Who makes the Sprinter van engine?
The Sprinter van’s engine is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. In practice, Mercedes-Benz designs and builds the engines used in its Sprinter lineup through its in-house powertrain operations, with the exact engine configuration varying by model year, market, and emission standards.
Overview of the engine maker and approach
Mercedes-Benz Vans markets the Sprinter as a purpose-built commercial vehicle, and its powertrain is developed within Mercedes-Benz’s own engineering and manufacturing ecosystem. The company’s engine programs cover four-cylinder and six-cylinder diesel options (and, in some markets, gasoline variants) that are produced alongside the brand’s other commercial-vehicle engines. This in-house approach ensures integration with MB’s transmissions, exhaust aftertreatment, and vehicle electronics.
Across generations, MB has shifted toward more efficient, turbocharged engines that meet evolving emissions rules while maintaining torque for commercial use. The Sprinter’s engine choices have thus evolved with market demands and regulatory requirements, but the core engine architecture remains Mercedes-Benz-designed and -built.
Before listing the main engine categories, here is a quick overview of how MB organizes Sprinter engines across generations.
- Four-cylinder diesel engines developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz for balanced performance and efficiency in everyday commercial use.
- Six-cylinder diesel engines produced by Mercedes-Benz for higher torque and payload requirements in heavier Sprinter variants.
- Gasoline or alternative-fuel options produced by Mercedes-Benz where markets offer non-diesel Sprinters.
In short, Mercedes-Benz is the primary maker of the Sprinter van’s engine, with engine families tailored to payload, efficiency, and regional regulations, all manufactured under MB’s own powertrain umbrella.
Summary
Are all Sprinter vans made by Mercedes?
No, the name "Sprinter" was used by other brands in the past, but as of 2021, new Sprinter vans are sold exclusively by Mercedes-Benz. Historically, similar vans were sold under the Dodge and Freightliner names because Mercedes-Benz owned Chrysler (Dodge) and had a partnership with Freightliner. However, all new Sprinter vans on the market today are Mercedes-Benz products.
Historical context
- Past brand partners: Sprinter vans were previously sold under the Dodge and Freightliner brands in North America.
- Reason for rebranding: This was part of the relationship between Mercedes-Benz (Daimler) and Chrysler/Dodge, which is no longer active.
- Sole manufacturer: Since 2021, the Sprinter is solely a Mercedes-Benz product.
What this means for today's vans
- Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz: If you are buying a new Sprinter van today, it will be from Mercedes-Benz.
- No difference in the "old" vans: Older vans that were sold as Dodge or Freightliner Sprinters are mechanically identical to the Mercedes-Benz versions, with the only difference being the badge on the outside.
Who makes Mercedes Sprinter engines?
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz manufactures the diesel engines for the Sprinter. Known for their engineering excellence, these engines are designed with efficiency and durability in mind.
Who builds Mercedes engines?
Mercedes-Benz makes its own engines through its global manufacturing plants, particularly in Germany. However, Mercedes also partners with other companies to build engines, such as using Renault and Nissan engines for certain compact models. Some engines, like those for high-performance AMG vehicles, are manufactured at specific locations like the Affalterbach plant in Germany.
Primary manufacturers and locations
- Mercedes-Benz: Designs and builds engines at plants in Germany (Affalterbach, Berlin, Kölleda, Arnstadt) and China (Beijing), and Romania (Sebes, Cugir).
- Mercedes-AMG: Its high-performance engines are built at the Affalterbach plant.
- Other partners: Mercedes-Benz collaborates with other manufacturers for certain engine types.
- Renault and Nissan: Have supplied engines for some compact models through their alliance with Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. For example, a 1.3L turbocharged engine is co-developed and built with Renault/Nissan.
- Force Motors: Produces engines for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in India.
Important considerations
- Partnerships: The use of partner engines is often strategic, particularly for smaller or more efficient models, to balance performance and cost.
- Specialization: While core manufacturing is done in-house, parts are sourced globally, and some engines are specialized, like those for Formula 1, which are built by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in the UK.
- Future collaborations: The automotive landscape is dynamic, with potential future collaborations being discussed. For instance, there have been reports of Mercedes-Benz and BMW considering a partnership for some four-cylinder engines, which would allow them to share development and production resources.
Are Dodge and Mercedes Sprinters the same?
Yes, a Dodge Sprinter is essentially the same as a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, with the primary difference being the badging. Mercedes-Benz manufactured the Sprinter and sold it under the Dodge name in the US for a period due to a partnership with DaimlerChrysler. The vehicles were built in Germany as complete knockdown (CKD) kits, shipped to the U.S., and reassembled with Dodge badges to avoid import tariffs on finished vehicles.
This video explains the background and history of Dodge and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans: 59sThe Benz Shop YouTube · Jun 8, 2025
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz is the original manufacturer of all Sprinter vans.
- Branding: During the partnership period, some Sprinter vans were sold with Dodge badging, while others were sold with Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner badges.
- Vehicle identity: Aside from the exterior badges and minor interior differences, the vehicles are identical, as they were all built in the same factory by Mercedes-Benz.
- Current status: The Dodge Sprinter line ended when the partnership dissolved, and today, the van is primarily marketed under the Mercedes-Benz name.
