Mercedes-Benz Trucks unveils "Powerliner" diesel driveline, claims 4% fuel cut
Why it matters: While rivals leaned hard into battery and hydrogen news at IAA, Daimler Truck used the show to double down on combustion, betting a new integrated engine-transmission-axle package can keep diesel competitive into the early 2030s.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks used IAA Transportation 2026 to launch the "Powerliner", a new driveline generation built around updated OM470 (10.7 litre) and OM471 (12.8 litre) diesel engines paired with new G-series transmissions and axles. The firm claims up to 4% lower fuel use versus a comparably equipped predecessor on an Actros L 4x2 benchmark, achieved through coordinated "downspeeding" that lowers cruising engine revs. The OM471 gets a new peak output of 400 kW (550 hp) and 2,800 Nm of torque. Both engines meet Euro VIe and are certified for EN15940 XtL paraffinic fuel. Production starts April 2027, with Daimler Buses also getting the driveline.
Source: Daimler Truck AG newsroom · Press release 13 Sept 2026; IAA Transportation ran 15-20 Sept 2026, Hannover.