I made the same observation, and opted for the the 2-wheel 907, as it's is much more drivable and fun than the out-going 4x4, and like you, I'm waiting for the 2023 awd 4 cylinder. When comparing the drivability of your old and new Sprinter on the highway you are, in effect, comparing two rear-wheel drive vehicles, as the front axle in the 4x4 must be disengaged when taking freeway trips (it's intended for brief use, not continuous use on asphalt). Therefore, if both are just propelled via the rear axle, why is the 907 rear-wheel drive more drivable than the 4x4 907? I've looked into this in detail, and spoke with multiple people at Mercedes Zurich and Stuttgart. I attribute some of it to the body lift (Mercedes experts agree), some of it to the way the out-going 6cylinder hasn't been optimized for the out-going 7speed automatic transmission (Mercedes experts agree), some of it to the 6cylinder having been de-tuned for emissions reasons (Mercedes experts agree); but most of it to the front drive shaft continuously spinning, even when not connected to the power train via the 4x4 transfer case (Mercedes experts agree). This affects steering and make the out-going 4x4 feel less like a spritely mountain goat, more like a sturdy mule. The new 907 awd will do away with the awkward mode of engaging the 4x4; it will do away with the similarly awkward engaging of the low range gear by substituting with an almost equally low-geared first gear as part of the 9-speed automatic; it will do MUCH better on snow and ice; and it will transfer greater than 35% power to the front wheel (more like 50%). In theory, the new 907 awd should also have been less expensive than the out-going 4x4. But that's probably no longer realistic given continuing demand and inflation.
Hi! Thanks for the information. Very interesting. Definitely a difference in the drive and you bring up some great points. Definitely looking forward to the 2023 AWD 4cyl. Thanks again - interesting
67 here; have been "researching" vans for only 20+ years. For me, I need/want 4x4; nothing else will cut it. I am an overlanding-type; I'm not looking for a KOA or Planet Fitness; getting AWAY from people is the goal! I still feel like nobody is getting the niche market right; as in....offering a true 6-cylinder 4x4 van w/ lockouts. I want the power and traction; I don't want twin turbos....pushing a puny 4cyc. to the max.
Would you guys recommend going new or used on the van? I'm looking into getting one. No plans on living in it full time, but road trips and camping trips for sure. No rush on building it out. I want to enjoy the build and use it at the same time while building it out. And add stuff as I go based on what. I need.
I just stumbled upon a used 22 MB Sanctuary 4x4 that I bought last week. You can save a fortune buying slightly used. The prior owners drove it home from the dealer and parked it for 2 years. And I mean, literally parked it. When I purchased it last week it only had 575 miles on it. They bought this rig for $140k. It still has all of the factory stickers. Smells new. They sold it to me for $95k. They were older people and I think they were simply overwhelmed by it. Especially the technology. And I could tell money was not a concern to them. Now, I know you won't likely find that kind of deal, but there are great deals out there. People buy these and simply don't use them. And the dealers won't give them over $90k, even if it only has a few miles on it. Good luck in your search. Make it fun.
I'm currently doing research myself, thankfully I have time to decide and see how the new models are... at first I was sure I was getting the 6cyl with 4wd, then the new 4cyl was announced and I was thinking of 4cyl with AWD, and was looking to see the comparisons of torque/power so it would be interesting how your towing goes. I think your videos convinced me at the very least that I may not need a high roof, though you can't get a crew seat (for kids if they want to come with us) with a low roof... I'm at least hoping that supply will be improved when I'm ready to build no matter when/what I purchase.
Hey DJ - thanks for your comment! The decision will get a bit easier in 2023 as Mercedes won't have the 6cyl (from my understanding) . Just the diesel or gas 4cyl and the AWD. Wasn't a big fan of the 6cyl but I'm guessing I was a bit misguided as most people like their 6cyl. Agreed, the next thing to test will be the towing. Soon we'll be towing our new Rubicon (4500lbs) - so, we'll know the answer soon. Have a nice evening and best wishes with your decision - hopefully supply catches up soon.
A number of owners have complained about the crosswind assist. The automatic braking for mythological creatures apparently can be disabled. I hate the outstanding stability control on my car, because it screws up when you want to make a hard tight u turn by cutting power when you need it most. Why MB are going from 4x4 to AWD, and what kind of AWD it will be (big differences) is still unknown.
Hello Lyfan Deth, interesting question on why MB is switching for sure. We just watched a RUclips video on the new all wheel drive and its capabilities! CRAZY we would never think. its ok to get one wheel off the ground without tipping and to keep "4wheeling". Check out the video. Thank you for watching!!
