Introduction
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulance; has been a popular choice for ambulance conversions for over two decades. Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing reliable and durable commercial vehicles dating back to the first half of the 20th century.
In 1995, Mercedes launched the first generation Sprinter van. With its spacious interior, robust construction, and a reliable diesel engine, it provided an ideal platform for building ambulances. The Sprinter’s reputation for dependability made it a natural fit for the demanding 24/7 operations of emergency medical services.
Over successive generations, Mercedes has continued to refine and improve the Sprinter ambulance. The current third-generation Sprinter has a more aerodynamic body reducing wind noise, upgraded safety features, and new clean diesel engines meeting the latest emissions standards. Mercedes works closely with approved vehicle modifiers to ensure the Sprinter van integrates seamlessly with the specialized ambulance components.
Today, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans account for a significant share of ambulances on the roads in many countries around the world. Mercedes has cemented its position as a leader in producing world-class vans purpose-built for ambulance duty. With each new generation, the Sprinter raises the bar, allowing EMTs to focus on patient care while relying on a safe, comfortable and reliable mobile treatment center.
Models
Mercedes-Benz currently offers two ambulance models in the United States market: the Sprinter and Metris.
The Sprinter is the larger, full-sized ambulance offered. It’s built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter commercial van platform. Sprinter ambulances come in multiple lengths and roof heights to accommodate different equipment and storage needs. The most common Sprinter ambulance configurations are the 144-inch wheelbase high roof model and the 170-inch extended wheelbase high roof model.
The Mercedes-Benz Metris is the smaller, mid-sized ambulance option. Also based on a Mercedes commercial van, the Metris ambulance provides a more maneuverable and fuel-efficient alternative to the Sprinter, while still providing sufficient interior space for emergency medical services. The 126-inch wheelbase Metris ambulance is the most common configuration.
Both the Sprinter and Metris can be outfitted according to the needs of EMTs, paramedics, and medical transportation providers. They provide versatile and reliable platforms to build ambulance interiors for delivering emergency medical care.
Features
Mercedes ambulances are designed with patient care and comfort as the top priorities. The patient compartment is spacious and ergonomically designed for ease of access and maneuverability.
- The interior layout allows EMTs to administer care from all sides of the patient cot. There is ample leg room and head clearance, even for very tall EMTs.
- Equipment is strategically placed for quick access. Oxygen, suction, defibrillator, and other critical equipment have dedicated storage with restraints or brackets to prevent shifting during transport. Cabinets and drawers keep supplies organized.
- Numerous storage options are available for blankets, bandages, splints, medicines, and anything else EMTs may need during a call. The walls and ceiling are equipped with rails, hooks, nets, and straps for securing items.
- Lighting is an important factor. Mercedes ambulances have different lighting zones that can be controlled individually. Brighter procedural lights are positioned over the patient area. Red lighting preserves night vision for the driver.
- Climate control helps keep patients comfortable. Separate A/C systems for the cab and patient area allow individual adjustment of temperature and airflow. There are also options for infrared heating to prevent hypothermia.
The interior layout and storage solutions make it easy for EMTs to provide top-notch emergency care even in difficult conditions. Mercedes ambulances are designed to be a fully equipped mobile emergency room.
Performance
Mercedes-Benz ambulances are known for their powerful yet efficient engines and smooth transmissions that allow paramedics to respond quickly and safely to emergency situations.
The most common engine offered in Mercedes ambulances is a 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engine. This engine generates around 255 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for a fully loaded ambulance. The turbo diesel offers strong acceleration from a stop while maintaining excellent fuel economy during long idle periods.
For maximum performance, Mercedes also offers a 3.0L V6 gas engine in some ambulance models. This engine cranks out 315 horsepower and can launch the ambulance from 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds. However, the gas V6 sacrifices some fuel efficiency compared to the diesel.
All Mercedes ambulance engines are mated to an efficient 7-speed automatic transmission. The transmission has a manual shift mode and adaptive programming to select the optimal gear for power or fuel savings. The smooth shifts ensure a comfortable ride for paramedics and patients.
