Over the past year, Mercedes-Benz has been rolling out high mileage BlueEfficiency versions of several passenger car models and has now expanded the eco-tweaks to their commercial vehicles. Effective immediately, two different Sprinter BlueEfficiency variants are available with different engines.
The first is powered by a new 2.2-liter four cylinder common rail diesel engine that is available in 95, 129 and 163 hp variants. Torque ranges from 184 lb-ft to 265 lb-ft. Electric on-demand control of auxiliary systems like the oil pump, alternator and oil spray nozzles allows the loads to be managed to reduce parasitic losses.
The Sprinter is also available with a 156 hp natural gas fueled four cylinder engine. Natural gas Sprinters can be had as either CNG-only or bi-fueled versions that can also run on gasoline. Both engines are paired up with a new wide-ratio ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission. The gearbox incorporates automatic start-stop functionality to shut the engines down when the van stops.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with BlueEFFICIENCY technologies
* Two variants available starting right now
* Efficiency package consists of four-cylinder diesel engine, manual transmission and start/stop function
* Natural-gas-powered Sprinter NGT also sports the BlueEFFICIENCY badge
As in the passenger car segment, starting right now Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models which, owing to particularly sustainable technologies, stand for highest efficiency, and thus for improved fuel consumption and consequently reduced emissions, also will carry the BlueEFFICIENCY label.
The efficiency package or the NGT technology in the Sprinter are examples of this. These Sprinter models are identified by the BlueEFFICIENCY badges affixed to the sides in the area of the left and right B-pillars.
Efficiency package: new engines, new transmission and other components
BlueEFFICIENCY stands in this case for an efficiency package comprising the newly developed four-cylinder engine (OM 651) and the new transmission (ECO Gear) plus the ECO start/stop function.
New diesel engine generation: first-rate performance
Highest efficiency characterises the new diesel engines of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The centre of attention is the new four-cylinder CDI. Its three output ratings of 70 kW (95 hp), 95 kW (129 hp) and 120 kW (163 hp) cover almost all the demands on vans in the Sprinter class. The four-cylinder gets very respectable pulling power with torque of 250 Nm, 305 Nm and 360 Nm. Remarkable: the peak torque already is available at an extremely low engine speed.
On-demand control of the auxiliary units saves fuel
The Sprinter efficiency package also includes auxiliaries with on-demand control - something new in the van sector. The electrically switched oil pump regulates its delivery independently and adaptively - for the first time on a diesel engine. The piston-cooling oil spray nozzles also operate according to need, and the alternator too operates only when it is needed. The effect is that the mentioned components - unlike conventional units - only consume energy when they actually need it.
The new transmission cuts consumption, enhances dynamics
The efficiency package includes the new ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission designed specifically for vans. Its outstanding feature is a particularly large ratio between first and top gear with a low-geared 1st gear and a 6th gear designed as an overdrive.
Generally speaking, with the new transmission the engine speed level is distinctly reduced in favour of lower consumption and the resultant greater economy. This goes hand in hand with lower exhaust and noise emissions and enhanced ride comfort.
ECO start/stop function: engine off at every stop saves up to eight percent fuel
The efficiency package under the BlueEFFICIENCY logo also includes the ECO start/stop function: if the vehicle is standing at idling speed, the engine is automatically shut off. The savings potential is nothing to sneeze at: on average, the Sprinter with ECO start/stop function makes do with up to eight percent less fuel in urban operation. At the same time, noise emission is reduced by cutting out the engine.
The ECO start/stop function brings its savings potential to bear mainly in city driving, and here in particular during the frequent waits in tailbacks or at red lights. As soon as the vehicle stops for at least three seconds without a gear being engaged, the ECO start/stop function shuts down the engine. When the driver steps on the clutch pedal or releases the brake so that the vehicle begins to roll, the engine is promptly restarted.
Environmentally friendly, safe and comfortable all in one
Sophisticated electronics provide for safety: if the vehicle begins to roll the engine is immediately started to ensure power assistance for the brakes and steering. Also, with a gear engaged the engine only starts running if the clutch pedal is fully depressed. To prevent cold starts and engine overheating, the system operates exclusively at coolant temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees Celsius.
The Sprinter NGT: another BlueEFFICIENCY technology
Starting immediately the Sprinter NGT also proudly wears the "BlueEFFICIENCY" badge on both wings.
Both clean and economical, the vehicle drive system fuelled with natural gas unites opposites. The new Sprinter NGT with mono-fuel or bi-fuel natural gas drive confirms this assessment: sharply reduced exhaust gas and noise emissions, appreciably lower upkeep costs, and a large cruising range in combination with the standard drive are some of its advantages.
Mercedes-Benz offers the Sprinter 316 NGT and 516 NGT in different body variants. The basic engine, a four-cylinder petrol unit, develops 115 kW (156 hp) and torque of 240 Nm.
Both BlueEFFICIENCY technologies for the Sprinter can be ordered starting immediately.
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