Mercedes-Benz Vans Canada unveils 2023 Sprinter with comprehensive all-wheel drive, transmission, engine and connectivity updates

MERCEDES-BENZ VANS CANADA - Mercedes-Benz Vans Canada announced that the all-new 2023 Sprinter, featuring a new all-wheel drive (AWD) system, new 9G-TRONIC transmission, new 4-cylinder diesel engines and enhanced connectivity will be available in Canada this winter.

With an advanced technology update, Mercedes-Benz is ensuring that its large van icon Sprinter will offer more driving comfort than ever before – on almost any terrain. At the heart of the update is the highly powerful and efficient 2.0-liter OM 654 diesel engine familiar from the Mercedes-Benz passenger car portfolio. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is transitioning to a fully 4-cylinder lineup for gasoline and diesel engines for model year 2023, creating a more efficient portfolio. The new OM 654 engine achieves smoother acceleration, higher torque values, decreased emissions and lower noise and vibration levels. It will be available in two power output ratings: 125kW (168 hp) and 155kW (208 hp), providing a more capable engine compared to its predecessors.

Engineering for efficiency

A combination of aluminum block and steel pistons, a stepped recess combustion process, and NANOSLIDE® cylinder coating reduces in-engine friction. Combining these features with dynamic multi-way exhaust gas recirculation and the near-engine exhaust gas after treatment allows the MY23 Sprinter to operate with lower consumption and emissions. Due to its position, the exhaust gas after treatment also works with little heat loss, resulting in a more efficient operation.

New transmission for improved comfort and fuel efficiency

Mercedes-Benz Vans will also be transitioning over to a new 9G-TRONIC transmission (9-speed), now equipped as standard for all variants. The 9G-TRONIC transmission provides customers with increased driving comfort, reduction in fuel consumption, decreased noise levels, lower emissions, higher overall gear ratio and quicker downshifts allowing for agile acceleration. Compared to the previous 7G-TRONIC transmission offering, the 9G-TRONIC offers an increased first gear ratio resulting in a quicker take-off, more gears, and a greater ratio spread leading to an overall improved performance.

Torque on demand with new all-wheel-drive system

The new Sprinter all-wheel-drive (AWD) replaces the previous 4x4 system, providing more power, endurance and overall seamless transition for the customer, allowing them to take on any terrain with ease. With the AWD, customers experience automatic torque on demand with up to 50% split per axle, unlike the previous engageable system, which provided 35 percent of torque to the front and 65 percent to the rear axle when in 4x4 mode. The new  AWD system also maintains capabilities offered by its predecessor in terms of ground clearance, approach angle, departure angle and breakover angle – providing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter customers with high-levels of quality and capability expected from Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Enhanced connectivity

Mercedes-Benz Canada is offering the latest in connectivity and an improved user experience with the introduction of Mercedes me connect to the 2023 Sprinter. These digital services connect both commercial and private customers to their vans and give simple access to all-important information and practical functions, both inside and outside of the vehicle. Commercial customers can activate their entire fleet with industry-leading digital services that improve their daily business operations.

Available for both Android and iOS devices, the Mercedes me connect app enables vehicle owners to manage many different aspects of their van from virtually anywhere, serving as a mobile extension of the vehicle. This digital upgrade offers many connected-car features, providing customers the added convenience and flexibility of remote vehicle management, including Remote Door Lock and Unlock, and Vehicle Status. This is paired with additional vehicle data such as mileage, fuel level, tire pressure and fluid levels, providing customers with the peace of mind knowing they have everything needed for their next drive. If an issue arises, Mercedes me connect can facilitate a remote diagnostic test, which provides a dealership service technician with the ability to remotely retrieve diagnostic data to help troubleshoot issues.

Improved safety with the Digital Interior Mirror

To improve the view to the rear, the all-new Sprinter also features a camera installed at the back of the vehicle, which displays the image on the screen of the interior mirror. This technology provides the driver with a clear view behind the vehicle, which is particular helpful for customers with no or limited rear visibility.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter continues to raise the bar within the commercial vehicle segment, offering a streamlined packaging structure and improved features to fit a variety of customers – from everyday drivers to parcel delivery, construction workers, various upfit customers and everyone in-between. The new 2023 Sprinter will provide the comfort, power and off-road capabilities needed to take on any project ahead.

