Mercedes-Benz Vans Unveils New Sprinter AWD System

Mercedes-Benz Vans announced at Work Truck Week 2022 in Indianapolis that the brand's new all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and four-cylinder Sprinter diesel and gas lineup will be available for the U.S. market early next year.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is transitioning to a fully four-cylinder lineup for gasoline and diesel engines for model-year 2023 — for what it says will be a more efficient portfolio. The new OM654 engine achieves a smoother acceleration, higher torque values, decreased emissions, and lower noise and vibration levels. It will be available in two power output ratings: 125kW (168 hp) and 155kW (208 hp), providing a more capable engine than its predecessors, the announcement said.

The van will feature a combination of aluminum block and steel pistons, a stepped recess combustion process, a Nanoslide cylinder coating for reduced in-engine friction, multi-way exhaust gas recirculation, and near-engine exhaust gas aftertreatment, which will bring about lower consumption and emissions. 

Mercedes-Benz Vans will also transition to a new 9G-Tronic transmission (9-speed), standard for all variants. This transmission provides increased driving comfort, reduction in fuel consumption, decreased noise levels, lower emissions, higher overall gear ratio, and quicker downshifts allowing for agile acceleration. Compared to the previous 7G-Tronic transmission, the 9G offers an increased first gear ratio, which Mercedes-Benz said results in a quicker take-off, more gears, a greater ratio spread, and overall improved performance.

The new Sprinter all-wheel-drive (AWD) replaces the previous 4x4 system that can take on any terrain. Unlike the previous engageable system, the automatic torque on-demand offers up to 50% split per axle, which provided 35% of torque to the front and 65% to the rear axle when in 4x4 mode. The new Sprinter AWD system also maintains capabilities offered by its predecessor in terms of ground clearance, approach angle, departure angle, and breakover angle.