Peter Palmer: Sprinter Extreme Concept: Go Big Or Go Home!

Bigger is an understatement with the Sprinter Extreme Concept. It’s over 20 feet long and 7 feet high. However, if you have heavy things to move, then it’s right up your alley. With a 6,400 lbs. payload capacity and 7,500 lbs. tow capacity, the Sprinter Extreme Concept is the brainchild of Mercedes-Benz and RENNtech.

The Sprinter 3500 Cab Chassis, which the concept is built on, is the spine for buses, ambulances, box bodies, and recreational vehicles. The flat, lightweight frame rails make it ideal. It’s driven by a powerful 4-Cylinder BlueTEC diesel, mated to a 7-speed “7G-TRONIC” transmission.

Numerous factory wiring options are available for a specific upfit. Two wheelbases are offered, 144 or 170 inches. Sprinter Cab Chassis can also be ordered as a “Cutaway,” meaning no rear portion over the frame.

“The Sprinter Cab Chassis is the most capable heavy-duty vehicle in its segment,” said Bernie Glaser, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Vans USA. “The Sprinter Extreme concept has super-strength, unlimited hard-working capability, and an aggressive design.”

Although some concepts never see production, that’s not the case with this massive machine.

“Unlike most concepts, the foundation for the Sprinter Extreme can be ordered at a Mercedes or Freightliner dealership today with the help of our MasterUpfitter program,” Glaser said.

Longtime Mercedes-Benz partner RENNtech takes the Sprinter Cab Chassis over the top with the Extreme Concept. A custom roof rack was built to support six forward-facing lights while additional spotlights are positioned on the sides. A special brush guard with fog lights and a winch are located beneath the front bumper.

A suspension lift package raises Sprinter Extreme above six G-Class inspired wheels and aggressive off-road tires. Custom rear fenders were used for additional clearance and suspension travel. Finishing off the Sprinter Extreme’s look is the vinyl wrap and chrome exhaust stacks.

And for the heavy payloads, a Scattolini ScattoMaax “Tipper Bed” answers the call. The bed has three way tipping ability and is made of high-strength steels and alloys. The ScattoMaax cargo bed provides extra protection between the cab and payload while Standard Load-Adaptive Electronic Stability Program ensures that even when loaded, stability is maintained.

Did I mention it was big?

While a vehicle like this will certainly find its intended home on job sites, I do sense it showing up as a novelty in a posh neighborhood; like how famous figures parade around in Hummers. I know this would be the case for me if I had a little more money in the bank and a few more eccentric bones in my body.

*Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.