Mercedes is offering a new powerplant option for its Sprinter van line-up: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel.

European carmakers have been focused on electric vehicles and the COVID-19 pandemic has put new pressure on vehicle emissions.

Despite this, many carmakers – Daimler AG specifically – have not given up on the diesel engine.

Mercedes-Benz Vans this week announced it was expanding its product range in the U.S. with the introduction of a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel for the Sprinter Cargo Van, which has become a common site in urban areas around the U.S., where it is used for delivery services.

(Mercedes-Benz opens new Sprinter plant.)

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van is a simple, clean design.

This advanced powertrain produces 161 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel variant will join the versatile Sprinter line-up in the U.S. market that also includes the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbo-diesel Cargo, Crew, Passenger and Cab Chassis, and the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline Passenger, Crew and Cargo options. The newest model will arrive in dealerships late 2020, Mercedes-Benz said.

In addition to getting a new powerplant options, it will be offered as a rear-wheel drive configuration with various wheelbase options, including the 144-inch wheelbase standard roof as well as a 170-inch extended wheelbase with regular and high-roof choices.

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The new 4-cylinder diesel offers additional advantages such as low fuel consumption, low emissions, high torque and high elasticity at low speeds, the company notes. The addition of the 4-cylinder diesel van rounds out the already comprehensive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter line-up.

Mercedes-Benz began production of its third-generation Sprinter van at its plant in South Carolina in 2018.

Mercedes loads the van with an impressive array of standard features, such as Mercedes PRO connect digital fleet solutions, which is a new connectivity and telematics solution, keyless start, brake-hold functionality, charging capabilities with two USB-C outlets in the dashboard, a trailer-hitch-prep package, load-adaptive electronic stability program, all-season tires, an adjustable steering wheel with standard shift paddles and a metal load compartment floor.

With the new generation of this iconic van, Mercedes-Benz underscores its role as a pioneer, driving innovation with the introduction of modern safety technologies in the large van segment.

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The new Sprinter is equipped with a range of optional safety and assistance systems which, until recently, were reserved exclusively for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Among them, the radar-based systems Distance Assist Distronic, Active Brake Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Additionally, the optional Parking Package with 360-degree camera makes a significant contribution towards relieving stress on the driver.

Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2020/07/mercedes-benz-offer-new-diesel-in-cargo-van/