First Impressions of the All-Wheel Drive 2023 Sprinter

Join the team as we check out the first AWD 2023 Sprinter to enter the facility.
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[@AladdinSE]

I also would love to see the vehicle tested to see how the new AWD handles what would have been low range 4WD driving conditions. Sow driving rocky terrain etc.

[@mattnewman8103]

Thank you. Love seeing your team at work!

[@boxster1970]

Thanks for sharing your first impressions. Looking forward to seeing you drive it a bit to see how it performs.

[@AdvancedRV]

Thank you Mike

[@richardmckrell4899]

Awesome engine and trans for driving inside a shop? Great news, very helpful!

[@modeverything9949]

All the filters locations for maintenance would nice to see

[@tranquilitybase6417]

You’re in Cleveland in the WINTER - test the EPS and traction on icy roads and/or deep snow (maybe drive to Buffalo?)

[@tomdoran2447]

I think the idle drivability may come from the engine. The 4 cylinder has a willingness to get moving off idle that the 6 cylinder doesnt have. Where you always notice the OM642 over powering the 4cyl is up grades. I cant wait to try the new engine. Actually I can wait, and I will. I am real curious to see how it does. I just finished a 900 mile drive in my NCV3 yesterday and at an avg 70 mph with a majority of the drive at 80mph give or take I ended up at 17mpg. These engines just go and go and go and go. Oh and Im at 409,000 miles now

[@jamesbridges1107]

Thanks for posting…damn those wheels look small!!!

[@jonathannorwood7294]

I would love to see a video on the tail lights and turn signals!!!!!

[@user-ih4yh9ww2u]

Woo, great!

[@xyskis]

Would like to know if the larger S&B fuel tank and if the 11gal/28gal tanks will fit underneath. Same with fitment of powersteps. Thanks guys!

[@tcs7678]

I would like to see a B-Box built on a 4x4 2500 cab chassis 144 inch wheelbase.

[@AdvancedRV]

Sounds good Tony. There is a 144" B Box in the works now.

[@lanaya001]

I'd love to see if stealth flush door compartments can be built behind the lower rear skirt/body, behind the rear wheel wells. For electrical (i.e. shore power) plug ins

[@ShihanTomCallahan]

So they fixed the power issues they have had? Love the dual rear tires for a short 144 too.

[@Glenn.Cooper]

Thanks for the video! My understanding is that this no longer has a low range. I'd be curious to see if they've done anything else with gear ratios to keep a similar capability to what the low range would do. Thanks!!

[@brianb-p6586]

The first gear of the 9G-Tronic is very low. You would have to find transmission ratios, transfer case ratios, and axle ratios to work out the overall gearing of the new setup in first gear of 9 compared to the old setup in low range and the first gear of 7.

[@brianb-p6586]

Unless the ratios have changed or there is a Sprinter-specific version, the 7G-Tronic first gear is 4.3772:1, and the 9G-Tronic first gear is 5.3545:1... so it's lower, but not likely enough to quite make up for not having a low range. One technical document for what I believe is the transfer case used until 2022 shows the low range with a 1.423:1 ratio (versus 1:1 in high range). I did a web search for "mercedes sprinter 4wd transfer case ratio" and the first web page listed reported: "A 2015-2018 NCV3 Sprinter (with the low range option) has a crawl ratio of 19.99:1. A 2019-2022 VS30 Sprinter, with it’s 7-speed transmission, has a crawl ratio of 24.38:1. The 2023+ AWD system, with no low range and the new 9-speed will have a crawl ratio of 21.7:1. That slots right in the middle between a NCV3 and VS30 Sprinter." So it's not as low as it was, but it's not bad.

[@rvboondocker2559]

Don’t forget to be mindful about the weight difference. Overall weight with water and passengers and gear could be even a greater concern with this particular model, but you will let us know, I’m sure.

[@Simon-dm8zv]

The exhaust poking out at the back is new too right? I have never seen that before on a factory Sprinter.

[@NicPapagiorgio]

Just picked up a 2023, 144, high roof, awd, 2500 single rear wheel. I am amazed at the tight turning radius. Is it improved from the 19-22 4x4? And the power of the 2.0 feels great! No issues merging in traffic. Already averaging 25 mpg. Can't wait for snow!

[@wallyklejka5754]

You have the high output diesel engine? 211Hp?

[@NicPapagiorgio]

@@wallyklejka5754 yes. 2.0 high output. I never drove the v6 4x4. So I dont have anything to compare it to. It unfortunately.

[@wallyklejka5754]

@@NicPapagiorgio I have the normal 4 cylinder diesel and that thing has power! Can't imagine 211Hp.!!! Are they B20 diesel too? I ordered 2nd one and it will arrive next year.

[@NicPapagiorgio]

@@wallyklejka5754 im not 100% sure about the B20. I haven't been able to find a definitive yes or no for that. Everything I found is for the 2022 and prior. I think as more time goes by and more are on the road, alot more information will be available.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Nice. Now I just need to win a lottery jackpot.

[@rangerider51]

Is it a standard van on the inside or did they put a bed frame and insulation and other things in there?

[@rvboondocker2559]

Also, take it out in the snow. 😊

[@AdvancedRV]

Getting to be that time of year in Cleveland!

[@Eric-R]

at 3:38 is the wiring loom laying on the exhaust pipe?

[@krimke881]

please do a proper testing of the 4x4, and it also would be great if you'd inform of what options you have when you order the van, on what kind of 4x4 you can get. a proper mechanical or some artificial intellingence that just don't work. What parts on the new van are compatible with the prev generation, and how much have they strangled the engine in terms of enviromental steps they have been forced to take. Have they changed the way they rust-proof the whole van? and do this new edition inherited design faults from the prev generations?

[@MikeSmithKook]

I'd love to see how it goes on super soft sand

[@sethchampi1017]

Is there any ability to slowly go downhill now that there is no 4/low option Do they offer any towing mode?

[@bjbhehir]

I passed a few Sprinter 4x4 stuck in a snow storm in Mammoth a few weeks ago in my Transit AWD with factory tires, lol

[@dlg5485]

I'm torn between the new Sprinter and the Transit for my future build. There are pros and cons to both, but this looks pretty good.

[@pr4lviper]

Is better the sprinter 4x4 over the new awd 2023?

[@xx42069]

Any reliability issues or have you heard anyone with the DPF issues yet? Thanks! 😊

[@francisdelaney2228]

Luv it that Mercedes finally made a shorter version with the dually and 4 WD.

[@svolk2921]

They had it ..

[@ngenes1]

My primary comparison is steep rock hill climbing (4x4 vs AWD) .Next is wet and snow conditions and finally street performance handling. Thank you for showing us your first review.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I would bet most 4x4 Sprinter RV owners don't do any steep rock hill climbing. I prefer the AWD for basic everyday usage and safety in rain or snow.

[@2002honda954]

What's the MPG with new drivetrain?

[@jamestreanor182]

Please tell us weight difference to 2WD and 4WD. Does this spell the end of the 2WD van build?

[@AdvancedRV]

This is a 3500 XD chassis, with a weight rating of 11,030 lbs. It is the same weight rating for both 2WD and AWD models. Thanks for the question James.

[@brianb-p6586]

@@AdvancedRV Great, but that doesn't answer the question. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the same for 2WD and AWD, but what about the weight of the van itself (curb, empty, or tare weight)? The 4WD van will weigh more, so with the same GVWR it will be able to carry less. How much is the difference? It would be great if you could drive both 2WD and 4WD versions - of otherwise the same configuration - over a scale before starting modifications.

[@michaelberman2402]

I would assume it went up the ramp without having to give it any gas because of the hill assist !!

[@seanm7454]

Is there a low range? Or a locking center diff?

[@AdvancedRV]

No on both. Transmission is 9 speed and it can be manually operated.

[@sprinterfix]

Is that some form of control module on the transfer case? I was hoping for a simple differential style transfer case like on the 722.9 7g tronic but it looks like they have a planetary elecgromagnetic clutch pack style. can you confirm this is the case?

[@coltonbrundige6710]

the transfer case is now an electro-hydraulic actuated setup. and that is the control module for it mounted on the transfer case, older models the control unit was under the driver seat

[@sprinterfix]

@@coltonbrundige6710 thank you sir, that is just what I was wondering, I know the older seven speed had both styles but I couldnt find much info on the nine speed. may I ask where u acquired this info?

