Mercedes isn't about to just let the 2015 Ford Transit upstage their beloved Sprinter van, so in response to the ultra-lux Ford Skyliner, Sprinter is collaborating with American RV icon Airstream to build their own mobile living room— the Autobahn.
Built up from a 3500 Series Sprinter, the Autobahn seats eight, and is supposed to emulate the "private jet experience" plus a giant TV. The interior's not nearly as over-the-top as the Skyliner's, but this thing's actually going into production.
The V6 3.0 Mercedes turbodiesel under the hood is supposed to get more than 18 MPG on the highway, and can tow 5,000 pounds. The rig is just over 24' long and 6' tall.
Price starts at $133,024... which actually seems like a pretty reasonable buy considering you get a vehicle and an addition to your house if you pick one up.
The last Mercedes-Airstream collaboration, the Interstate RV also based on the Sprinter, was launched in 2004 and is the top selling motorhome in its class according to the folks who build it.
From Mercedes-Benz's presentation at their Sprinter National Dealer Meeting this week:
Design & Luxury
The Autobahn is equipped with a power entry sliding door that open onto a well-appointed cabin with a stunning array of finishes, materials and amenities including durable wood trim, leather seating, dual refrigerators and individualized controls to enhance the passenger experience.
Each position in the main cabin includes a power footrest, heated seating and power outlets (120v and USB) along with a workspace equipped with a functional desk.
Productivity & Convenience
Autobahn comes standard with the innovative Airstream Smart Control™ System providing centralized control for all main cabin lighting, shades, heating and air conditioning through the user's smart device. The system also controls onboard entertainment, with state-of-the-art electronics including a 32 inch LCD TV screen, Blu-Ray player, Pandora, and an Apple TV box with Air Play functionality. The Airstream Smart Control System can be operated through the vehicle's onboard electronics, any web-enabled smart device (including smart phones & tablets) and laptops with wireless capabilities.Safety
Superior safety features include collision prevention assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, front and rear parking assist, headlight high beam assist and more.Beyond the reassuring coverage of the three year/36,000-mile warranty, the Autobahn is supported by the premier coast-to-coast Mercedes-Benz dealer network and the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.
Airstream first began its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz with the launch of the Airstream Interstate in 2004. The Interstate remains the top selling Type B motorhome model for the third year in a row.
The Airstream Autobahn is now available and will be sold exclusively through Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealers across the nation. For more information visit or contact your local Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer.
Images: Mercedes/Airstream