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Sprinter van fans and users often wonder about the relationship between Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, and while there are many similarities between them, there are still differences that need to be understood. Xiamen Van Seat is an excellent manufacturer of Sprinter seats, we know Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters very well, in response to the question “Are Freightliner and Mercedes Sprinters the Same?”Here's what you need to know.

Historical background

Mercedes-Benz introduced the sprinter van in 1995 and then, wanting to enter the U.S. market and avoid the 25% ‘chicken tax’ on imported light trucks, opted to dismantle the vans in Germany, ship them to the U.S. as a complete knock down (CKD) kit, and then rebuild and reassemble them under the name Freightliner and Dodge. Freightliner and Dodge. While the rebuilt vehicles are mechanically identical to their Mercedes counterparts, Freightliner models carry unique branding.

Key differences

Branding and badging

• Freightliner Sprinter: a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America, part of the global Mercedes-Benz empire, and sold under the Freightliner brand from 2001-2021, the Freightliner Sprinter features a distinctive grille, badging and trim options that appeal to commercial vehicle fleets.

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: after 2021 the sprinter will not be sold under the Freightliner brand in the U.S. All sales will be made under the Mercedes-Benz name.

Assembly and origin

• Freightliner Sprinter: imported from Germany using CKD kits, disassembled in Germany and assembled in Gaffney, South Carolina.

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: The production process is the same for all markets, with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter being built in Düsseldorf, Germany, and sold around the world.

Features and options

• Freightliner Sprinter: offers similar features and options to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, with slightly different trim levels and badging. The main differences usually come down to the options and the way the vans are packaged.

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Known for its high-quality construction and wide range of configurations, including vans, passenger vans and a variety of special-purpose vehicles. 2025 models introduce updates and new options, such as the eSprinter with an 81 kWh battery.

Target Audience

• Freightliner Sprinter: Focused on cost-conscious commercial buyers (e.g. delivery fleets).

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter caters to high-end passengers and the customised conversion market.

Key similarities

• Same platform: both vans were built on the same production line in Germany (and later in the US) with the same dimensions, load capacity and drivetrain options (diesel, petrol and later electric).

• Interior compatibility: cab layouts, door configurations and seating system anchor points were standardised. This means that Sprinter van seats designed for Mercedes models can be adapted seamlessly to Freightliner Sprinters - a key factor for converters.

• Parts and maintenance: Mechanical components from the engine to suspension parts are interchangeable, simplifying repairs and modifications.

Those looking to buy a sprinter van should need to be aware of these differences in advance; while the two vehicles are essentially the same, they are sold with different brands, availability, service options and resale values. But now that the Freightliner-branded Sprinter has been discontinued by 2021, buyers now looking for the new outgoing vehicle should buy it at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.