Mercedes-Benz Trucks Introduces New Powerliner Driveline Generation With Up to Four Percent Lower Fuel Consumption and Enhanced OM 470 and OM 471 Engines

New Powerliner, Motive Ghost Truck

(IN BRIEF) Mercedes-Benz Trucks is introducing a new conventional driveline generation called Powerliner, combining enhanced OM 470 and OM 471 engines with coordinated transmissions, axles, exhaust aftertreatment and control strategies to deliver fuel savings of up to four percent compared with a similarly specified predecessor vehicle. The system is designed around a downspeeding strategy that lowers engine speeds at cruising velocity, helping reduce fuel consumption and noise while improving long-distance comfort. The OM 470 will be offered with outputs from 360 hp to 455 hp for distribution and payload-sensitive applications, while the OM 471 ranges from 421 hp to a new 550 hp top version for long-haul and heavy-duty transport. Maximum torque reaches 2,800 Nm on the most powerful OM 471. Powerliner has been designed for Euro VIe compliance, prepared conceptually for Euro 7 and certified for EN 15940 XtL fuel. The new generation will enter Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles from April 2027, with production of the engines at Mannheim, and will also be introduced in Daimler Buses products as part of a wider shared technology strategy across Daimler Truck.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEINFELDEN-ECHTERDINGEN / HANOVER, 14-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Mercedes-Benz Trucks is presenting a new generation of conventional driveline technology under the Powerliner name, combining enhanced OM 470 and OM 471 engines with coordinated transmissions, axles, exhaust aftertreatment and control strategies to improve efficiency, performance and drivability.

The new driveline generation is designed as an integrated system rather than as a series of individual components. Mercedes-Benz Trucks says the optimized interaction between engine, transmission, axle and supporting systems can reduce fuel consumption by up to four percent compared with a similarly specified predecessor vehicle, while also delivering higher power and torque, improved driving characteristics and greater long-distance comfort.

Powerliner will be introduced in Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles from April 2027, while the new engine generation will also be deployed in Daimler Buses products, creating a shared technology platform across multiple commercial vehicle segments within Daimler Truck.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks says the development reflects the continuing importance of highly efficient internal-combustion drivetrains in applications where range, durability, payload, flexibility and operational economics remain critical. At the same time, Powerliner has been engineered with current and future regulatory requirements for emissions, fuel efficiency and noise in mind.

Stina Fagerman, President Mercedes-Benz Trucks Customer Region Europe, said the new driveline brings together efficiency, reliability and improved driving performance in a coordinated system. She added that the development takes into account both present and foreseeable emissions and noise requirements and provides a foundation for the long-term competitiveness of conventionally powered Mercedes-Benz trucks.

The primary development objective was to improve overall system efficiency. Mercedes-Benz Trucks has coordinated the engine, transmission and axles more closely while also refining the exhaust aftertreatment system and vehicle operating and control strategies.

Together, these measures can deliver fuel savings of up to four percent in the company’s underlying vehicle comparison, helping operators reduce fuel expenditure and total operating costs.

The optimized exhaust aftertreatment system and control strategies are designed to comply with Euro VIe requirements throughout the vehicle’s service life. Powerliner is also certified for operation with EN 15940 XtL fuel, while the new driveline architecture has been conceptually prepared for the forthcoming Euro 7 emissions standard.

Future statutory noise requirements were also considered during the development process, with the driveline aligned with new noise regulations from the start of production.

Enhanced OM 470 and OM 471 engines broaden application range

At the centre of Powerliner are further-developed versions of the OM 470 and OM 471 engines.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has introduced improvements including a new injection system, application-specific turbochargers developed in-house, an optimized oil circuit and refinements designed to reduce internal friction and improve combustion efficiency.

The revised engine architecture is intended to make greater torque available at low engine speeds while improving fuel efficiency in everyday operations.

The OM 470 is aimed primarily at heavy-duty distribution transport and applications where vehicle weight and payload are particularly important. It will be offered in three power ratings: 265 kW/360 hp, 300 kW/408 hp and 335 kW/455 hp.

Depending on the version, maximum torque is 1,800 Nm, 2,000 Nm or 2,200 Nm. Peak power is delivered at 1,500 rpm, while maximum torque is reached at 1,100 rpm and is already available from engine speeds significantly below 1,000 rpm.

The OM 471 is designed for long-haul transportation and more demanding heavy-duty applications. It will be offered in four output levels of 310 kW/421 hp, 330 kW/449 hp, 365 kW/500 hp and a new top rating of 400 kW/550 hp.

Maximum torque ranges from 2,200 Nm to 2,800 Nm, depending on the power rating, with full torque available at low engine speeds and reaching its maximum at 1,100 rpm.

A central element of the Powerliner concept is downspeeding, with the engine characteristics, transmission and axle ratios designed to allow the truck to operate efficiently at lower engine speeds.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks says this approach can reduce both fuel consumption and noise while improving long-distance comfort. Lower engine speeds at cruising velocity can make the cab quieter and reduce driver fatigue during extended journeys.

Longer rear-axle ratios support this strategy. For typical long-haul applications, Mercedes-Benz Trucks recommends a 2.278 rear-axle ratio in combination with the OM 471 and G 291 transmission.

The OM 471 also incorporates a powerful engine brake that can support vehicle deceleration, reduce use of the service brakes and potentially lower maintenance costs.

Transmission and axle technologies support efficiency and drivability

The transmission portfolio has been developed as an integral part of the Powerliner system and covers applications ranging from lighter transport operations to demanding heavy-duty and specialized assignments.

The G 211 and G 230 transmissions are positioned as lightweight solutions for the OM 470 and moderate operating requirements.

For medium- and heavy-duty applications, the G 291 and G 340 platforms provide a broader gear spread, supporting lower engine speeds, longer axle ratios and the overall downspeeding strategy.

The wider gear range also enables finer ratio steps at lower road speeds, supporting improved manoeuvring and more precise vehicle control.

The G 280 transmission complements the portfolio for particularly heavy and specialized applications, including configurations using a Turbo Retarder Clutch or large engine-driven power take-offs.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks says faster gear changes, improved manoeuvrability and revised power and torque characteristics contribute to a more controlled and confident driving experience.

The interaction between the engine, transmission, axle and braking systems is designed to combine fuel efficiency with stronger performance and improved driver comfort in daily use.

Powerliner also serves as part of a broader Daimler Truck technology strategy. The enhanced OM 470 and OM 471 engines form part of the company’s global heavy-duty engine platform, which also underpins the Detroit Gen 6 engine family for North America.

Production of the new OM 470 and OM 471 engines will take place at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Mannheim.

From April 2027, Powerliner will become available across Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs models, while Daimler Buses will also introduce the new engine generation into selected vehicle ranges.

By developing Powerliner as an integrated driveline architecture, Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to improve fuel economy and operating costs while maintaining the performance, range and flexibility required in transport operations where conventional powertrains remain important.

Media Contacts:

Carola Pfeifle
Shared Product Topics, Services & Daimler Buses
carola.pfeifle​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 8612423

SOURCE: Daimler Truck AG