There’s no denying that the Sprinter has been, and remains, the workhorse in the Mercedes-Benz stable here in Canada. It’s been just over two decades since the light commercial vehicle arrived in North American, and in that time has excelled at fulfilling many roles for individual owners and fleet operators thanks to its versatile configurations.
And for 2023 an all-new Sprinter arrives, the fourth-generation, with some major mechanical upgrades and much more robust onboard connectivity technology. What hasn’t changed is the model lineup — 2500 and 3500XD in cargo, crew, passenger and cab chassis configurations — and the overall dimensions and floor plans of the vehicles. That latter point is key to the many aftermarket businesses who ‘upfit’ Sprinters into camper vans, customized work vehicles and people movers. No change from the cab back means these companies don’t have to reinvent and re-engineer their fittings, and Mercedes-Benz clearly appreciates how important these aftermarket outfitters are to the Sprinter’s global success. Better still, the mechanical upgrades to the new Sprinter will only benefit customers who use their vans for business and pleasure.
A 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter negotiating a steep bit of terrain on the off-road course on Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. CREDIT: Andrew McCredie
First and foremost is a new engine choice in the form of a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that has a proven track record in several Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles since its introduction in 2018. Called the OM654, it replaces the former four-cylinder diesel in Sprinters and provides smoother acceleration, higher torque values, decreased emissions and lower noise and vibration levels. Two power output ratings are available: 168 horsepower and 208 hp. The previous six-cylinder diesel is discontinued for 2023, leaving the other option a 188-horsepower gasoline four-cylinder.
As to how that power is delivered, a new nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the outgoing seven-speed, which like the new powerplant will help to reduce fuel consumption, decrease noise levels, lower emissions.
And finally, a new Sprinter all-wheel-drive system replaces the previous 4×4 system, meaning instead of having to press a button to engage all four wheels — as in previous year models — the new Sprinter’s AWD is always on with automatic torque on demand with up to 50 per cent split per axle. In normal operation the power is all on the rear wheels and only engages the front wheels when conditions call for it. The previous engageable system provided 35 per cent of torque to the front and 65 per cent to the rear axle when in 4×4 mode. And the steering has been changed from hydraulic to electric.
2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
As to that technology upgrade, the new Sprinter will now offer the Mercedes me connect digital services that connect commercial and private customers to their vans and give access to real-time information and functions. The Mercedes me connect app — for Android and iOS devices — allows users to manage different aspects of their van, including remote door lock/unlock and real-time vehicle status of mileage, fuel level, tire pressure and fluid levels. And if there is an issue with the van, the app can facilitate a remote diagnostic test that will provide a dealership service technician with the ability to remotely retrieve diagnostic data to help troubleshoot issues.
Driving Impressions
For the Canadian media launch of the 2023 Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz choose a location that was ideal to demonstrate the capability of the new van. Grouse Mountain is one of three ski hills on Vancouver’s North Shore and has an intricate system of dirt roads connecting its base to its 1,231-metre peak.
Journalists had an opportunity to drive the top part of the network, and that included a few somewhat technical descents and ascents. While not the kind of terrain a FedEx driver might come across on their daily route, certainly the off-road landscape an intrepid camper will tackle heading to that backcountry fishing hole or lakeside site.
The prowess and efficiencies of those mechanical upgrades were on full display here, with the new gearbox’s higher overall gear ratios providing consistent and even acceleration that made all the difference on the ascents on the steeper sections, while the quicker downshifts provided smoother and sure-footed downhill passage on the descents. The most notable mechanical update on the off-road course however was the new all-wheel-drive system. The torque on demand aspect resulted in very limited wheel slip when travelling over loose gravel roads, and even when a tire or two would slip on a particularly challenging uphill segment, the system would send power to that wheel and with a slight push of the accelerator would find purchase and get you climbing again. A huge improvement over the previous 4×4 set up. In addition, the new AWD configuration only very slightly changed the ride height of the van, so the new Sprinter maintains the same ground clearance, approach angle, departure angle and breakover angle of its predecessor.
A trio 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters navigate the switchbacks on Grouse Mountain. CREDIT: Andrew McCredie
Following the off-road adventure, we headed back down the mountain — on the gondola not behind the wheel — for a very brief city drive that included a bit of highway driving. That new gearing was very noticeable, particularly the acceleration from a standstill, not only in terms of swiftness but in smoothness (according to Mercedes-Benz, zero to 100 km/h is 10.2 seconds). It was helpful to have some commercial drivers on the event who currently drive current Sprinters as they agreed that the get-up-and-go of the 2023 model is much better than their current workhorse.
As to that new electric steering, the jury seemed out amongst the professionals, some of whom felt it was an improvement while others said it had too much play in the wheel. Personally, I liked how it felt and I assume that with a heavy load in the back it would provide surer steering inputs and outputs than a hydraulic system.
This will no doubt be the last of the gas-powered generations of the Sprinter as Mercedes-Benz continues the transition of its light duty vehicles to electricity. The new eSprinter is set to hit global markets in 2023, and the company has said an all-new electric commercial van will debut in 2025.
For a last of its kind, the 2023 Sprinter is most definitely going out on top.
Keyword: First Drive: 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter