Mercedes Ambulance Price

Mercedes Ambulance Price; Ambulances play a crucial role in healthcare, providing emergency medical services and transport for those in need. However, these life-saving vehicles don’t come cheap. Many are surprised to learn that a new ambulance can cost well over $80,000. In fact, the average price for a new ambulance is around $90,000 according to recent industry reports.

For top-of-the-line ambulances, prices can even exceed $150,000. Needless to say, equipping and operating an ambulance fleet represents a major expenditure for hospitals, fire departments, private companies and other EMS providers.

When it comes to ambulance manufacturers, Mercedes is a premier brand known for making high-quality emergency response vehicles. But with the Mercedes name comes luxury pricing. Just how much does a Mercedes ambulance cost? Let’s take a closer look at Mercedes Sprinter ambulance pricing and what factors impact the overall price tag.

Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is one of the most popular base vehicles for ambulance conversions. This full-size van is prized for its durability, cargo capacity, and flexible configurations.

Some key features that make the Sprinter well-suited for ambulances include:

Reliable diesel engine with high torque for smooth, powerful driving
Multiple wheelbase options allow different compartment layouts
Up to 12-passenger seating capacity
Standing head room of up to 6 feet
Available 4×4 capabilities for all-weather transit
Durable commercial-grade interior materials
Abundant accessory options like racks, lighting, HVAC etc.

The Sprinter chassis can be outfitted with various ambulance modules from manufacturers like Braun, AEV, and Horton. These modules include medical equipment, cabinets, stretchers, seating and other specialized amenities.

Overall, the Mercedes Sprinter provides an optimal platform for ambulance vehicles requiring strength, versatility and ample interior space.

Base Mercedes Sprinter Prices – Mercedes Ambulance Price

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is available in several configurations that determine the base MSRP. The most basic choices are:

Cargo – Starts at $56,000 for a regular roof 2500 model. Goes up to $46,000 for a high roof 3500.
Passenger – Starts at $63,000 for 12-15 passengers. The biggest 23-passenger version starts at $72,000.

Additional options like 4×4, longer wheelbases, and different engines can increase these base prices further. For example, a high roof extended length Sprinter with 4×4 starts at $58,000.

Overall, most ambulance conversions begin in the $40,000-$50,000 range for the base Sprinter model before adding the full emergency medical interior.

Ambulance Conversion Costs – Mercedes Ambulance Price

After Mercedes builds the Sprinter van, it gets sent to an ambulance conversion company to be transformed into a functional emergency vehicle. This conversion process involves major changes to the van’s interior and exterior. Some key aspects of the conversion include:

Installation of emergency lights, sirens, and other warning devices on the exterior of the van. This includes lightbars, scene lights, back-up alarms, and side warning lights.
Outfitting the interior with cabinets, benches, stretchers, medical equipment, oxygen tanks, and other essentials for emergency care. This requires precise engineering and layout.
Electrical wiring to support all the medical devices, communication equipment, and lighting needs. This includes running wires, installing control panels, and hooking up electronics.
Painting and branding the exterior with appropriate emergency vehicle markings and signage.
Upholstering the interior with easy to clean surfaces suitable for an ambulance.
Adding tinting, storage, flooring, grab handles, and other ergonomic features for safety and functionality.

The ambulance conversion process costs anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 on top of the base Sprinter van price. The more advanced the vehicle specs and amount of customization, the more the conversion will cost. Specific options like bariatric accommodations, wheelchair lifts, or AWD also increase conversion expenses. Reputable ambulance builders use high-quality components to construct a safe, roadworthy emergency vehicle.

Features that Increase Costs – Mercedes Ambulance Price

Ambulances contain specialized medical equipment and features that increase their cost compared to standard passenger vans. Some of the key features that raise the price of Mercedes-Benz ambulances include:

Life Support Equipment – This includes EKG monitors, defibrillators, suction units, and oxygen delivery systems. Top-of-the-line life support gear can add $50,000 or more to the total cost.
Power Load System – A power stretcher lift and ramp system makes loading patients easier and safer. This can cost $10,000-$15,000 installed.
Emergency Lighting – Ambulances have exterior emergency lights and sirens which add to the expense. Custom interior lighting is also common.
Storage and Cabinetry – Ambulances need extensive storage for medical equipment. Custom cabinetry, drawers, and shelves boost the price.
Communications – Radios, public address systems, and other electronics enable communication between EMS crews and the hospital. This specialized gear is not cheap.
Climate Control – Good heating and cooling is critical in an ambulance patient cabin. Upgraded A/C systems can cost thousands.
Backup Camera – A rearview camera improves safety when backing up an ambulance. This is generally standard now.
Custom Paint – Ambulance services often pay extra for custom paint jobs with logos and reflective striping.

All of these features help paramedics save lives but also drive up the costs of ambulance vehicles, especially for top-tier “Advanced Life Support” models.

Average Mercedes Ambulance Price

The total price of a Mercedes Sprinter ambulance can vary quite a bit depending on the features, conversion company, and location. However, most Mercedes Sprinter ambulances fall within a price range of $80,000 to $150,000.

