Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel



Last week, Mercedes-Benz released the details for the updated 2013 Sprinter intended for global markets, but this week it has announced what changes are being made to the US-spec version of the van for the 2014 model year, including the Freightliner model. As expected, most of the changes made to the European model will be present on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter when it goes on sale in the US, which is expected to be this fall.

The biggest difference between the Sprinter announced last week and the one headed to our shores is what is found under the hood. While European Sprinters will come with diesel engines and offer the availability of a supercharged four-cylinder gasoline or CNG engine, US Sprinters will still offer the 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel. This year's Sprinter now comes standard with a new base engine, the 2.1-liter four-cylinder BlueTEC diesel. This smaller engine will produce 161 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and will be paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission; the optional 3.0 V6 puts out 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and will be mated to a six-speed auto.

Fuel economy for the new Sprinter has not been announced, but Mercedes-Benz has made numerous changes with the goal of improving efficiency. To this end you'll find a new, low-friction rear axle and the optimization for the generator, fuel pump and power steering pump.

All of the other changes will carryover to the US including the revised exterior styling, the updated interior (which has not been revealed yet) and the advanced safety features such as collision prevention, blind spot detection and lane keep assist. Oddly enough, it appears that US Sprinter models will not be getting the Crosswind Assist feature. Mercedes-Benz USA has limited the number of images it revealed with this press release, so some of the models shown in the original gallery might not be offered in the US.
Continue reading Mercedes-Benz releases US-spec 2014 Sprinter details

Mercedes-Benz releases US-spec 2014 Sprinter details originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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05-06-2013 07:26 PM