Mercedes-Benz previews the future of vans with THE BOuLDER and new Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz introduces THE BOuLDER sculpture and outlines the next generation Sprinter with VAN.EA, VAN.CA, and MB.OS technologies ahead of its 130th anniversary.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has marked a symbolic turning point that bridges its past and future. Ahead of the 130th anniversary of the van’s invention, the company unveiled “THE BOuLDER” — a massive stone sculpture representing the next generation of the Sprinter. Combining art and engineering, the piece embodies how the brand intends to reinvent the transporter while staying true to its core values of reliability, durability, and versatility.

The historical reference is deliberate. Alongside “THE BOuLDER,” Mercedes-Benz presented the meticulously restored Benz combinations delivery vehicle from 1899 — the world’s oldest surviving and roadworthy van. In doing so, the brand draws a direct line from the first motorized delivery vehicle to the future Sprinter, which promises to be more digital, intelligent, and customer-focused.

The foundation of this transformation is the new modular VAN architecture, divided into the fully electric VAN.EA and the combustion-based VAN.CA. Series production of the first model, VLE, will begin in 2026 at the Vitoria plant in Spain. Both platforms share about 70 percent of their components, allowing electric and combustion variants to be built on the same production line.

At the digital core lies the MB.OS — Mercedes-Benz’s proprietary operating system built on a chip-to-cloud structure. It enables over-the-air updates, real-time function management, and the integration of third-party apps such as Van Uptime Monitor and Large Vehicle Navigation. This ensures that every van remains technologically up to date for years, gaining new capabilities without visiting a workshop.

The future Sprinter is designed to remain a dependable all-rounder for couriers, builders, rescue teams, and travelers alike. Every detail of its next generation is being developed in close collaboration with customers. Judging by what Mercedes-Benz has revealed so far, the brand is preparing not just an update, but a redefinition of the very segment it pioneered.