The base Mercedes Sprinter van starts around $55,000 – $65,000 for cargo and passenger versions. From there, ambulance conversion companies outfit the vans with all necessary emergency medical equipment and storage. This ambulance conversion generally adds $45,000 – $550,000+ to the base price.

So in total, a typical Mercedes Sprinter ambulance with common features like a stretcher, cabinetry, oxygen tanks, etc. will cost $80,000 – $90,000. More advanced or customized units with options like a power load system or specialty storage can range from $120,000 up to $150,000+.

The average price tends to be around $100,000 for a Mercedes Sprinter ambulance with standard life support capabilities. Keep in mind there are always exceptions on both ends. Some basic units may be a little less, while fully loaded intensive care ambulances can exceed $150,000. But for most EMT-level transports, expect to pay within that $80k-$150k range.

Regional Price Differences

Regional prices for Mercedes ambulances can vary significantly based on a number of factors. Some key regional differences include:

Northeast US – This region tends to have higher ambulance prices on average due to higher costs of living and labor. A base Mercedes ambulance conversion may cost $100,000-$120,000 in this region.
Midwest US – The midwest has more moderate ambulance pricing overall. Expect base conversions in the $80,000-$100,000 range.
West Coast – Major metro areas on the west coast like Los Angeles and Seattle have very high costs. Basic ambulance conversions often exceed $120,000. However, more rural areas have lower prices.
South – The south generally has lower ambulance prices than the coastal states. Base Mercedes conversions typically range from $70,000-$90,000.
Canada – Due to additional import fees and taxes, Canadian Mercedes ambulance prices are usually 15-25% higher than the US national average.
Europe – European pricing also tends to be higher than the US average, although government subsidies in some countries help offset costs. Expect premiums of 25-50%.

So in summary, pricing can swing widely based on regional factors like cost of living, labor, taxes, and transport costs. But the northeast and west coast tend to sit at the higher end of the range.

Factors that Affect Pricing

Many factors beyond the base Sprinter model and conversion package impact the final price of a Mercedes ambulance. Customers can select from various options and upgrades that add to the cost. Some of the most common variables include:

Vehicle size – Larger Sprinter models (extended length, higher roof) cost more as ambulance conversions. The standard 144″ wheelbase van starts lower than 170″ or 170″ extended models.
4×4 Capability – Going from rear-wheel drive to 4×4 all-wheel drive adds a significant upgrade fee. This allows driving in more rugged, snowy, or off-road conditions.
Engine – More powerful turbo diesel engines that increase horsepower and torque are available for better performance. But these upgrades also raise the price over standard engines.
Interior features – Many customizable options exist for the inside of the ambulance, like cabinetry, finishes, flooring, lighting, seating, climate control, and electrical. Unique builds cost more than standard specs.
Patient area – The size and layout of the treatment area in back, as well as the medical equipment included, affect pricing. More advanced tools and devices mean a higher price tag.
Graphics/paint – Extra exterior paint colors, custom wraps, decals, lettering, and other design elements can be added for additional fees.
Warranties & service – Additional warranty coverage and long-term service plans increase the overall investment, but provide peace of mind.

With so many potential configuration options, two Mercedes ambulances from the same factory may have significantly different pricing if they contain lots of upgrades or customizations. This flexibility comes at a cost, but allows custom-tailored emergency vehicles.

Cost Comparison – Mercedes Ambulance Price

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances tend to be more expensive than other top ambulance brands like Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster. However, Mercedes Sprinters are known for their durability, reliability, and safety.

The base Mercedes Sprinter van starts around $50,000 while a base Ford Transit is around $40,000. Ambulance conversions then add $80,000-$90,000+ to the total cost. So a Mercedes ambulance will be $10,000+ more than a Ford just for the base van difference.

Mercedes Sprinters also have higher operating costs due to premium fuel requirements and more expensive parts/service. However, they can last over 90,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Additional options like 4WD, diesel engines, and higher roof heights further increase Mercedes pricing over competitors. But many EMS departments still choose Mercedes for the unrivaled longevity and capability as an ambulance platform.

In the end, Mercedes Sprinter ambulances command a premium price due to their reputation and capabilities as the preferred choice of EMS departments across North America. Paying more upfront can be worth it for many based on total lifecycle costs and resale value.

Conclusion

Understanding ambulance pricing can seem complex at first, but breaking it down into the base vehicle cost and additional conversion and equipment fees helps provide clarity. Mercedes Sprinter vans offer a popular and reliable platform for ambulance conversions, with strong diesel engines and cargo capacity. While base Sprinter model pricing starts around $35,000, fully equipped Mercedes ambulances typically cost $90,000 to $99,000 on average. Many factors influence the final price, especially local market conditions and the level of medical options added during conversion. There are also significant regional price differences in the ambulance market. Being informed on approximate pricing ranges helps buyers budget properly when purchasing new emergency response vehicles for their organizations. Knowing the breakdown of base vehicle versus conversion costs also aids in decision making on customization and features. Overall, Mercedes Sprinter ambulances provide an excellent combination of quality, capabilities and cost for many EMS applications.