Mercedes-Benz Powerliner
Full power.
Full efficiency.
More performance, less fuel consumption: The new Powerliner engine generation, together with the improved drivetrain, offers greater efficiency with higher power.
The Powerliner drivetrain is back.
Legendary performance.
The new Powerliner generation builds on the pioneering Powerliner of the late 1980s and translates its powerful engines and advanced transmission technology into a modern, highly efficient powertrain. Engine, transmission and axles are precisely matched and combine efficiency, performance and driving dynamics in a particularly harmonious way.
The engines
Optimised performance.
At the heart of the new drivetrain: optimized engines that deliver noticeable improvements in driving performance. More efficiency, an improved torque characteristic and power exactly when it is needed.
The modern engine architecture is designed for optimized combustion and reduced friction losses. Contributing to this are, among other things, a new injection system, in‑house developed and tailor‑made turbochargers and an optimized oil circuit. In everyday driving this means: power available early with greater efficiency in daily operation. This reduces fuel consumption by up to 4%1.
Together with the optimized exhaust aftertreatment and new control and operating strategies, the drivetrain is designed to comply with the strictest emissions standards such as Euro 6e over its entire service life. It is also certified for operation with CO₂‑neutral EN 15940 XtL fuel.
The engine for strong performance and high efficiency in long-haul or heavy construction transport. Four new power ratings expand the line-up for demanding applications – with more power available earlier. An optimized power and torque curve ensures confident propulsion — even at low engine speeds. The consistent design of the engine characteristic for Downspeeding is a key factor in reducing fuel consumption and lowering noise levels. The powerful engine brake also assists with deceleration, can relieve the service brake and reduce maintenance costs.
The transmissions
Good translation. A good trip.
The transmission portfolio covers a wide range of applications – from light-duty use to demanding transport tasks. The individual transmissions impress with well-thought-out technical innovations.
Optimised oil quantities, an enhanced oil pump and reduced frictional losses contribute to efficient operation. The robust design and higher torque capacity make the new transmissions a key component for efficiency, driving comfort and everyday practicality.
The variants G 211 and G 230 are designed as efficient lightweights for the OM 470 and moderate applications. For medium and heavy-duty applications, G 291 and G 340 are available. The G 280 complements the portfolio for particularly heavy and specialized applications – especially with a turbo retarder clutch or large engine-side auxiliary drives.
The axles
This is how the full potential of Powerliner gets on the road.
Longer rear axle ratios, in combination with the Downspeeding strategy, support lower engine speeds at cruising speed. This can reduce fuel consumption and noise levels and provides greater comfort on long distances. For typical long-haul use, the long rear axle ratio i = 2.278 is therefore recommended in combination with OM 471 and G 291.
The proven, wide-ranging axle portfolio enables the right configuration for almost every application profile – efficient, durable and smooth-running. Simple maintenance and long oil-change intervals also support high cost-effectiveness in daily operation.
Good gearing. Good drive.
The transmission portfolio of the new Powerliner generation offers the right gear ratio for almost every application.
G 211-12 | G 230-12
- 12-speed non-synchronised transmission with wide gear ratio spread
- Best fit for OM 470 and moderate applications
- Direct-drive configuration
G 211-12; 14.93–1.0; R1: 14.93 - Overdrive configuration
G 230-12; 11.67–0.78; R1: 11.67
G 291-12 | G 340-12
- 12-speed non-synchronised transmission with extra wide gear ratio spread
- Best fit for moderate and heavy applications
- Direct-drive configuration
G 291-12; 16.46–1.0; R1: 18.25 - Overdrive configuration
G 340-12; 12.79–0.78; R1: 14.18
G 280-16 | G 280-16 TRC
- 16-speed non-synchronised transmission with extra wide gear ratio spread
- For special applications with turbo retarder clutch (TRC)
- Designed for particularly heavy applications and high output requirements thanks to enginedriven power take-offs
- Overdrive configuration
G 280-16; 11.72–0.69; R1: 10.66
Discover the Powerliner
Experience efficiency, performance and driving dynamics up close.
Experience the benefits of the new drivetrain firsthand: Find a Mercedes-Benz Trucks dealer near you and schedule a test drive.
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1 Figure based on a comparison of an Actros L 4x2 LS as type 1850, equipped with the new Powerliner engine generation, to a similarly equipped predecessor vehicle as type 1851 with a 3rd generation OM 471 engine.