Finally have experienced a couple of the new generation Sprinters. Over all, I like them. The electro-assist steering is very different feeling, much nicer at low speed parking maneuvers but feels pretty good and linear once moving. I'd say it is an improvement.
The brake feel is better. Touchier, with a bit more progressive "grab" when slowing down. The brake size didn't look any different but it might be.
Not a fan of the push button start (although I realize the "key" in the old ones is not really used in a mechanical sense, I still prefer it). I loathe the joystick gear shifter, especially considering the old style was nearly perfect in terms of both function and placement.
The loss of the diesel 4 cyl sucks, but at least the V6 diesel not only got some improvements (low pressue EGR, a'la VAG) but it also gets bolted to the 7sp transmission too.
The dash and instruments feels more technology laden, which some may like, I do not. Although it is reasonably clean and well laid out. They also added a DEF gauge, which is nice. The touch-pad steering wheel navigation takes some getting used to, and I think I would grow to hate it like poison. I do not think they call come with that, though.
They also axed the standard roof passenger van, so you have to get a high roof. Further making mine a unicorn.
I have not driven the 2.0L gas/9sp automatic version, just the V6 diesel. I suspect these will be priced much less and appeal to some buyers, especially fleets. They also have a lighter duty '1500' option they did not have before, although even these still have the 8550 GVWR to avoid some lower end emission regs. They also added a HD3500 and a 4500, some of which have nearly 3.5 tons of payload