Ford Celebrates 75th Anniversary of F-Series Trucks with 2023 F-150 Heritage Edition

FORD CANADA - To celebrate 75 years of F-Series trucks, Ford introduces the 2023 F-150 Heritage Edition – a modern take on the timeless 1970s and ’80s two-tone exterior paint offerings featuring the classic style combined with the outstanding durability, capability and technology today’s F-150 customers love.

Available on XLT series F-150 trucks, the design represents a fresh interpretation of the classic A-B-A exterior paint pattern, with an A colour encompassing roof and pillars, a B colour for the midsection, then A repeating on bumpers, lower door and lower body.

Interior offerings in slate gray and black complement the expressive exteriors. Distinct seat trim covers featuring unique inserts, plus embossing on the console lid further enhance the uniqueness of the Heritage design. A white “75 Years” logo appears in the upper centre windshield and is included in the centre screen startup animation and on the centre console.

Five colour options are available:

• Race Red midsection, with upper and lower Carbonized Gray
• Atlas Blue midsection, with upper and lower Agate Black
• Antimatter Blue midsection, with upper and lower Carbonized Gray
• Avalanche midsection, with upper and lower Agate Black
• Area 51 midsection, with upper and lower Agate Black

Pricing will be available when order banks for the 2023 F-150 Heritage Edition open mid-July, with production starting this fall.

Lend a Hand – and a Few Miles – to Your Friends Using Vehicle-to-Vehicle Charging on F-150 Lightning, F-150 Hybrid

FORD CANADA - Usually when someone asks you to top them off, they’re holding a cool beverage in hand looking for a refill. But with the all-electric F-150 Lightning^™, customers can take service to another level by “sharing” miles with other electric vehicles – those built by Ford and other manufacturers – giving people additional range through vehicle-to-vehicle charging.

With available Pro Power Onboard, the 2022 F-150 Lightning and F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid trucks are high-energy power sources on wheels with multiple uses, thanks to their onboard generators and high-capacity battery systems. Now, Ford is offering another unique benefit to that list: vehicle-to-vehicle charging using the Ford-exclusive Pro Power Onboard 240-volt outlet.

“There are hundreds of benefits to Ford Pro Power Onboard – and we’ve added one more,” said Patrick Soderborg, Ford e-powertrain systems engineer. “Taking power on the road or having extra energy at home brings a lot of convenience and security, and using the F-150 Lightning or F-150 hybrid to top off a friend’s electric vehicle or help them during an outage is one of the many new benefits our customers gain from our Built Ford Tough electrified trucks.”

When connected to an F-150 Lightning or F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid with the optional 9.6 or 7.2 kilowatt Pro Power Onboard¹, the Ford Mobile Power Cord charger can deliver Level-2 charging that’s estimated to add an average range of 32 km per charging hour on a Mustang Mach-E with extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive². It will add up to 21 km of charge per hour on the upcoming F-150 Lightning, and will add an average range of 16 km per charging hour to a Ford E-Transit low-roof cargo van².

Customers can easily take advantage of this capability, using a widely available power adaptor to link the Ford Mobile Power Cord to their truck. Once connected to the 240-volt Pro Power Onboard outlet, customers can use the Mobile Power Cord to charge a range of all-electric vehicles that use the SAE J1772 charge port. This includes the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ford E-Transit electric van and the all-new 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup, as well as vehicles from other manufacturers³. 

The 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid pickup has an available 7.2 kilowatt Pro Power Onboard generator that can be used to power tools, accessories and the Ford Mobile Power Cord. This spring, the all-new 2022 F-150 Lightning – the first full-size battery electric pickup from Ford – will debut with the available 9.6 kilowatt Pro Power Onboard power source.

Electric vehicles open doors to new customer benefits

Just as cell phones and the internet changed our way of life, electric vehicles are poised to do the same with a wide range of new services and features. Leveraging the electric power generation and storage available in the new F-150 Lightning and F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, Ford is building in new features that give customers functionality, convenience and capability.

With F-150 Lightning, its power source can even be used to power a home using Ford Intelligent Backup Power. Instead of installing a home generator or battery backup, the truck can be used to power a typical-size home up to three days in the event if a power outage⁴. The compact electric powertrain also allowed Ford to create the first Mega Power Frunk – a front trunk that not only offers multiple power outlets but also provides up to 400 litres of lockable storage.

“There are so many new opportunities to innovate with features and functions made possible only through electrification,” said Soderborg. “This really hit home during the Texas power crisis last February, which left millions in the cold. F-150 Hybrid helped many Texans keep warm and powered up during those difficult times thanks to Pro Power Onboard – and we’re trying to do even more with F-150 Lightning.”

