Mercedes-Benz Trucks launches third-generation OM 471

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

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

The improvements in efficiency for the third generation of the OM 471 result from several 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.

Turbocharging optimisation is one of the most important levers in increasing fuel efficiency in modern diesel combustion engines. With the third generation of the OM 471, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is introducing two new turbochargers developed and manufactured in-house that are adapted to suit a broad range of operating 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 4%, and for the upper-performance levels, up to 3.5%.

The exhaust gas after-treatment 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 service life of a vehicle under normal usage conditions.