• New Powerliner driveline generation with enhanced OM 470 and OM 471 engines as well as coordinated transmissions and axles.
• Up to four percent lower fuel consumption compared with a similarly specified predecessor vehicle.
• More power and torque as well as improved drivability; the consistent downspeeding design can also reduce fuel consumption and noise levels.
• Designed for Euro VIe, aligned with new statutory noise regulations from start of production, and conceptually prepared for Euro 7.
• Introduction from April 2027 in Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles; new engine generation also to be used by Daimler Buses.
• Stina Fagerman, President Mercedes-Benz Trucks Customer Region Europe: “This creates an important foundation for the long-term competitiveness of our conventionally powered vehicles.”

Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Hanover – Mercedes-Benz Trucks is continuing to systematically develop its conventional driveline technologies and is presenting a new generation of the driveline with the Powerliner. In the new Powerliner, the engine, transmission, axles and other components are coordinated as an integrated system. Their optimized interaction enables fuel savings of up to four percent compared with a similarly specified predecessor vehicle. ^[1]

At the same time, customers benefit from an enhanced power and torque characteristic, improved drivability and greater long-distance comfort. The new driveline generation will be introduced in Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles from April 2027.

The new engine generation will also be used in vehicles from Daimler Buses. This establishes the basis for a shared technology approach across different vehicle segments within Daimler Truck.

With the Powerliner, Mercedes-Benz Trucks underlines the continued importance of modern internal combustion technology for applications where efficiency, durability, range and operational flexibility remain key requirements. At the same time, the new engine generation was developed with future legal requirements regarding emissions, noise development and fuel efficiency in mind.

“With the Powerliner, we combine what is crucial for our customers in day-to-day operations: high efficiency, reliability and confident driving experience. Through the holistic optimization of the driveline, we enable fuel savings of up to four percent in the underlying vehicle comparison while combining high efficiency with improved performance and drivability. In addition, we considered current and foreseeable legal requirements regarding emissions and noise development during development. This creates an important foundation for the long-term competitiveness of our conventionally powered vehicles,” said Stina Fagerman, President Mercedes-Benz Trucks Customer Region Europe.

Up to Four Percent Lower Fuel Consumption Through an Optimized Driveline

The primary focus of development was the further improvement of overall efficiency. The engine, transmission and axles were specifically coordinated with one another. In addition, the exhaust aftertreatment system as well as control and operating strategies were further enhanced.

The interaction of these measures enables fuel savings of up to four percent. This can help reduce total operating costs and support transport companies in operating their vehicles even more economically.

The optimized exhaust aftertreatment system and new control and operating strategies are designed to meet the requirements of the Euro VIe emissions standard throughout the vehicle’s service life. Certification for operation with CO₂-neutral EN 15940 XtL fuel is also available.

Enhanced Engine Technology for Efficiency and Performance

At the heart of the new Powerliner driveline are the enhanced OM 470 and OM 471 engines. Optimized engine technologies deliver noticeable improvements in everyday operation: greater efficiency, an improved torque characteristic and power exactly when it is needed.

The modern engine architecture is designed for optimized combustion and reduced friction losses. Contributing factors include a new injection system, in-house developed and application-specific turbochargers, and an optimized oil circuit.

In practical operation, this means power is available early while delivering greater efficiency in everyday use. The power and torque curves have been further developed so that drive force is confidently available even at low engine speeds.

Prepared for Future Emissions and Noise Requirements

In addition to efficiency and performance, current and future legal requirements were a key focus during development. The new driveline generation is designed for Euro VIe and conceptually prepared for the upcoming Euro 7 emissions standard. Future noise-emission requirements were also taken into account during development.

OM 470: Lightweight Engine for Distribution Transport and Payload-Sensitive Applications

The OM 470 is designed for heavy-duty distribution transport and payload-sensitive applications. Three power ratings cover these operating areas and provide flexibility for different transport tasks. An adapted torque characteristic supports smooth power delivery.

The OM 470 power range extends from 265 kW/360 hp to 300 kW/408 hp and 335 kW/455 hp. Maximum power is achieved at 1,500 rpm. Depending on the power rating, maximum torque is 1,800 Nm, 2,000 Nm or 2,200 Nm. The torque is already available at engine speeds well below 1,000 rpm and reaches its maximum at 1,100 rpm.

OM 471: More Power for Long-Haul Transport and Heavy-Duty Applications

The OM 471 is designed for strong performance and high efficiency in long-haul transportation and demanding heavy-duty applications. Four power ratings broaden the range of applications for challenging transport tasks.

The optimized power and torque curve supports confident propulsion even at low engine speeds. The OM 471 power range extends from 310 kW/421 hp to 330 kW/449 hp, 365 kW/500 hp and extends to the new top power rating of 400 kW/550 hp. Depending on the power rating, the engine delivers maximum torque of 2,200 Nm, 2,500 Nm, 2,650 Nm or 2,800 Nm. Full torque is already available at engine speeds well below 1,100 rpm and reaches its maximum at 1,100 rpm.

The consistent design of the engine characteristics around a downspeeding concept is a key factor in reducing fuel consumption and noise levels. The powerful engine brake also supports vehicle deceleration, can reduce strain on the service brake and may help lower maintenance costs.

Consistently Engineered for Downspeeding

The Powerliner was specifically developed for operation at lower engine speeds. The downspeeding concept can help reduce fuel consumption and noise levels while enhancing long-distance driving comfort.

A decisive factor is the close coordination of engine, transmission and axles. Longer rear-axle ratios support lower engine speeds at cruising speed when combined with the downspeeding strategy. For typical long-haul applications, the long rear-axle ratio of i = 2.278 in combination with the OM 471 and G 291 transmission is recommended.

Transmission Portfolio as an Important Element for Efficiency and Driving Comfort

The transmission is an integral part of the overall Powerliner system. The transmission portfolio covers a wide range of applications, from light-duty operations to demanding heavy transport tasks. With a broad gear spread, the G 291 and G 340 transmission platforms in particular support the downspeeding strategy and enable operation with longer rear-axle ratios.

At the same time, the wider gear spread provides finer ratio steps at lower vehicle speeds. This can support more precise maneuvering and improved vehicle control. Faster gear changes and improved maneuverability further contribute to a confident driving experience.

The G 211 and G 230 variants are designed as efficient lightweight solutions for the OM 470 and moderate applications. The G 291 and G 340 are available for medium-duty and heavy-duty applications. The G 280 complements the portfolio for particularly heavy and specialized applications, especially in combination with a Turbo Retarder Clutch or large engine-driven power take-offs.

Confident Driving Performance in Day-to-Day Operation

In addition to efficiency and performance, drivability was a central focus during development. Faster shifting, an optimized power and torque characteristic and more precise maneuvering behavior support a confident driving experience. The coordination of engine, transmission and axles combines high efficiency with improved drivability and outstanding long-distance comfort.

Lower engine speeds at cruising speed can reduce noise levels in the cab and support more relaxed driving on long routes. The coordinated interaction of engine, transmission, axle and braking systems combines high efficiency with a controlled and comfort-oriented driving experience.