[@coltonbrundige6710]

@@sprinterfix I'm a sprinter tech a dealership. I've taken multiple training classes regarding the new 725 transmission & transfer case which is the new drive train in the sprinters. Transmission is super nice and strong however they modified the gear ratios so small in my opinion I'm not a fan. Also transmission service will be more expensive because the pan is 1 time use

[@sprinterfix]

@@coltonbrundige6710 can I interview you for my sprinter channel? there are a lot of people who want to know the details about this new transmission/ transfer case combo

[@coltonbrundige6710]

@@sprinterfix I only know the technical specs however the real world driving and tech spec can be very different. I personally own a 2022 4x4 170 and I'm glad I got mine before the new 2023 versions. Everything will be more expensive to fix. Also note this engine has never been in the states before. Meaning nobody in the USA knows about this engine really. Diagnosing and reparing the components will be more difficult and as a technician stand point with no training classes avaliable makes it frustrating

[@earlhamil731]

If you look at the gear ratios and final drive in the 22 versus 23 the AWD had nearly the same low gear ratio. The 4 cyl is what bothers me

[@thatguy8005]

They make these trucks with a flat bed super crew setup overseas. With 4 wheel drive.

[@HermanLeung909]

dual rear wheels!

[@MarcoPanache]

Cool beans... (-_-

[@dlg5485]

Is that the same 9-speed that is made by Jatco that Nissan licensed from MB?

[@brianb-p6586]

Presumably yes - the 9G-Tronic is also built by Jatco as the JR913E and used in the Titan, Frontier, and now Z.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

If off road capabilities are better than the previous 4x4 generation.

[@johnpolkus4173]

driving it in the sand will you be able to take on the beach

[@mikeskaggs3763]

Why is a 144 a duel wheel rig?

[@AdvancedRV]

This 144" is a 3500 XD, with dual wheels and a weight rating of 11,030 lbs

[@brianb-p6586]

The duals have nothing to do with wheelbase; they are used for higher axle capacity which is needed for higher GVWR and more payload.

[@gerald4nomads]

I’m staying with my Ford Transit AWD mainly because there’s nothing Unique about the sprinter van anymore. And let’s not forget the maintenance on these vehicles are outrageous and most Mercedes dealers don’t even work on them.

[@squidwarddiesel8462]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 So are the new super duties

[@fluggaenkoecchicebolsen]

Ok enjoy all that rust

[@TobyCostaRica]

I agree with all your points but driving position is superior by far on the Sprinter.

[@martinnilsson5295]

We have 125 Fords transit on ouer company many problems

[@gerald4nomads]

@martinnilsson5295 most company vehicles have problems when compared to personal vehicles. Mainly because of their employees and poor maintenance.

[@warrenlilly2091]

Go head to head with the older van and let's see 🙈 what's going on 🙊🙉😳

[@sethchampi1017]

I am extremely concerned that this tiny 2.0 L motor is going to be able to handle all of this turbo boost long-term. Seems like a compliance motor built to fail.

[@brandonneur]

The 2014-2016 2.1 4cyl was their most popular diesel, just not in north america.

[@Sharpbevel]

My ‘19 Sprinter is a royal pain to do 4WD.

[@igorbogdanoff4517]

pull over. put in neutral. press 4wd button. wait for button led to stop flashing. set to drive.

[@svolk2921]

Right after 100k this engine will need to be fixed. 1. Rockers are garbage, find videos about it. 2. Vacuum pump is a tandem pump wit oil pump and will have to be replaced. In order to do so - engine has to be out. 3. Stuck piston rings , not fun at all. 4. Plastic intake manifold is melting or cracking Good lil engine with great mpg but no longevity anymore

[@normanran3589]

how do you know？

[@brianb-p6586]

@@normanran3589 The 2.0 diesel is the OM 654 engine. It is not new, and even the Mercedes website describes it as "familiar from the Mercedes-Benz passenger car portfolio". It was introduced in 2016 and there's a whole Wikipedia page for it. This engine's characteristics - including its faults - are well known.

[@normanran3589]

@@brianb-p6586 ok thanks

[@addysontrey3810]

promosm

[@jpmackin]

I think the ‘23 awd comes Dulles only…which is BS.

[@brianb-p6586]

At least in Canada, and at least in some body variations (I checked the 144" high-roof cargo van) the AWD is available in both 2500 with single rear wheels and 3500XD with dual rear wheels. Just check their website and try combinations.

[@BobBob-dx5jx]

We got a 2021 Mercedes chassis and we sold it because we were tire to spend our time all the dealer for constant computer problems……its a real junk chassis. Stay with Ford, its more reliable. Will never buy again a Mercedes…….

[@YAOZYVIDEO]

Very underpowered compared to Ford Transit. Not very good for RV build. It will barely move on uphill.

[@mclearr]

Would love to hear about handling on rough roads.

[@AdvancedRV]

Sounds good. Thanks Rob