Mercedes-Benz going for three-cylinder engines

The future direction of Mercedes-Benz cars is toward smaller engines and more hybrid choices as fuel prices skyrocket and customers opt for a more efficient and greener alternative. Carmakers see a common solution to the problem: smaller engines and up the use of forced induction.

This is also true for chief rival carmaker BMW. Mercedes-Benz has already come out with the DiesOtto powerplant, which in prototype form can already manage a fuel economy of 39mpg in the large S-Class saloon and will be released in the latest S400 and ML450 hybrid cars. In another report, it is suggested that Mercedes-Benz is planning a more radical move which consists of hybrid options for all its model lineup by 2012, with some models coming with three-cylinder powerplants, which is lighter and more fuel efficient than the four-pot units.
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upwards - 6/20/2009 1:05:34 AM

+4 Boost

fuel savings is good but what about performance in cars at this price point?

Agent63 - 6/20/2009 3:04:28 AM

+3 Boost

The price point doesn't always dictate it's power output. People buy a 4-banger turbo from Audi and is happy with it. Not everyone who pays premium price for a luxury car want all that grunt and power. It's preference. That is why all the brands have performance divisions. Sometimes the best place to be is in a light, fuel efficient, yet very luxurious car. It doesn't spoil the luxury experience at all obviously but it's enough to get you past a car if need be.

Performance buyers go buy an AMG you can't go wrong. Practical(If i can even use that), S-class buyers may not always want a big V8 pushing them along so it's diesel & hybrid siblings would be perfect.

3 cyl would be good for the A, B, and C Class. Since Merc's are known to be heavy this would definitely help a bit. I don't like the idea of A and B class but the C-class will keep its refinement inside without the bigger and more powerful motor.

truckman - 6/20/2009 4:42:02 AM

+2 Boost

I like this engine! It should be half the price to fix or maintain as a 6 cylinder.

pennfootball - 6/20/2009 10:37:45 AM

0 Boost

stingy germans

truckman - 6/21/2009 2:21:06 AM

+2 Boost

Gas is more expensive in Europe, more than double of North Americas gas prices, they are ahead of us.

veyron1001 - 6/23/2009 9:56:31 AM

+2 Boost

Probable has the 160billion + debt number tattooed on his back