2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Adds Turbo Four, Loses Diesel V-6
The Sprinter now only offers four-cylinder gas and diesel engines, including a new twin-turbo diesel with 332 pound-feet of torque.
- The 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will have only four-cylinder engines for 2023, swapping out its diesel 3.0-liter V-6 for a twin-turbo diesel 2.0-liter inline-four.
- Compared with the old V-6, its new twin-turbo replacement has higher horsepower and torque figures.
- Along with updated diesel powertrains, Mercedes-Benz offers the van with a new all-wheel-drive system.
Judging by photos of the updated-for-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which include shots of it charging down trails and splashing through mud, one might think a new off-road model is joining the lineup. Sorry, Travis Pastrana. The '23 Sprinter isn't ready for rallycross, but the full-size van does add a new drivetrain and different powertrain options.
Starting with the 2023 model year, the Sprinter is no longer offered with a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6, which was good for 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Instead, the van only offers a trio of four-cylinder options. The standard powertrain remains a gas-fed 188-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive remains the lone drivetrain with this setup.
While the lower-output diesel engine is limited to a rear-wheel-drive configuration, its high-output counterpart can be configured with rear- or all-wheel drive. The latter is a new system derived from the Mercedes passenger-vehicle lineup. Previously, the diesel V-6 was available with selectable all-wheel drive that would send 35 percent of the torque to the front axle and 65 to the rear when engaged. The new all-wheel-drive setup automatically sends up to 50 percent of torque to the front wheels when necessary.
Mercedes says the 2023 Sprinter will go on sale in the U.S. sometime early next year, but the company hasn't announced pricing yet.