@@GayeNRobert Rivian has a unique drive, shared from the NASA moon buggy, because there is a motor in each wheel. So they just use the motors they need. Many AWD systems are simply braking the loose wheel(s) wasting your brakes away. MB can lose the center locking differential this way, but how they will implement what they consider AWD is anyone's guess. No one has made AWD of any kind that kills like real 4WD when you need it.
So torn on which van to go with. I ski and drive in snow quite often so I am leaning toward the 4x4 even with all the potential downsides. Great video.
Hi, I did some research. The Mercedes AWD system appears to be excellent and extremely capable. The 2023 Sprinter AWD is to be based on the same system that has been used for years, with great success and reviews, in their other vehicles. I ordered a 2023 AWD, as well.
Unless you are a true off fanatic, I'd go with the AWD. Better ride. Less weight. Will handle the snow just fine. Having said that, I went 4x4, but it was just a really good deal. See my story in the response to broinsocali (above).
Hello!! I just subscribed to your channel . I really appreasiate all the info about Sprinters Vans . I have a question ... you said that you are waiting for a 2023 AWD sprinter but I would like to know what engine did you choose and why . Thanks in advance !!!😊
I really want a Mercedes’ sprinter van but it needs to be flat towable behind my motorhome - I know that some earlier year 4x4 were flat towable but I have not seen where new model can be flat towable behind a motorhome- do you know if that is an option
Interesting... Hoping not. We've read otherwise but we will soon find out! Right now we are out on our boat enjoying boat life. Thank you for watching!!
You fox just saved me Headach , thank you 4 stoping me signing contract of buying fully loaded on diesel engine - I also like to chance cars every few years and I’m agree with you - gas is quick and softer ride in Trafic THANK YOU AGAIN - Art the Plumber
The maintenance on these overpriced ‘status symbol’ vehicles are atrocious. As a woman van lifer, my advice make sure you know a mechanic friend when it’s time for repairs.😂
I made the same observation, and opted for the the 2-wheel 907, as it's is much more drivable and fun than the out-going 4x4, and like you, I'm waiting for the 2023 awd 4 cylinder. When comparing the drivability of your old and new Sprinter on the highway you are, in effect, comparing two rear-wheel drive vehicles, as the front axle in the 4x4 must be disengaged when taking freeway trips (it's intended for brief use, not continuous use on asphalt). Therefore, if both are just propelled via the rear axle, why is the 907 rear-wheel drive more drivable than the 4x4 907? I've looked into this in detail, and spoke with multiple people at Mercedes Zurich and Stuttgart. I attribute some of it to the body lift (Mercedes experts agree), some of it to the way the out-going 6cylinder hasn't been optimized for the out-going 7speed automatic transmission (Mercedes experts agree), some of it to the 6cylinder having been de-tuned for emissions reasons (Mercedes experts agree); but most of it to the front drive shaft continuously spinning, even when not connected to the power train via the 4x4 transfer case (Mercedes experts agree). This affects steering and make the out-going 4x4 feel less like a spritely mountain goat, more like a sturdy mule. The new 907 awd will do away with the awkward mode of engaging the 4x4; it will do away with the similarly awkward engaging of the low range gear by substituting with an almost equally low-geared first gear as part of the 9-speed automatic; it will do MUCH better on snow and ice; and it will transfer greater than 35% power to the front wheel (more like 50%). In theory, the new 907 awd should also have been less expensive than the out-going 4x4. But that's probably no longer realistic given continuing demand and inflation.
Hi! Thanks for the information. Very interesting. Definitely a difference in the drive and you bring up some great points. Definitely looking forward to the 2023 AWD 4cyl. Thanks again - interesting
67 here; have been "researching" vans for only 20+ years. For me, I need/want 4x4; nothing else will cut it. I am an overlanding-type; I'm not looking for a KOA or Planet Fitness; getting AWAY from people is the goal! I still feel like nobody is getting the niche market right; as in....offering a true 6-cylinder 4x4 van w/ lockouts. I want the power and traction; I don't want twin turbos....pushing a puny 4cyc. to the max.
Yeah, maybe it's old school, but I want to decide when I need 4wd.
Would you guys recommend going new or used on the van? I'm looking into getting one. No plans on living in it full time, but road trips and camping trips for sure. No rush on building it out. I want to enjoy the build and use it at the same time while building it out. And add stuff as I go based on what. I need.
I just stumbled upon a used 22 MB Sanctuary 4x4 that I bought last week. You can save a fortune buying slightly used. The prior owners drove it home from the dealer and parked it for 2 years. And I mean, literally parked it. When I purchased it last week it only had 575 miles on it. They bought this rig for $140k. It still has all of the factory stickers. Smells new. They sold it to me for $95k. They were older people and I think they were simply overwhelmed by it. Especially the technology. And I could tell money was not a concern to them. Now, I know you won't likely find that kind of deal, but there are great deals out there. People buy these and simply don't use them. And the dealers won't give them over $90k, even if it only has a few miles on it. Good luck in your search. Make it fun.
buy a pedal box for your throttle response issue. It will fix the hesitation problem.
