The new Sprinter engines have an array of technical firsts in store. Apart from durability, high performance and smoothness, primary development goals also included making sparing use of resources and protecting the environment.

All EU engines comply with the Euro V limit as standard and have the option of meeting the EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle) guideline, the strictest emissions level in Europe which is currently voluntary. The new CDI engines also do their bit to combat the build-up of particulate matter by actively treating emissions using both catalytic converters and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), thus representing a positive contribution to the discussion on particulate matter. The permanent regeneration process integrated into the exhaust system prevents the particulate filter from clogging up, meaning that it does not have to be checked for the first 160,000 km.

The common-rail injection (CDI) of this highly advanced generation of engines operates with a system pressure of 1800 bar. The result is optimised utilisation of fuel, engine running and power delivery. Compared to the outgoing engines, several of the new 4-cylinder CDI power units generate far greater peak torque, provide a better response and have smoother running characteristics whilst burning less quantities of fuel and generating fewer emissions.

Three 4-cylinder CDI diesel engines with 70 kW, 95 kW and 120 kW plus a 6-cylinder CDI diesel engine with 140 kW are available for selection in the Sprinter Transfer model series:

Thanks to a turbocharger with a variable nozzle turbine, the 70 kW engine delivers a peak torque of 250 Nm between 1400 and 2400. The engines with 95 kW and 120 kW come with two turbochargers that are connected in series. While the two units work in unison at low to medium engine speeds, the larger of the two turbochargers maximises power at high revs. In the 95 kW version a torque of 305 Nm is available between 1200 and 2400 rpm. The 120 kW engine produces an impressive torque of 360 Nm between 1400 and 2400 rpm.

In its latest version the V6 diesel powerplant meets the Euro V emissions standard with a slightly increased output and significantly higher torque. At the same time its consumption has been noticeably reduced. Further enhancements include a rail pressure of up to 1800 bar. A particulate filter is still included as standard equipment. In addition to its engine power output of 140 kW at 3800 rpm the top engine in the Mercedes-Benz minibus programme also delivers a luxurious 440 Newton metres of torque between 1600 and 2400 rpm.