2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD: Our First Impressions

Our team took the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD for a test drive! In this video, we also compare the specs and performance ability to our previous experience with Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4WD builds. We can't wait to release our newest models, Approach and Syncline, on these chassis.
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[@mike.garnham]

The star of this video is your puffa jacket. Love it.

[@KA-pq3yz]

😂😂

[@zither999]

I wish it was mentioned that the previous 4x4 Sprinter is basically an 'AWD' with selectable front end connection

[@ben3989]

I owned an om651 sprinter for about 8 years. It was flawless

[@SPQR-Z]

We’ve owned our 2023 AWD Sprinter since Dec 22. This is our 3rd Sprinter previously having an 08 & 21 both 6cyl diesels. Concerning the powertrain and drivability the 23 has been the best of the bunch by far in just about every category. Put studded snows on it and drove everywhere here in snowy Montana with complete confidence. Mileage is definitely better overall then the 3.0 six diesels. No regrets buying the AWD vs the 4x4 version. Both were available and we could have bought either

[@johndidio5198]

AWESOME REVIEW !!!!

[@traveldreamer4616]

Nice info. The electric steering is a huge plus.

[@paulbailey5915]

Would be nice to have a direct comparison with the Transit AWD. Will you be building on the Transit in the future?

[@OutsideVan]

There is talk of this in the future!

[@hrbeta]

Technology is a good thing but to an extent. An adventure vehicle with forefront, cutting-edge, German technology is definitely not my first choice to venture into the woods or the middle of nowhere. Mercedes service departments are relatively few and far apart also. For now, I'm sticking to my AWD Ford Transit choice.

[@liorelbaz]

What do you think with the new four-cylinder engine how it will be towing? Or heavy weight ? Wonder if he will lose power. Also, I wonder how it will do as AWD system in the sketchy situation of angle not only flat slippery roads. . I test drove one at the dealer. It’s actually a Way Lauder Motor then my 6cyl because he’s a four-cylinder and he feels like it shift very quick all the gears because he have also two more extra. I don’t see anything bad about this, but it’s another point.

[@Vandrewmartyndude]

How does the electric steering react to increasing tire size?

[@chrispnw2547]

The Mercedes Printer USA website is very weak on detail/specifications. Is the engine mentioned the OM 654 M four-cylinder diesel engine with is the integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a 48-volt vehicle electrical system? The ISG will fill in the torque gaps and make this 4 cylinder feel much more robust. It has been in production in Europe for a while so I suspect any issues have been addressed. Has anyone seen if the diesel scrubbing technology has become more reliable?

[@Schnupp911]

Good stuff I may need a second Mission 😅

[@dlg5485]

I'm deciding between the Sprinter and Transit for my build and it's a tough call because there are pros and cons to both. They are about the same size, but the Transit has the better powertrain, by far, and the Sprinter is more solidly built overall. There is also a huge difference in price. When comparably equipped the Sprinter is about 4-5k more expensive, which is crazy since the Transit is already absurdly overpriced. Transit will also be easier to get serviced. Tough call!

[@OutsideVan]

Our vote, do a test drive! We specialize in sprinters obviously but transits are great as well! One of the big differences past specs is the feel when driving, Transits are a more car-like experience while sprinters have a truck feel to them, even though this new Mercedes AWD system definitely tones down the truck feel of the driving experience you are still perceptively higher up as a driver.

[@unpluggedkiwi1063]

I find it interesting that you are commenting on electric steering being better than hydraulic. The new Lotus (renowned for their handling and steering feel) Emira has just been released. And ALL the people who have tested it have commented about how much better the hydraulic steering in the Lotus is, than the electric steering now being used in a lot of other sports cars, including Porsche. Yes electric steering is easier to set up for lane keeping assist and side wind assist etc, but it is well known fact that hydraulic steering provides better steering feel.

[@brianmercer712]

I hope we can defeat / turn off lane assist and in a van used for work purposes i dont really want "lighter go cart steering" and found the previous models just fine as is. Hopefully with air pressure and different tires we can get out new fleet firmed up a bit.

[@rightright6582]

My take: -mpg? -size of engine in L. -slip diff? On the awd, this can be done by hacking the computer -the transit has had awd for ever difficumt to catch up. -is it heavier awd vrs the 4x4 sprinter -the transit killer vrs the sprinter killer, i will go for the Transit diesel, too bad not available in the US.

[@sjackson99]

You commented about taking the sharpest turns. This is more commonly referred to as the turning radius which should be documented in the specs. Are you saying the 2023 has a tighter turning radius?

[@OutsideVan]

Yes, this is what we noticed from our experience.

[@brianmercer712]

Mercedes documentation says they are within a few cm

[@rd1860]

Does anyone know if these new engines are B20-fuel compliant? The past V6 Sprinter was limited to a maximum B5 diesel fuel (Anything beyond B5 can only be used in an emergency and the use of any fuel beyond B5 is subject to warranty denial). Seems everyone is moving to the B20, so readily finding B5 in the future is going to be a problem. Would hate to spend that kind of money only to be limited by current and future enviro-regs. Any help with this info would be greatly appreciated.

[@mister_ray]

Yes they are B20 compatible.

[@derikotto]

Good job Brian! Now give it a bath.

[@sprinterfix]

I’m going to be breaking down the pros and cons of the transmission and turbo difference. I’m not sure how the awd Clutch plate is going to hold up over time. I’d suspect the towing is going to be limited to what the actual towing capacity of 5-8 thousand pounds as opposed to 15000 or so. Not a deal breaker for most.

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

So, basically it maneuvers like a Promaster? 😉 What's the payload on the model you tested?

[@jamestreanor182]

With electric steering maybe we see real LKAS next year!

[@user-yj6hy6io6o]

Красота хочу такую👍👍👍👍👍 🎀🚐✊✊✊

[@renejr2296]

Me too 🤩

[@simpleman425]

What is the name of the paint color of your van?

[@OutsideVan]

The van in this video is Stone Grey

[@simpleman425]

@@OutsideVan Thank you!

[@BellAir777]

Got any passenger vans ?

[@OutsideVan]

Give us a call and we can check what we have in stock! [phone]

[@mikerainier9983]

What Mercedes color is this van??

[@OutsideVan]

Stone Grey!

[@igorbogdanoff4517]

Since the entire business model of outside van relies upon people not questioning the new system, they will not tell you the reality that they're now building on an inferior chassis.

[@tuomasholo]

Imagine a 4 cylinder moving 9K plus pounds of rv for many years…I can’t either.

[@InconvenientTruth14]

Ever heard of Europe? They have 4 cylinder Sprinters serving years as flatbed/ tow recovery vehicles

[@daisydela]

Except in pretty much every country outside the USA. Small diesels and function over fashion vehicles are the norm in the rest of the world.

[@JohnPhan1]

such a shame that AWD is not avail in gas but only diesel ...

[@tztz1949]

Yea but you didn’t really test the 4x system at all. Ffs.

[@carlpaladino427]

If you off road a lot or travel in deep snow you will miss not having 4 wheel low at times.

[@svolk2921]

Why no mention of an elephant in the room?

[@GuyCruls]

your wrap-up was flawed. better rehearse next time.

[@wayne8268]

the ford better

[@LincolnHawk87]

Only available in a 4 cylinder gas that was the big no thanks for me I was going to buy one this year if they still offered the 3.0 v6 diesel or at least a v6 gas but I absolutely will not tolerate a 4 cylinder in a van I’m not going to constantly over work my motor in bog mode. This is BEYOND ridiculous. I can’t even believe this is actually happening. Even with a turbo that poor 4 cylinders longevity is worthless compared to a v6

[@znake15]

Mercedes Benz works in mysterious ways they were making a 4x4 sprinter, why discontinue it to replace with an AWD? That’s like saying we make the best but we’re discontinuing it and replacing it with 2nd best 😅

[@keitha.9788]

You left out ONE MAJOR DETAIL - the 2023 Engine only has a displacement of 2.0 L. While the 2022 (and earlier) diesel engine has a displacement of 3.0 L. For a large, heavy vehicle, that little 2.0 L 4 cylinder engine is working a lot harder to develop power. I won't buy one, period....

[@thepatternforms859]

I will never buy one of these bc of the ridiculous DEF system and NOX sensors which makes these vehicles some of the worst and least reliable vans on earth. Constant issues and expensive breakdowns.

[@sharonmallett6996]

I was looking forward to AWD in the gas version. No, they are going electric, so not putting in gas version. US Petrol hates diesel, so we need to put up with diesel restrictions. Well I still miss my Honda Element AWD.

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

Agreed. I absolutely recognize that our economy runs on diesel and diesels is awesome. But the emissions controls have put a strangle hold on them. Unless you need a vehicle to tow a massive load.... I'm not seeing the justification for having a diesel.

[@colinfwalters]

I have a 2020 model, driven 110k through many harsh Australian deserts, never missed a beat.

[@MPowerSubie12]

Gas is the way to go and you don’t need AWD. I’ve driven one in the snow for delivery and these vans are amazing.

[@thepatternforms859]

@@MPowerSubie12 I would want the AWD just because. I drive and park in muddy slick places off road hiking and and racing dirt bikes.

[@clarencejoseph2917]

Under powered.

[@danielwymer1580]

Under powered piece of junk