finance application can help you plan.
During your video walkaround, ask us to show you the window sticker and the drivetrain listed on it. You'll know instantly whether the van has 4MATIC AWD or the earlier 4x4 system.
Shop AWD Luxury Sprinter Vans With Dave Arbogast
Luxury transportation is our singular focus. We offer one of America's largest selections of new and pre-owned luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, and every van we sell is a conversion from a respected luxury builder, including our exclusive Discovery Luxury Sprinter Series.
- Personal video walkarounds of the exact van you're considering
- Financing and trade-in assistance tailored to your needs, starting with a quick trade valuation
- Nationwide delivery to your home or office
Buying from out of state? Here's how to buy a luxury Sprinter van from another state, and how our nationwide delivery brings your van to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Mercedes Sprinter switch from 4x4 to AWD?
Mercedes-Benz replaced the Sprinter 4x4 with a new all-wheel-drive system for the 2023 model year. Earlier Sprinter 4x4 models used a driver-engaged system, while the 2023 and newer AWD Sprinter engages automatically.
What is the difference between Sprinter AWD and 4x4?
The earlier Sprinter 4x4 was engaged by the driver and sent 35 percent of torque to the front axle in 4x4 mode. The newer AWD Sprinter works automatically, sending torque where it is needed with up to a 50 percent split per axle, so you never have to switch it on.
Is 4MATIC the same as AWD on a Sprinter?
Yes. 4MATIC is the Mercedes-Benz name for all-wheel drive. When you see 4MATIC on a Sprinter in our inventory, it means the van has the automatic all-wheel-drive system.
Does the AWD Sprinter have low range?
No. The 2023 and newer AWD Sprinter does not have a low-range gear. Its 9-speed automatic transmission has a low first gear that helps with steep starts and slow, slippery climbs.
Which is better for a Sprinter van, AWD or rear-wheel drive?
Choose AWD if you drive in snow, ice, mountain weather, or on gravel and dirt roads. Rear-wheel drive suits buyers who mainly travel on highways and city streets in mild climates.
Can I still buy a Mercedes Sprinter 4x4?
New Sprinters come with AWD instead of 4x4. A used 4x4 Sprinter van for sale will be a 2022 or earlier model, and our specialists can confirm the drivetrain on any pre-owned van you are considering.
Is there a smaller luxury van with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Our Mini Touring Series is a luxury Ford Transit conversion with all-wheel drive. It brings all-weather traction to a smaller van that is easy to drive and park every day.
Find Your All-Weather Luxury Sprinter
Snow, mountains, and back roads are easier when traction is always ready. Our specialists can walk you through 4MATIC AWD Sprinter vans by personal video, so you can compare every detail before you decide.