To learn more about Ford electric vehicles, go to www.ford.ca/electric-vehicles

¹See owners Manual for important operating instructions.

²Range and charge time based on manufacturer computer engineering simulations and EPA-estimated range calculation methodology. The charging rate decreases as battery reaches full capacity. Your results may vary based on peak charging times and battery state of charge. Actual vehicle range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age, and state of health. 

³See owners manual for important operating instructions.

⁴When home is properly equipped and home transfer switch disconnects home from the grid. Based on 30 kWh use per day using the F-150 Lightning with the extended-range battery.  Your results may vary depending on energy usage.

New Ford Expedition Raises Bar Among Full-Size SUVs with Most Off-Road Capable, Most Powerful, Smartest Expedition Ever

FORD CANADA - Ford reveals the new 2022 Expedition, its flagship SUV, for families seeking epic adventures and memory-making road trips. With an expanded lineup of models to choose from, new driver-assist and connected technologies, the most off-road-capable the most in its class² and a new Platinum series, this is the smartest Expedition ever.⁵

The new Expedition elevates itself above competitors with new class-exclusive features, plus new capabilities and technologies, including:

• First Timberline series elevates the Expedition above the Jeep^® Wagoneer with best available ground clearance in its class of 10.6 inches⁶ (versus a maximum 10 inches for Jeep Wagoneer), F-150 Raptor underbody protection and best available power in its class¹
• Expedition Timberline SUV model weighs 4% less than Jeep Wagoneer SUV and boasts a better power-to-weight ratio, as Ford’s high-output 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine tops the Jeep Wagoneer SUV5.7-litre V8 engine with 48 additional horsepower and 106 more lb.-ft. of torque⁵
• Stealth Edition Performance Package delivers 85 more horsepower and 127 lb.-ft. more torque⁵ than Chevrolet Tahoe^® RST SUV with its 5.3-litre V8 engine

With these expanded offerings, the new Ford Expedition SUV is poised to attract new customers who are more culturally diverse than the full-size SUV category has seen in past years, including more women seeking family adventures to balance the stress of their overprogrammed lives.

This expanded lineup brings more personality and design distinction for each series – from the premium Expedition Platinum, as well as the new Stealth Edition Performance Package and Timberline model – including bolder styling with standard LED headlamps, updated taillamps and new wheel choices. Also, a new twin-spar mesh grille and fog lamps with chrome accents have been added to the Platinum.

Timberline: Highest ground clearance and Goodyear Wrangler AT tires

Ford once again delivers on its promise to offer more rugged SUVs and trucks with the new Expedition Timberline model – the most off-road-capable Expedition ever, which is set apart in the series with a unique grille and Active Orange exterior accents.

“Timberline sets a new standard with full-size SUV customers who need more passenger space, great off-road capability and a basecamp for life’s journeys,” said Mike Kipley, Ford Expedition chief engineer.

Timberline boosts Expedition trail capability, starting with standard 10.6-inch best ground clearance in its class and a wider track, while improved approach and departure angles enable deeper travel into the backcountry on tougher trails. Timberline is powered by Ford’s high-output 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque.²

More functional upgrades include Trail Turn Assist – the same system as on Bronco^™ SUV – that can tighten the turning radius on hairpin trails to take customers further off-road⁸, rugged 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler^™ AT tires, two-speed transfer case and tough F-150 Raptor underbody shielding.

Stealth Edition Performance Package: Style and performance meets capability

With athletic styling and a sport-tuned suspension, the new 2022 Expedition Stealth Edition Performance Package elevates on-road fun and driving confidence with best-in-class power from Ford’s high-output 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque.²

Available on Expedition Limited and Limited MAX, Stealth Edition Performance Package sports modern, stylish gloss-black features including grille, mirror caps, roof rails, running boards, tailgate appliqué, rear bumper skid plate, fog lamp bezels, plus headlamp and taillamp housing. Unique red brake calipers sit behind larger 22-inch premium black aluminum wheels, while “Expedition” and “Limited” badging in black are featured front and back, plus new black Ford oval emblems.

Flagship-level technology including Ford BlueCruise, new SYNC^® connectivity, Ford Power-Up

The Expedition Platinum debuts Ford BlueCruise³ hands-free highway Driver-Assist Technology. The available new feature builds upon Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering and Speed Sign Recognition. It allows owners to operate their vehicle hands-free on the highway while being monitored by a driver-facing camera to ensure they keep their eyes on the road. It is compatible on prequalified sections of divided highways called Hands-Free Blue Zones.

