Ancillary equipment fine-tuned for maximum efficiency throughout
The exceptionally low fuel consumption of the new Sprinter is not attributable solely to the engine technology. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz have also fine-tuned the Sprinter’s ancillary equipment for maximum economy.
Intelligent generator management ensures that the alternator gives priority to charging the battery during braking and on the overrun. During acceleration and cruising, the full engine output is available to the drive system. The electric fuel pump controls the fuel supply for the Sprinter according to requirements, i.e. with a variable delivery rate. Last but not least, the compressor of the optional air conditioning system incorporates a freewheel, so that it is only active when the air conditioning is on.
Six-speed manual transmission and seven-speed automatic transmission even more economical
The ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission now also operates even more economically, thanks to the use of a low-friction oil.
The 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter – the only
7-speed automatic transmission to feature in a van anywhere in the world – has also undergone further refinement at Mercedes-Benz for maximum fuel economy. Under the designation 7G-TRONIC PLUS and with numerous fuel-reducing measures, it is now also combined with a fast-acting ECO start/stop function – another first in this segment. The improved damping technology of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS results in a lower tendency to generate noise and hum. The reduced slip on the lockup clutch gives a more direct connection to the accelerator pedal and therefore provides greater agility.
The development engineers have additionally adapted the automatic transmission’s shift points precisely to the engine characteristics, also optimising the oil’s heat-up behaviour in the cold running phase in this respect, along with the torque converter’s hydraulic circuit. This results in faster heating-up of the oil, therefore minimising frictional losses after cold starting compared with the five-speed automatic transmission. It is also deployed on the models with manually selectable all-wheel drive, pre-installation for Telma retarder or low frame.
Rear axle with reduced friction for greater economy
The developers have tweaked all the available points of detail in order to achieve maximum efficiency for the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. A key example here is the driven rear axle. In the interests of low-friction and economical running, modifications have been undertaken here right down to the microgeometry of the differential’s tooth flanks, the precision of installation has been further improved and the oil flow has been optimised to reduce churning loss while the axle is running. These measures have been applied to all axle variants.
To minimise friction, a fuel-efficient engine oil developed specifically for vans, passenger cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles is used. Particularly easy-running ball bearings are another new feature. At the same time, the axis has also undergone extensive testing. The overall result is a reduction in fuel consumption for the complete vehicle of up to 0.2 l/100 km, depending on the operating conditions.
BlueEFFICIENCY package lowers fuel consumption
This inherent fuel efficiency for the Sprinter is further enhanced by the optional BlueEFFICIENCY package, which provides for an additional reduction in fuel consumption of up to 0.5 l/100 km. This corresponds to 13.3 g CO2/km. The package is available for all weight classes and model variants of the Sprinter.
It consists of several modules. The ECO start/stop function shuts the engine down automatically when the vehicle is stationary, as long as no gear is engaged and the clutch pedal is not pressed. In vehicles with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, stopping in gear D by stepping on the foot brake is sufficient to activate this function.
The generator management system has been optimised for even greater efficiency. The same applies to the further enhanced fuel pump, which controls the supply pressure and flow rate according to the prevailing requirements. The ECO power steering pump is only activated when power assistance is actually required. Finally, tyres with reduced rolling resistance lower the required level of energy while the vehicle is in motion.
Outstandingly low fuel consumption with BlueEFFICIENCY plus
The Sprinter 213 or 313 BlueTEC with manual transmission and the BlueEFFICIENCY package plus is the right choice for those aiming to minimise fuel consumption in solo operation. This lowers fuel consumption by a further 0.3 l/100 km. The efficiency package additionally includes an electrically activated on-demand suction-type fan for the radiator and the rear-axle ratio of i=3.692 which has long been available. The package is available for closed variants up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3.5 t.
With BlueEFFICIENCY plus, as a crewbus (panel van with truck registration in brackets) the new Sprinter meeting the Euro VI emissions standard runs on 7.7 (7.7) l/100 km in urban mode, 5.7 (6.4-6.5) l/100 km in extra-urban mode and 6.3 (6.9-7.0) l/100 km in combined mode. These sensational figures not only represent a record for this weight class – until recently, they appeared unattainable.
The Sprinter complying with Euro 5b+ is also extremely fuel-efficient
Both efficiency packages are available not only for the new Euro VI-compliant Sprinter BlueTEC, but also for the new Sprinter configured for compliance with the Euro 5b+ emissions standard, which benefits equally from the comprehensive range of additional efficiency measures. The fuel consumption of this configuration also drops to as low as 6.3 l/100 km in combined mode, which is more than one litre per 100 km less than its predecessor in some instances.
Maintenance intervals of up to 60,000 km
It is not only its low fuel consumption that makes the new Sprinter the economic miracle of its class. The ASSYST maintenance computer, which now forms part of the standard specification in Europe, determines when oil changes are due in accordance with the vehicle’s individual level of wear. This helps to extend the already long maintenance intervals yet again, to as much as 60,000 km.
The new Sprinter: an excellent track record right from the word go
Right from its market launch, the new Sprinter has an excellent track record to its name. It has demonstrated its reliability in comprehensive trials, from endurance tests at top speed to extreme short-distance tests in Scandinavia at icy temperatures with a high proportion of idling and a large number of stops. In all, the new Sprinter has covered around eight million kilometres in endurance tests, including tough deployment by customers in real-life traffic. These operations spanned a highly diverse spectrum of driving profiles, including service with a company which covers up to 280,000 km annually, using alternating drivers in a relay system.
Even more dynamic chassis, simpler loading and unloading
A lowering of the chassis by approx. 30 mm reduces drag on the new Sprinter, also contributing to the low fuel consumption. At the same time, the resultant lower centre of gravity results in a noticeable increase in driving dynamics and steering precision when cornering at speed.
Last but not least, these measures also lower the entrance height and the loading edge substantially. This provides for enhanced convenience and facilitates loading and unloading. The lowering of the vehicle is based on new progressive tuning of the suspension and damping without compromising on ride comfort. The lowered chassis features as standard for all Sprinters with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 t, but can also be deselected at no extra charge.
