Winnebago Tests the New Mercedes I-4 Turbodiesel

[markopolo]

I saw this video on RV Business: http://www.rvbusiness.com/2015/01/video ... r-chassis/

Video
[youtube:nfnpd6r3]CZbsrarewaI[/youtube:nfnpd6r3]

Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZbsrarewaI

The test was on a Class C but I thought it would be interesting for this forum also.

[markopolo]

Might as well link Advance RV's preliminary 4-Cylinder/7-Speed and 6-Cylinder/5-Speed test from just over a year ago:

Video:
[youtube:1jqv4i5k]ZO04oZjpklI[/youtube:1jqv4i5k]

Link: http://youtu.be/ZO04oZjpklI

[bobojay]

Watched this the other day from WGO's website. Interesting fuel mileage comparison, but not much else....

[Davydd]

I test drove the Advanced RV 4 cylinder last May on a route that simulated everything but grades. Then I drove the same route with my 6 cylinder. The major difference was acceleration on the freeway ramp onto the freeway. The 6 was more responsive and got up to speed faster. I'm familiar with I-70 in Colorado. It has extremely long inclined stretches that defeats a lot of vehicles on the road. Most slow down below the speed limit. The video showed the 6 catching up and passing but didn't say much else. James at theFitRV.com drove that same Advanced RV route and said the 4 cylinder was more responsive than his 5 cylinder Forest River MB Cruiser Sprinter.

[wincrasher]

It is surprising that Mercedes hasn't upgraded the V-6 with a 7 or 8 speed transmission yet. This probably is the product they have with the lowest number of gears. Even their "economy" A class cars have at least 7 speed transmission.

I'd probably opt for the smaller engine and get the 7 speed. The mileage is slightly better, and the power band is better with the closer gears. In flat land, I doubt you'd notice much difference with the smaller engine, and get better mileage difference than that shown in the mountain test.

Another plus - DEF consumption algorithm is based on fuel economy. Better MPG, lower DEF consumption and less frequent refills. FWIW.

[avanti]

Our GWV Legend is built on a 2014 I4 chassis. Weighs in at 9460 lb. The drivetrain is a dream. We've taken it to the mountains of West Virginia and those of New Mexico. I have NEVER desired extra power. Recommended.

[sheral]

Good video, thanks for posting it.

[Applegater]

We pick up our ARV 4 cyl in mid- January. Since we drove the MB 5cyl for 80000 miles, and the MB V6(2012) for 20,000 miles, I am interested in seeing how they compare.

[ClassB4Me]

Winnebago is no longer offering the 4 cylinder for the ERA any longer. They said the take rate was very low.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by ClassB4Me

Winnebago is no longer offering the 4 cylinder for the ERA any longer. They said the take rate was very low.

That is a real shame. I can understand it though. I actually ordered a V6 and ended up with an I4 due to an error. The mindset is "I'm committing to this huge price tag--why scrimp on the engine?" Hard to grasp that the I4 is actually the superior choice.

[bobojay]

Part of the "goodness" of the 4cyl is that 7spd modern transmission vs the old tech 5spd in the V6 and it terrible engine/transmission programming combo.
I can imagine the 4cyl/7spd drives a lot like the 5cyl/6spd in the Ford Transit diesel combo. It's a revelation in smoothness and works together very well....