Here in the U.S., pickings for diesel engines are slim on the ground, outside of the latest crop of half-ton and heavy duty trucks. Although automakers have largely shunned diesel engines in America in their passenger cars, Mercedes-Benz is actually growing the list of options when it comes to cargo vans. Along with offering a four-cylinder gasoline engine in its Sprinter Cargo Van, a new turbodiesel unit is coming as well.
The 2.0-liter engine produces 161 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and comes mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the larger 3.0-liter variant, however, this version will only come in rear-wheel drive. The smaller engine will be available along all Sprinter Cargo variants, including the standard roof with a 144-inch wheelbase, or the 170-inch wheelbase in either high roof or extended high roof variants.
Currently, the only other new U.S. market van with a diesel option is the Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana. Its 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel offers up 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, but rides on a much older platform than the latest Sprinter. For their part, the Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster and Nissan NV cargo vans only offer gasoline options.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van also offers features like keyless start, brake hold, and USB-C charging capability. A trailer hitch prep package is available, and the cargo model also includes Mercedes PRO connect fleet management software. The brand’s MBUX infotainment system, active brake and lane keep assist, 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control (Distronic) are part of the new Sprinter lineup as optional equipment.
While Mercedes announced the engine, they did not announce pricing on the smaller diesel engine yet. The 3.0-liter unit is a $6,125 option on the standard Sprinter Cargo Van’s $34,495 base price, so the smaller engine should shave a bit off that to bring the price under $40,000.
If you have greater aspirations than a straight cargo van, though, check out the video below:
