Starting in 2023, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter lineup will be powered exclusively by four-cylinder engines in the United States, the company announced today at the 2022 Work Truck Week event. The van will also make use of a nine-speed transmission and an improved all-wheel-drive system.
The van’s maker said that it will continue to sell both gasoline and diesel engines for model year 2023 Sprinters, but will only offer four-cylinder options. The OM654 engine has been designed for smoother acceleration, higher torque, and lower emissions. It is also quieter, Mercedes says.
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First seen in the Mercedes E-Class, the OM654 diesel engine features an aluminum block, steel pistons, stepped recess combustion, and a NANOSLIDE cylinder coating that helps reduce friction. A dynamic multi-way exhaust gas recirculation system and near-engine exhaust gas after-treatment mean lower consumption and low emissions. It is available with either 168 hp (125 kW/170 PS) or 208 hp (155 kW/211 PS) and the automaker says that it is more capable than its predecessor.
More gears and all-wheel drive
The engine will send its power to the wheels via a 9G-Tronic nine-speed transmission that is now standard on all Sprinter vans sold in the U.S. The new unit offers an increased first gear ratio for quicker take-off than the outgoing seven-speed transmission, and a greater ratio spread for improved overall performance.
The vans will also benefit from a new all-wheel-drive system that replaces the previous 4×4 system. Mercedes says that the unit provides more power, endurance, and smoother transitions for the driver. It now allows 50 percent of the power to be sent to the front wheels, whereas the previous system could send just 35 percent to the front wheels. Despite the new system, the vans will maintain the same amount of ground clearance, approach angle, departure angle, and breakover angle as before.
The new AWD system, 9G-Tronic transmission, and four-cylinder engines will be available to U.S. customers early next year.
