NEW Mercedes-Benz 2.0 Bi-Turbo AWD vs 3.0L V6 4×4: What You Need to Know

Mercedes-Benz has long been a pioneer in the commercial van market, offering reliable, powerful, and versatile vehicles. It’s no secret that many motor-homers and leisure campers here in South Africa prefer this range of Sprinter van conversions over rival chassis providers for their camper van conversions, not only because of our varied landscapes but also for the engineering marvel that is Mercedes-Benz.

In all our years of reviewing motorhomes and campervans, we have come to realise that customers who choose comfort, luxury, and ease of use unequivocally end up purchasing a Mercedes 319 Sprinter, which is both stylish, capable and probably smarter than you or me.

With the introduction of the new All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Sprinter vans equipped with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, Mercedes-Benz has made significant advancements to their customer offerings, which now boast better fuel consumption and ease of use off-road. This article will compare the new engine to the former 3.0-litre V6 single turbo engine, focusing on the benefits for both on-road and off-road use.

Engine Specifications and Performance

2.0-Litre Biturbo Diesel Engine:

• Power Output: 190 horsepower
• Torque: 324 lb-ft/439 NM
• Fuel Efficiency: Improved over the 3.0-litre V6
• Emission Standards: Meets stricter Euro 6 emission standards

3.0-Litre V6 Single Turbo Diesel Engine:

• Power Output: 188 horsepower
• Torque: 325 lb-ft/440 NM
• Fuel Efficiency: Lower compared to the 2.0-litre biturbo
• Emission Standards: Euro 5/6

On-Road Benefits

1. Fuel Efficiency: The new 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine offers improved fuel efficiency, which is crucial for camping enthusiasts and tradesmen looking to reduce travel costs. The bi-turbo configuration allows for better combustion efficiency and energy utilisation, making long-distance travel more economical.
2. Power Delivery and Performance: Despite the smaller displacement, the 2.0-litre engine matches the power output of the 3.0-litre V6. The bi-turbo setup ensures that power delivery is smooth and responsive across a wider RPM range. This results in better acceleration and improved handling on urban highways and rural/off-road environments because the bi-turbos spool up much quicker than the 3.0L single turbo.
3. Emissions: The 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine adheres to stricter emission standards, making it a more environmentally friendly option. This is particularly important in regions with stringent emission regulations and for those who care for the well-being of our environment by being eco-conscious on their travelling tours.
4. Weight and Space Savings: The smaller engine size of the 2.0-litre bi-turbo allows for a lighter overall vehicle weight, contributing to better fuel economy and improved handling. Additionally, the compact engine design frees up space in the engine bay, potentially allowing for better heat dissipation and easier maintenance access.

Off-Road Benefits

1. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System: The new Sprinter AWD system provides superior traction and stability in off-road conditions. The AWD system is designed to distribute torque effectively between the front and rear axles, enhancing grip on uneven and slippery surfaces. The intelligent 4WD system will select the right gear ratios for you.
2. Torque Availability: With 439 Newton-metres of torque, the 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine provides ample low-end power, which is crucial for off-road driving. The bi-turbo configuration ensures that there is minimal turbo lag, offering immediate torque delivery when needed or required.
3. Improved Manoeuvrability: The lighter 2.0-litre engine contributes to better weight distribution, which enhances the vehicle’s manoeuvrability in off-road conditions. This is particularly beneficial when navigating tight trails or rough terrain.
4. Enhanced Cooling Systems: Off-road driving often requires engines to operate under more strenuous conditions. The new bi-turbo setup is designed with improved cooling systems to handle the increased thermal loads, ensuring reliable performance during prolonged off-road use.

Conclusion

The transition from the 3.0-litre V6 single turbo engine to the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine in the new AWD Mercedes Sprinter vans represents a significant technological advancement. The new engine offers comparable power and torque figures while improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing overall vehicle performance both on and off the road.

For commercial users, the benefits of the new engine extend beyond just performance metrics. Improved fuel economy and reduced emissions translate to cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the enhanced torque delivery, better manoeuvrability, and robust AWD system, making the new Sprinter vans a versatile choice for a wide range of applications, specifically camper van conversions.

Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation is evident in these new vans, providing users with advanced, reliable, and efficient vehicles that meet the demands of modern transportation with comfort, style, and ease of use.

There are many variations of their Sprinter vans on offer from Mercedes-Benz, which are perfectly poised for professional motorhome and camper van conversions, ranging from their 311 CDI PV 3.49 (GVM), which requires a code 8 licence, to their extra-long MB 519 CDI Sprinter Panel van, which will require a code 10 licence.

Click on the gallery below for a detailed view of the inside of the Mercedes-Benz 2.0 Bi-Turbo AWD:

The five most popular vehicles to select from their range are:

• Standard size with normal roof: Vehicle length 5.93 m, vehicle height 2.35 m
• Standard size with high roof: Vehicle length 5.93 m, vehicle height 2.64 m
• Long vehicle with high roof: Vehicle length 6.97 m, vehicle height 2.62 m
• Long vehicle with super high roof: Vehicle length 6.97 m, vehicle height 2.83 m
• Extra-long with high roof: Vehicle length 7.37 m, vehicle height 2.61 m

Discover the range of advanced Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans by visiting the official Mercedes-Benz South African website. With 43 dealership locations nationwide, you’re never far from finding your perfect van.

Explore our range and request a quote today: Mercedes-Benz South Africa

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