Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with updated drive technology and innovative 'Speed Delivery Door' sliding door system

New engine, new transmission, new all-wheel drive system: with a comprehensive technology update, Mercedes-Benz ensures that its large van icon Sprinter will offer more driving comfort than ever before – on almost any terrain. At the heart of the update is the highly powerful and efficient 2.0-liter OM 654 diesel engine familiar from the Mercedes-Benz passenger car portfolio. Globally, the four-cylinder unit will be available for ordering in up to four output categories. The Sprinter will then also adopt the comfortable 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission in all its variants from the passenger car range of the brand with the star. Another new technical feature, is a new all-wheel drive with a Torque-on-demand system in the all-wheel drive Sprinter, which will replace the current 4x4 engageable system. In addition to these advancements in driving comfort, there will also be an increase in efficiency and accessibility– thanks to the Speed Delivery Door.

Dr. Ulf Zillig, Head of Development Mercedes-Benz Vans: "In the latest evolution stage of the Sprinter there is more passenger car driving comfort than ever before thanks to an extensive technology update. And that is not only on highways, cross-country drives or in city traffic; but also on gravel roads, the Sprinter will soon offer a particularly relaxed driving experience and therefore more safety. In this way, the Sprinter achieves once more what has always characterized the model series: setting new standards for the large van segment!"

Powerful with low emissions: 2.0-liter diesel engine in up to four output categories

While the powerful four-cylinder diesel OM 654 was previously only available in Europe with the Sprinter for the cargo van and the chassis with rear-wheel drive, Mercedes-Benz will expand upon this, offering the unit for all versions, including the new all-wheel drive variant. Classified according to the exhaust emissions standard – depending on the drive and body variant selected – in up to four output categories offered globally with 84 kW/114 hp, 110 kW/150 hp, 125 kW/170 hp and 140 kW/190 hp.¹

The four-cylinder engine from the Mercedes-Benz passenger car portfolio boasts further improved noise and vibration comfort than the predecessor. The advanced, smooth running characteristics and increased towing power, results in a pleasantly quiet interior reducing any unwanted noises. The combination of 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 in-engine exhaust gas after treatment, also facilitates lower consumption and low emissions. Due to its near- engine position, the exhaust gas after treatment works with little heat loss and in favorable conditions.

For even faster gear changes: 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission replaces 7G-TRONIC PLUS

As a further carryover from the current passenger car range, Mercedes-Benz is combining the state-of-the-art 2.0-liter diesel in the Sprinter with the comfortable 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The state-of-the-art power transmission replaces the previous 7G-TRONIC PLUS. Together with the pronounced overdrive characteristics, its nine gears keep the engine speeds low in almost all driving situations, which also means considerable savings in fuel consumption and noticeably reduced vibration and noise. Optimized hydraulic elements also enable fast, barely perceptible gear shifts with virtually no interruption of tractive power. 'Drive Select' and shift paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to intervene manually in the current gearshift profile. Another advantage: in spite of two additional gears, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission requires as little installation space as its predecessor the 7G-TRONIC PLUS.

High traction on and off the road: the new all-wheel drive

The Sprinter's new all-wheel drive is a completely advanced system compared to the previous generations, and is partially derived from the current Mercedes-Benz Cars modular system. Unlike the engageable predecessor system, which fed 35 percent of the torque to the front and 65 percent to the rear axle in 4x4 mode, this can distribute the fully variable drive torques between the front and rear axle depending on the situation and without any input from the driver (Torque-on-demand). Fully variable torque distribution is ensured by an electronically controlled multiplate clutch integrated into the transfer case. If the multiplate clutch is disengaged in normal driving operation, the rear axle drives the vehicle entirely. With the clutch engaged, the front axle comes into play. This ensures high traction and effortless handling. A further advantage over the previous engageable all-wheel drive: in addition to the higher comfort through the automatic torque distribution the new system is also quieter.

As soon as the driving situation calls for it, the drive torque is fed to the front axle. If this is no longer needed – for instance in powerful braking maneuvers with ABS intervention – the front drivetrain is switched off and the torque is reduced to zero. If there is a risk of understeering or oversteering under load, the torque is first distributed so that the vehicle is stabilized again. Only if these measures do not help to defuse the situation do the control systems ESP or 4ETS adapted to the AWD system intervene.

Speed Delivery Door makes work easier for parcel deliverers

In addition to the increased driving comfort, the Sprinter will also offer a further advancements in ergonomics and safety thanks to the innovative 'Speed Delivery Door' sliding door system which will be available ex- factory. This is an automatic, sensor-controlled double swiveling door on the co-driver's side, which replaces the side sliding door to the load compartment on request.

A light barrier detects the driver as soon as they enter the load compartment from the driver's seat. The Speed Delivery Door is then automatically unlocked and opened. This saves time and relieves the burden on drivers, as they can leave the vehicle with the parcels in their hands, without having to touch anything else and the door automatically closes behind them. It is not necessary to put down the goods and pick them up again, as is the case with conventional sliding doors. Automatic locking will be available to order as an extra option.

A further advantage for greater safety: the Speed Delivery Door is transparent from the interior. Drivers therefore have a view of the pavement before they climb out. The risk of collision with passers-by, in particular cyclists, is significantly reduced.

All information and technical data in this press information apply to the Mercedes-Benz European model range. Non-European country-specific deviations are possible.

^{1. U.S. specific variants will be announced closer to launch}

# # #

About Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 15 model lines ranging from the sporty A-Class Sedan to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT R. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.