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.
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 or 208 hp and the automaker says
that it is more capable than its predecessor.
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.