The ambulance’s suspension is tuned for stability and control when responding Code 3 with lights and sirens. Mercedes uses a rear solid axle with coil springs and shocks plus a front independent suspension. This allows the ambulance to take corners and uneven roads at higher speeds while limiting body roll. Upgraded sway bars and bushings further improve handling. The suspension provides a smooth ride across various road surfaces.
With their finely tuned engines, transmissions, and suspensions, Mercedes ambulances have the performance capabilities EMTs need to respond rapidly and safely to medical emergencies. The systems work together seamlessly to deliver speed, efficiency, and handling.
Safety
Mercedes ambulances are engineered with safety as a top priority. They undergo rigorous crash testing to meet or exceed stringent safety standards.
All Mercedes ambulance models come equipped with advanced driver assist features to help prevent accidents and collisions. These include:
- Active Brake Assist – Applies brakes automatically if sensors detect an imminent collision. Helps prevent rear-end crashes.
- Attention Assist – Monitors driver behavior and provides audio/visual warnings if drowsiness or inattention is detected. Helps prevent fatigue-related accidents.
- Blind Spot Assist – Warns drivers if vehicles are detected in blind spots. Helps prevent lane-change collisions.
- Lane Keeping Assist – Provides steering input if vehicle drifts out of lane. Helps prevent run-off-road crashes.
- Speed Limit Assist – Reads speed limit signs and displays limit in instrument cluster. Helps prevent speed-related accidents.
- Crosswind Assist – Applies brakes selectively to counteract strong crosswinds. Helps maintain control in adverse weather.
Mercedes prioritizes both active and passive safety systems to protect occupants before, during, and after a crash. Their ambulances are engineered to achieve maximum occupant protection while also preventing accidents through advanced driver aids. Safety is paramount in these emergency response vehicles.
Customization
Mercedes Sprinter ambulances can be highly customized to meet the needs of emergency medical services. The conversion process from a standard Sprinter van into an ambulance is handled by third-party companies that specialize in outfitting these vehicles.
There are many options for layout and equipment that can be specified. The main patient area can be configured for better access and maneuverability. Common layouts are transverse, longitudinal bench seating, or captain’s chairs. Equipment that can be added includes:
- Oxygen hookups, suction units, defibrillator mounts
- Stretchers and stair chairs
- Cabinets, drawers, and storage compartments
- Interior and exterior lighting systems with flashers
- Climate control systems with auxiliary air conditioning
- Two-way radios, public address systems
- Backup cameras, side view cameras
- Power inverters, outlets, and charging stations
Ambulance converters will work with EMS providers to fully customize the Sprinter vans based on their operational needs. Pre-wiring and pre-installation of medical equipment is available. The high-roof configuration allows for 78 inches of interior headroom, enabling walk-through access in the back. Overall, Mercedes Sprinter vans provide an excellent and flexible platform for ambulance conversion.
Cost
Mercedes-Benz ambulances are professional vehicles that come at a premium price point compared to other brands. However, many EMS providers find the cost justifiable due to the high quality, safety, and reliability these vehicles offer.
Purchase Price
A new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulance starts around $140,000, while the larger Sprinter 4×4 can cost over $200,000. Some dealers offer leasing and financing options to help spread out the initial purchase expense.
While more expensive than brands like Ford or Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz ambulances typically have a higher resale value. This helps offset the higher acquisition cost over the life of the vehicle.
Financing
Many EMS organizations, especially smaller private companies or rural services, may need financing assistance to purchase a new Mercedes ambulance. Dealers can help arrange financing, including loan options with monthly payments spread out over several years.
Leasing is another popular option that keeps monthly payments lower. At the end of the lease term, the ambulance can either be returned or purchased at a residual value.
Government grants and cooperative purchasing programs can also assist some EMS providers in affording new Mercedes-Benz ambulances. Larger metro services may have the budgets to purchase them outright.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is key to getting a long service life from a Mercedes-Benz ambulance. Routine maintenance costs are comparable to other commercial-duty vehicles.
Parts and skilled Mercedes technicians do cost more versus other brands. However, the Mercedes is built for longevity and has a lower rate of unscheduled repairs when properly maintained. This balances out the maintenance costs over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Overall, the premium pricing of a Mercedes-Benz ambulance reflects its capabilities as an elite emergency response vehicle. For EMS providers that value safety, reliability, and long-term ownership value, the costs can be justified.
