When the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter goes on sale in the U.S., it will come with a new all-wheel-drive system and a 9-speed transmission, according to Mercedes-Benz Vans USA, which unveiled the updated version of the Sprinter at 2022 Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mercedes-Benz said the 2023 Sprinter offers commercial customers a streamlined packaging structure and improved features to fit a variety of customers — from everyday drivers, parcel delivery, construction workers and upfit customers. The debut follows the introduction of the Ram ProMaster at the same show earlier today.
The V-6 turbo diesel offered in the Sprinter has been dropped and replaced for 2023 with the 4-cylinder turbo diesel used the Mercedes passenger cars. The move mirrors the overall shift by Mercedes a 4-cylinder gas and diesel line-up for the U.S. market early next year, creating a more efficient portfolio, the company said.
Although competitors such as Ford and General Motors are moving ahead with battery-electric vans, the Sprinter will have a conventional rather than electric powertrain for the 2023 model year. The company does have plans to offer an eSprinter in the U.S. and, in fact, will build them in a plant near Charleston, South Carolina.
The power of turbos
The new OM654 turbodiesel engine delivers smoother acceleration, higher torque values, decreased emissions and lower noise and vibration levels. It will be available in two power output ratings: 168 horsepower and 208.
The combination of an aluminum block and steel pistons, the stepped recess combustion process as well as the Nanoslide cylinder coating for reduced in-engine friction, together with the dynamic multi-way exhaust gas recirculation and the near-engine exhaust gas after treatment also facilitates lower consumption and low emissions.
Due to its position, the exhaust gas after treatment works with little heat loss resulting in a more efficient operation.
Nine-speed transmission now standard
Mercedes-Benz Vans will also be transitioning to a 9-speed transmission, which will become standard for all variants of the Sprinter, including those equipped with the 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine.
The 9G-Tronic transmission provides customers with increased driving comfort, improved fuel economy, decreased noise levels, lower emissions, a higher overall gear ratio and quicker downshifts allowing for agile acceleration.
Compared to the previous 7G-Tronic transmission, the 9G-Tronic offers an increased first gear ratio resulting in a quicker takeoff, more gears, and a greater ratio spread leading to an overall improved performance, Mercedes-Benz Vans added.
The new Sprinter all-wheel drive replaces the previous 4×4 system, providing more power, endurance and overall seamless transition for the customer, allowing them to take on any terrain with ease.
With the AWD, customers experience automatic torque on demand with up to 50% split per axle, unlike the previous engageable system, which provided 35% of torque to the front and 65% to the rear axle when in 4×4 mode.
The new Sprinter AWD system on the 2023 model also maintains capabilities offered by its predecessor in terms of ground clearance, approach angle, departure angle and breakover angle.
