Pretoria, South Africa – Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa is pleased to announce the launch of the 517 Sprinter Panel Van, which will be available from February 2023. The 517 Sprinter lineup will supersede the former 516 Sprinter lineup, with the key enhancement being a new, state-of-the-art OM654 engine. Thanks to this upgrade in engine technology, the 517 Sprinter will receive a 5kW increase in engine output as well as improved fuel efficiency.
The all-aluminium OM654 diesel engine represents top-of-the-range mechanics for outstanding handling dynamics. It impresses with its powerful drive, exemplary efficiency and low noise and vibration levels. Thanks to its improved performance, the 517 Sprinter provides top-tier businesses with the ideal vehicle to transport goods more efficiently whilst reducing their environmental impact. Meanwhile, the 517 Sprinter’s superbly smooth and quiet drive makes it the vehicle of choice to give passengers a first-class shuttling experience. Complete with that ready-for-anything spirit that the Sprinter is so well known for, the updated 517 Sprinter gives discerning business owners access to a utility vehicle that is more powerful, fuel-efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly than ever before.
The key innovations of the new OM654 engine include:
- Increased rated output and torque
- A remarkably compact and lightweight engine design, thanks to a full-aluminium housing and an innovative placement of engine equipment.
- Reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, due to the inclusion of steel pistons with combustion bowls, NANOSLIDE® cylinder coating and fourth-generation common-rail injection.
- Low heat losses and favourable running conditions, owing to the placement of the exhaust-gas-cleaning technologies, close to the engine, for improved temperature management and efficiency.
Marinus Venter, the Head of Product and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa, says, “We are immensely excited to be updating our popular Sprinter 516 Panel Van lineup with this next-generation of engine technology. The Sprinter 517 will give fleet owners access to even greater efficiencies whilst maintaining all the innovative safety, comfort and quality that Mercedes-Benz is so well known for.”
516 Sprinter vs. 517 Sprinter engine comparison, at a glance:
| 516 Sprinter Panel Van (Standard) | 517 Sprinter Panel Van (Standard) | |
| Engine | OM651 DE22 LA | OM654 DE20 LA |
| Emission standard | Euro V | EURO VI-D/6b |
| Rated output | 120 kW at 3800 rpm | 125 kW at 3800 rpm |
| Rated torque | 380Nm at 1400–2400 rpm | 400Nm at 1700–2400 rpm |
517 Sprinter technical data, at a glance:
| Vehicle width above folded-in exterior mirrors | 2175 mm |
| Vehicle length | 5932 mm |
| Vehicle height | 2331 mm |
| Weight | 3550 kg |
| Max. load compartment length | 3272 mm |
| Max. load compartment height | 2079 mm |
| Max. load compartment area | 5.539 m2 |
| Max. load compartment volume | 11 m3 |
The 517 Sprinter is tailored to take businesses to the next level, with its remarkable versatility, trendsetting image and reliability, created for business owners who are driven for success.
For more information on the new 517 Sprinter Panel Van, visit: https://www.mercedes-benz.co.za/vans/en/sprinter.