Users
Mercedes-Benz ambulances are used by major emergency service operators around the world. Some of the key users include:
- London Ambulance Service – The London Ambulance Service is the largest NHS ambulance service in the UK. With over 4,500 staff, it responds to more than 2 million emergency calls per year in the Greater London region. The service operates a large fleet of Mercedes-Benz ambulances.
- Falck – Based in Denmark, Falck is a global provider of ambulance and healthcare services. It operates in more than 35 countries across Europe, the Americas, Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Falck uses Mercedes-Benz ambulances as its preferred vehicle for their emergency response fleets.
- American Medical Response (AMR) – The largest ambulance provider in the United States, AMR provides medical transportation services across all 50 states. AMR utilizes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans that are customized as Type II ambulances for providing prompt emergency response to 9-1-1 calls.
- Acadian Ambulance – Serving Southwestern and South Central United States, Acadian Ambulance operates a fleet of more than 600 vehicles for emergency and non-emergency medical transportation. A number of their frontline ambulances are Mercedes-Benz Sprinters equipped with the latest medical technology.
- Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) – Providing aeromedical care across Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service relies on specially equipped Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances at remote airfields to transport patients from the aircraft to healthcare facilities.
With their safety, reliability and versatility for customization, Mercedes-Benz ambulances have become integral mobility partners for leading emergency medical services globally.
Reviews
The Mercedes ambulance is well reviewed by both experts and customers for its design, performance, and reliability.
Expert Evaluations
Industry experts consistently rate the Mercedes ambulance as one of the best in its class. Professional testers praise the powerful yet fuel-efficient engine, the durable build quality, and the stable, confident handling even at high speeds. Reviewers also note the spacious, ergonomic interior design that allows emergency medical personnel ample room to treat patients.
In a recent comparison test, EMS World magazine rated the Mercedes ambulance highest over two competitors, commenting on its “rock-solid stability” and “intuitive, responsive controls.” The reviewers concluded, “The Mercedes Sprinter lives up to its reputation as the gold standard in ambulances.”
Customer Feedback
Real-world users also give positive feedback on the Mercedes ambulance. Paramedics say the wide rear doors allow easy loading and unloading of patients, and the integrated stretcher loading system is smooth and secure. Drivers appreciate the panoramic windows and backup camera for excellent visibility.
Online customer reviews consistently mention the Mercedes ambulance’s reliability and longevity. Many report getting over 200,000 miles out of their vans with minimal maintenance needed. One owner wrote, “After 5 years, this rig still drives like new and has never left us stranded.”
For emergency medical services looking for a capable, high-quality ambulance, the Mercedes Sprinter clearly delivers based on expert and customer reviews. Its track record of performance, safety, and durability has earned it a top reputation in the industry.
Conclusion
Mercedes has long been known for their engineering excellence and commitment to safety, and their ambulances continue that tradition. With powerful yet efficient engines, advanced safety features, and highly customizable interiors, Mercedes ambulances provide exceptional performance and protection for their operators and patients.
Key strengths that allow Mercedes to stand out in the ambulance market include:
- Powerful turbo diesel engines that provide ample acceleration and torque, even at higher speeds with a full payload. This allows responders to reach emergencies quickly and safely.
- Safety innovations like traction control, collision prevention assist, lane keeping assist, and adaptive LED headlights that improve stability and visibility. This protects both ambulance occupants and other vehicles on the road.
- Modular interior components that enable customization of the patient compartment. Customers can optimize the layout and equipment for their operational needs.
- High quality materials and construction that enhance durability and longevity. Mercedes ambulances can withstand years of intensive use and hundreds of thousands of miles.
- Mercedes-Benz customer service and support. Dealers provide maintenance, repairs and training to keep ambulances in peak condition. The company stands behind their products.
With their stellar reputation in both automotive and commercial vehicle markets, Mercedes continues to raise the bar for ambulance design, performance and safety. Their ambulances provide the quality and reliability that emergency medical services need to save lives.
