Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new panel van to South Africa with the first units becoming available in February.
The new 517 Sprinter panel van will replace the existing 516 model, the key difference being a new 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine boasting several improvements over the previous powertrain.
This includes a power and torque increase of 5kW and 20Nm, respectively, bringing the utilitarian vehicle’s total output up to 125kW and 400Nm.
Enhancements have also been made to in the area of efficiency, with a new all-aluminium design reducing the overall weight of the engine block.
Another change was made to the placement of the exhaust gas cleaning technology leading to an improvement in the temperature management of the system, and the engine itself has also gained new steel pistons and fourth-generation injection technology.
The result of all these changes is a reduction in noise, vibrations, and emissions, as well as fuel consumption, according to the manufacturer.
“We are immensely excited to be updating our popular Sprinter 516 Panel Van lineup with this next-generation of engine technology,” said Marius Venter, head of marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa.
“The Sprinter 517 will give fleet owners access to even greater efficiencies whilst maintaining all the innovative safety, comfort and quality that Mercedes-Benz is so well known for.”
517 technical data
The following table compares the engine performance of the new 517 Sprinter panel van to the old 516:
Specification | 516 Sprinter Panel Van | 517 Sprinter Panel Van |
---|---|---|
Engine code | OM651 DE22 LA | OM654 DE20 LA |
Emission standard | Euro V | Euro VI-D/6b |
Power | 120kW @ 3,800rpm | 125kW @ 3,800rpm |
Torque | 380Nm @ 1,400-2,400rpm | 400Nm @ 1,700-2,400rpm |
The new panel van’s dimensions and capacities are:
- Vehicle length – 5,932mm
- Vehicle width – 2,175mm
- Vehicle height – 2,331mm
- Vehicle weight – 3,550kg
- Load compartment length – 3,272mm
- Load compartment height – 2,079mm
- Load compartment total area – 5.539m2
- Load compartment total volume – 11m3
- Maximum payload – 2,490kg
The Mercedes-Benz 517 Sprinter Panel Van has a South African starting price of R932,084 accompanied by a standard 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
Keyword: Mercedes-Benz introduces more powerful Sprinter panel van in South Africa