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New Mercedes-Benz van features transmission, engine, and connectivity updates

A van drives on a dirt road
A Mercedes-Benz 2023 Sprinter van

The Mercedes-Benz Vans 2023 Sprinter will be available in Canada during the winter of 2022. The van features a new all-wheel drive (AWD) system, 9G-TRONIC transmission, four-cylinder diesel engines, and enhanced connectivity.

With a technology update, Mercedes-Benz is ensuring that the Sprinter will offer more driving comfort than before. At the heart of the update is the 2.0-litre OM 654 diesel engine familiar from the Mercedes-Benz passenger car portfolio. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is transitioning to a fully four-cylinder lineup for gasoline and diesel engines for the model year 2023. The new OM 654 engine achieves 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 compared to its predecessors.

Engineering an engine for efficiency

A combination of aluminum block and steel pistons, a stepped recess combustion process, and NANOSLIDE cylinder coating reduces in-engine friction. Combining these features with dynamic multi-way exhaust gas recirculation and the near-engine exhaust gas after treatment allows the 2023 Sprinter to operate with lower consumption and emissions. Due to its position, the exhaust gas after treatment also works with little heat loss, resulting in a more efficient operation.

A new transmission for improved comfort and fuel efficiency

Mercedes-Benz Vans will also be transitioning over to a new 9G-TRONIC transmission (nine-speed), now equipped as standard for all variants. The 9G-TRONIC transmission provides customers with increased driving comfort, reduction in fuel consumption, decreased noise levels, lower emissions, a higher overall gear ratio, and quicker downshifts allowing for ideal acceleration. Compared to the previous 7G-TRONIC transmission offering, the 9G-TRONIC offers an increased first gear ratio resulting in a quicker take-off, more gears, and a greater ratio spread leading to improved performance.

Updated torque with an all-wheel-drive system

The new Sprinter all-wheel-drive (AWD) replaces the previous 4x4 system, providing more power, endurance, and overall transition for the driver, allowing them to take on any terrain with ease. With the AWD, customers experience automatic torque on demand with up to 50 percent split per axle, unlike the previous engageable system, which provided 35 percent of torque to the front and 65 percent to the rear axle when in 4x4 mode. The new AWD system also maintains capabilities offered by its predecessor in terms of ground clearance, approach angle, departure angle, and breakover angle.

Updated connectivity features

Mercedes-Benz Canada is offering more connectivity and an improved user experience with the introduction of the Mercedes me connect to the 2023 Sprinter. These digital services connect both commercial and private customers to their vans and give access to important information and practical functions, both inside and outside of the vehicle. Commercial customers can activate their entire fleet with digital services that improve their daily business operations.

Available for both Android and iOS devices, the Mercedes me connect app enables vehicle owners to manage many different aspects of their van from virtually anywhere, serving as a mobile extension of the vehicle. This digital upgrade offers many connected-car features, providing customers with the added convenience and flexibility of remote vehicle management, including remote door lock and unlock and vehicle status. This is paired with additional vehicle data such as mileage, fuel level, tire pressure, and fluid levels. If an issue arises, Mercedes me connect can facilitate a remote diagnostic test, which provides a dealership service technician with the ability to remotely retrieve diagnostic data to help troubleshoot issues.

Improved safety features of the 2023 Sprinter

To improve the view to the rear, the all-new Sprinter also features a camera installed at the back of the vehicle, which displays the image on the screen of the interior mirror. This technology provides the driver with a clear view behind the vehicle, which is particularly helpful for drivers with no or limited rear visibility.

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