Mercedes-Benz Trucks will launch the third generation of its OM 471 heavy-duty commercial vehicle engine on the market, available from October 2022.

It will be installed in the Mercedes-Benz Actros and the Mercedes-Benz Arocs features a host of technical innovations.

“With the third generation of the OM 471, we consistently focused on the needs of our customers. Our goal was to decrease the Total Cost of Ownership and reduce fuel consumption. Our customers will benefit, as will the environment,” says Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

The improvements in efficiency for the third generation of the OM 471 are the result of a number of engine innovations. For example, the geometry of the piston recess, the injection nozzle design and the parameters of the cylinder head relevant for gas exchange were subject to an extensive optimisation process. In this way, the compression ratio has been increased from 18.3:1 to 20.3:1, this leads to more efficient combustion with a peak ignition pressure of 250 bar.

One of the most important levers in increasing fuel efficiency in modern diesel combustion engines is turbocharging optimisation. With the third generation of the OM 471, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is introducing two new turbochargers developed and manufactured in-house which are precisely adapted to the broad range of customer requirements. In the consumption-optimised variant, the focus is on the lowest possible fuel consumption – it is predestined for use in long-distance haulage with an engine rated at up to 350kW (476hp).

The second turbocharger variant is designed for high performance and a high engine braking force and is ideal for use in the heavy-duty and construction sectors with an engine rating of up to 390kW (530hp). For the lower and medium performance levels of the OM 471, the maximum fuel saving compared with the previous generation is up to four percent, and for the upper performance levels up to 3.5%.

The exhaust gas aftertreatment system has been completely revamped. It is compliant with the strictest emission standards, such as Euro 5e, which call for effective limitation of exhaust gas emissions over the entire normal service life of a vehicle under normal usage conditions.

“Like the earlier second generation, engineers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks have again made remarkable progress with their third generation. In other words: High-tech pays off, is good for the environment, and makes driving fun,” said Christoph Mertens, project manager for the new engine at Daimler Truck.