It's not there to offer off-road ability, but rather to aid vehicle traction in slippery on-road conditions. Though designed for snow and ice which are common occurrences in northern European winters, the 4WD system will also prove invaluable in muddy building sites in Australia, as well as in the outback after flooding rains have interrupted the droughts.

Mercedes-Benz Australia's sees the Sprinter 4x4 being particularly useful to operators in the mining, tourism, emergency services and telecommunications areas. It has rear-wheel drive for standard driving conditions, but, when road conditions require it, drive to the front axle can be engaged at the touch of a dashboard-mounted button, even whilst moving (at speeds of up to around 10 km/h). The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 uses rear-wheel drive for standard driving conditions, but, when road conditions require it, drive to the front axle can be engaged at the touch of a dashboard-mounted button, even whilst moving at speeds of up to about 10 km/h.

All models from the Sprinter 4x4 range feature selectable all-wheel drive at the touch of a button. When in operation, front-to-rear drive torque is divided 35:65.

The 4x4 system uses electronic control to direct torque to the wheels with the greatest amount of grip. Known as 4ETS, or 4-wheel the Electronic Traction System comes up with similar results as can be obtained with mechanical differential locks, but without the penalty of their weight, cost and wear.

The Sprinter 4x4 also comes equipped with a low-range drive ratio for use in difficult low-traction terrain. When AWD is selected, an intermediate gear in the vehicle’s transfer case reduces the transmission ration by around 40 percent and with a corresponding increase in the available drive torque.

It comes as no surprise that safety conscious Mercedes engineers have set up the 4ETS system to work in conjunction with the Sprinter 4x4’s standard-fitment Adaptive ESP (Electronic Stability Program) system. This continually monitors the vehicle’s driving status and helps correct a loss-of-control condition the moment it begins to occur.

All models in the Sprinter 4x4 range come equipped with the same safety and comfort features fitted to the existing Mercedes-Benz van range as sold in Australia.

Buyers can select from two body types, enclosed van and cab-chassis; two roof heights, standard- and high-roof; and two wheelbases, mid- and long-wheelbase.

Engine options in the Sprinter 4X4 range are 2.2-litre four-cylinder producing 110 kilowatts and a handy 3.0-litre V6 with a maximum of 135 kW. Torque figures for the smaller engine are 330 Newton metres, with the 3.0-litre unit producing 400 Nm.

Sprinter has been a popular vehicle in Australia, particularly in its current format introduced here in October 2006 in two-wheel-drive models. It's a big seller in the ambulance field and Australia Post is a major customer for the Mercedes-Benz van. The Sprinter Transfer is a small bus.

The option of all-wheel drive on the Mercedes Sprinter van and cab-chassis isn't cheap, with a recommended retail price of $22,000, but will prove invaluable to operators who want a vehicle with a good reputation in Australia – and that three-pointed star on the radiator grille won't do any harm when it comes to impressing clients!