Elevating the new instrument panel and craftsmanship further is an available 12.4-inch high-definition digital gauge cluster that features a large information on-demand area, along with Expedition-specific graphics and animations that respond to the flagship’s selectable drive modes and can display off-roading data and turn-by-turn navigation.

The new Expedition comes with standard SYNC^® 4 or an optional SYNC 4A system with 15.5-inch high-definition touch display – the largest available screen in its class¹. SYNC 4A provides a modern interface using machine learning to learn and present preferred driver choices.

SYNC 4 with a standard 12-inch center screen with information on-demand panel allows customers to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously, including navigation, music and other features, such as towing information. 

Available SYNC 4A with the 15.5-inch portrait-oriented display includes adaptive dash card technology that uses the touch screen for interactive individual digital cards, instead of traditional menus, to organize and optimize the experience.

Expedition elevates its audio experience with available Bang & Olufsen^® Unleashed Sound System featuring 22 Speakers, including Subwoofer. No other SUV offers more available speakers in its class⁴, along with 360-degree surround sound, which is available on Expedition Platinum, Stealth Performance Edition Package and Timberline models.

The rear-seat experience has been enhanced to include a Rear Seat Entertainment System that lets passengers enjoy a wide variety of content from popular apps, stream videos, play games, listen to music, get information and watch downloaded programs – all through high-definition touch screens now with 16 gigabytes of storage.

Expedition comes equipped with Ford Power-Up software, which delivers regular vehicle enhancements to Ford owners, turning connected vehicle learnings into continuous quality improvements, new features and capabilities. These updates can improve the ownership experience and may help reduce the need for repair trips.

2022 Expedition brings the most available Driver-Assist Technology features in its class¹

Every 2022 Ford Expedition comes with standard and available driver-assist features. These include:

• Road Edge Detection: This feature engages the steering system to help you maintain your position in the lane on roads with a visible line or a clear edge⁸
• Intersection Assist: It’s not easy to traverse a busy intersection, especially when you need to consider other vehicles around you. Available Intersection Assist can help. Intersection Assist uses the front camera and radar sensors to detect oncoming traffic while you are attempting to turn left. If there’s a risk of a potential collision with an oncoming vehicle, your vehicle can alert you and apply the brakes. This just might give you more confidence when attempting to make a left turn at an intersection⁸
• Reverse Brake Assist: Backing out of parking spaces often puts drivers in situations with limited visibility, so this feature senses oncoming pedestrians and vehicles, alerts the driver, and automatically brakes if the vehicle is at risk of a collision⁸
• Evasive Steering Assist: It happens. Traffic is rolling along smoothly when suddenly there’s a slow or stopped vehicle in your path. This available feature can help make it easier to potentially avoid a collision. It doesn’t steer for you, but it can provide extra steering support if the system’s warning goes off and you need to maneuver around the vehicle ahead⁸
• Active Air Dam: This available new feature improves aerodynamics, deploying at speeds above 40 mph then automatically retracting at lower speeds for city driving and parking⁸

Smarter, simpler, greater towing

As customers seek out more adventures with their outdoor lifestyle toys, the 2022 Expedition SUV features available easier ways to hitch and manage a trailer – turning any driver looking to back into a campsite or down a boat ramp into a seasoned pro.⁷

Pro Trailer Backup Assist^™ 2.0 uses the rear camera and park aid sensors to detect a trailer, with the user directing it through a control knob and backup camera screen. Version 2.0 improves on the previous system that required the driver to put a “target” on the trailer and to in-put trailer dimensions – automating all of that for a more seamless user experience.⁸

Expedition tows up to 4,173 kg (9,200 lbs) when equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.⁷

The 2022 Ford Expedition is assembled at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and will go on sale in the first quarter of 2022.⁹

1 Class is Non-Premium Large Traditional Utility.

2 Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349^® standard. Your results may vary. Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.

3 Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgement and need to control the vehicle. Ford BlueCruise is a hands-free driving feature. Only remove hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Requires purchased 3-year connected service plan with regular map updates, FordPass™ App, and modem activation.

4 With available B&O^® Unleashed Sound System by Bang & Olufsen^®, 22 Speakers including Subwoofer. Class is Non-Premium Large Traditional Utility.

5 Based on standard and available features.

6 Available 10.6 inches on Timberline trim. Class is non-premium large traditional utility

7 Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers. When equipped with Heavy- Duty Trailer Tow Package.

8 Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

9 Assembled in the USA with domestic and foreign parts