Looking for your next road trip warrior? You might just have found it in the shape of this awesome-looking 2023 DESO Mercedes Sprinter AWD 17 from the guys at Benchmark. With this release, Benchmark is trying to redefine road trip adventures with an overlanding van purpose-built for extended excursions with unparalleled comfort. It is equipped with world-class off-road apparatus that can handle long trips, navigate difficult terrain, and safely transport travellers to any destination they desire, all while providing a superior level of comfort.

Benchmark Vehicles began with a 2023 AWD drive Sprinter ordered directly from Mercedes-Benz to create the amazing DESO steed you see before you. They then integrated an Agile OffRoad Ride Improvement Package with Fox 2.0 shocks, Agile OffRoad speed sensor guards, leaf springs, a Backwoods Scout front bumper, Warn Zeon Platinum 12S winch, Van Compass front skid plates/rear tug step bumper, and Owl Talon wheels with BFG HD KT 285/70/17 tires. They also replaced the factory struts with Bilstein Heavy Duty struts with coilovers before adding Bull fender flares with full Line X coating to allow for increased articulation and to widen DESO’s stance.

The transmission with Benchmark’s DESO is a 9-speed shiftable automatic that draws its power from a 2-litre twin turbo 4-cylinder diesel-powered engine. This top-notch machine runs on ultra-low sulfur diesel with an upgraded 45-gallon fuel tank that will ensure you can get where you’re going with fewer stops for gas. The van has been fitted with a Bravo air intake snorkel with a Terrawagen pre-filter cap, a Girard power-operated awning with LED lighting, a Benchmark custom-made gear tray with a 4-bike carrying capacity, an Owl Vans rear door tire carrier/ladder, and AMP Power Steps next to the driver and passenger side doors.

The exterior lighting includes Baja LP6 Pros & Rigid load lights integrated into the Roambuilt Safari Rack 2.0, Baja LP6s mounted to the bumper, Baja LP4s fixed to the hood, and Baja Squadron fog lights replacing the standard factory fog lights. The DESO van has a spacious interior that is 170 inches long, 68 inches wide, and 76 inches high. This allows travellers over 6 feet tall to stand up straight inside the van. The cabin is equipped with a full rear platform bed, Scheel-Mann leather and cloth driver/passenger seats, a matching upholstered slider door bench, and a Scopema Neptune 60cm single jump seat with matching custom upholstery.

Other interior features include soft storage bags mounted to the rear doors and garage area, Benchmark custom-made 4-season bug and weather screens at the rear and sliding doors, Flarespace flares with an Arctic Tern Overland window on the driver’s side, and insulated window covers, front seating curtain and interior walls for colder weather conditions. Road trip adventures just got knocked up a notch courtesy of this excellent-looking steed from Benchmark.