Stephen thank you for the recommendation, we do have a video on this as we installed one. It ended up being the EGR valve.
@@GayeNRobertcan you provide the link to that video? I’m unable to locate it. Thanks
@@GayeNRobert Ah, California emissions bs, to the rescue again!!
I'm currently doing research myself, thankfully I have time to decide and see how the new models are... at first I was sure I was getting the 6cyl with 4wd, then the new 4cyl was announced and I was thinking of 4cyl with AWD, and was looking to see the comparisons of torque/power so it would be interesting how your towing goes. I think your videos convinced me at the very least that I may not need a high roof, though you can't get a crew seat (for kids if they want to come with us) with a low roof... I'm at least hoping that supply will be improved when I'm ready to build no matter when/what I purchase.
Hey DJ - thanks for your comment! The decision will get a bit easier in 2023 as Mercedes won't have the 6cyl (from my understanding) . Just the diesel or gas 4cyl and the AWD. Wasn't a big fan of the 6cyl but I'm guessing I was a bit misguided as most people like their 6cyl. Agreed, the next thing to test will be the towing. Soon we'll be towing our new Rubicon (4500lbs) - so, we'll know the answer soon. Have a nice evening and best wishes with your decision - hopefully supply catches up soon.
A number of owners have complained about the crosswind assist. The automatic braking for mythological creatures apparently can be disabled.
I hate the outstanding stability control on my car, because it screws up when you want to make a hard tight u turn by cutting power when you need it most.
Why MB are going from 4x4 to AWD, and what kind of AWD it will be (big differences) is still unknown.
Hello Lyfan Deth, interesting question on why MB is switching for sure. We just watched a RUclips video on the new all wheel drive and its capabilities! CRAZY we would never think. its ok to get one wheel off the ground without tipping and to keep "4wheeling". Check out the video. Thank you for watching!!
@@GayeNRobert Rivian has a unique drive, shared from the NASA moon buggy, because there is a motor in each wheel. So they just use the motors they need. Many AWD systems are simply braking the loose wheel(s) wasting your brakes away. MB can lose the center locking differential this way, but how they will implement what they consider AWD is anyone's guess. No one has made AWD of any kind that kills like real 4WD when you need it.
So torn on which van to go with. I ski and drive in snow quite often so I am leaning toward the 4x4 even with all the potential downsides. Great video.
Hey Sean there are always cons with every vehicle right .. We still live sprinters and order a 2023 all wheel drive. Definately get yourself one!!!
Hi, I did some research. The Mercedes AWD system appears to be excellent and extremely capable. The 2023 Sprinter AWD is to be based on the same system that has been used for years, with great success and reviews, in their other vehicles. I ordered a 2023 AWD, as well.
@@racerj5004 thanks for info, I am also looking to order a 2023 AWD.
Unless you are a true off fanatic, I'd go with the AWD. Better ride. Less weight. Will handle the snow just fine. Having said that, I went 4x4, but it was just a really good deal. See my story in the response to broinsocali (above).
Hello!! I just subscribed to your channel . I really appreasiate all the info about Sprinters Vans . I have a question ... you said that you are waiting for a 2023 AWD sprinter but I would like to know what engine did you choose and why . Thanks in advance !!!😊
I really want a Mercedes’ sprinter van but it needs to be flat towable behind my motorhome - I know that some earlier year 4x4 were flat towable but I have not seen where new model can be flat towable behind a motorhome- do you know if that is an option
Sorry we have not seen this option, however we have not searched to see if the manufactured van showed for this. Thank you for watching!
What kind of fuel mileage did you get with the 2 wheel drive
we get 21 miles per gallon
I heard the 23's will only be 2" lift. AWD
Interesting... Hoping not. We've read otherwise but we will soon find out! Right now we are out on our boat enjoying boat life. Thank you for watching!!
Everything I have seen has said that the 2023 AWD will be the same height as the 2022 4x4.
You fox just saved me Headach , thank you 4 stoping me signing contract of buying fully loaded on diesel engine - I also like to chance cars every few years and I’m agree with you - gas is quick and softer ride in Trafic THANK YOU AGAIN - Art the Plumber
The maintenance on these overpriced ‘status symbol’ vehicles are atrocious.
As a woman van lifer, my advice make sure you know a mechanic friend when it’s time for repairs.😂
Does She get to talk?
Hi! Haha - yes, yes she does! Once I get going on a subject that I love, I don't stop. Have a great day!