Daimler Vans, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz USA, is offering a 16-passenger Sprinter Van specially designed for hotel service, paratransit and similar applications.

The Sprinter is now offered in 2500 and 3500 models. The full-sized, heavy duty vehicles are assembled at Daimler Vans USA’s plant in Ladson, S.C. Daimler further plans to expand its Sprinter lineup with the introduction of the 16-passenger van. A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson confirmed that four different interior configurations will be offered on this new vehicle. Among them, one will have a wheelchair lift that can accommodate eight passengers.

The van is offered in four 15- and 16-passenger seating capacity, plus the driver. The traditional sliding door has been replaced by an electrically operated split passenger door. The vehicle is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V-6 engine which produces 188 horsepower and 325 pounds feet of torque.

The Sprinter van has been sold by selected Freightliner dealers since 2001. Some selected Mercedes-Benz dealers have been selling cargo, chassis cab and passenger van Sprinter models since January 1. The vehicle can be ordered directly from a Mercedes-Benz dealership or Freightliner dealership. The vehicle is expected this summer. No pricing has been announced yet.