2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter packs new engine, AWD system

Mercedes-Benz has updated its Sprinter van for the 2023 model year. The third-generation version is in its fourth year in production and receives a bit of nip and tuck for the US market.

Revealed at the 2022 Work Truck Week, the Sprinter drops its V6 turbo-diesel option to get a full four-cylinder lineup of gasoline and diesel engines. New for 2023 is the OM654 engine, a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with two power output ratings – 168 hp and 400 Nm of torque for the standard version, while the high-output makes 208 hp and 450 Nm of torque.

Mercedes-Benz says the engine was made with an aluminum block and steel pistons. Its cylinder walls come with 'Nanoslide' coating to reduce engine friction. On the other hand, the existing 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 188 hp and 350 Nm of torque is retained for 2023.

Furthermore, all variants of the Sprinter van will now have the new 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed auto for more gears and a better ratio spread to improve its performance.

The Sprinter moves away from a selectable four-wheel-drive system to a full-time all-wheel-drive and offers up to 50% torque split per axle. Previously, the part-time system only offered 35% of torque to the front wheels, while 65% goes to the rear axle in 4x4 mode.

Variants that have the high-output 2.0-liter turbodiesel are the only ones available with the new AWD system. And according to Mercedes-Benz, the high ground clearance from the 4x4 Sprinter will be retained for the new model.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes in different body styles to suit commercial vehicle needs, and the updated vans are set to make deliveries in early 2023.