Mercedes-Benz Takes A Cue From BMW And Starts Development On Inline 6 Cylinder

Mercedes has just signed off a new engine family which will see most full-sized Mercs in future run four-cylinders, downsized V8s and… straight sixes.

A friendly Mercedes engineer recently met CAR to disclose the engine plans for future models, including the surprise disclosure that Merc plans to switch to straight sixes, like its rivals over in Munich. 

It's fair to say I almost choked on my breakfast croissant when I found out the details of the next MB engine generation which has just been signed off for release in 2015.

 

Willis - 10/26/2011 5:23:14 PM

+3 Boost

Why does the title of this article imply that Mercedes is "copying" BMWs inline-6 engines?

Mercedes has been using inline-6 engines from the beginnings until about the mid 1990s when they switched to V6 motors. The sad thing is that many "car enthusiasts" (more like dumb stupid morons) don't know this and actually believe such silly titles like the one here. How sad...

SteedPub - 10/26/2011 7:54:47 PM

+1 Boost

It's about damn time. With the rise of the Japanese luxury marques, the inline six was one of the few things that made Merc stand out. Them going to a physically rougher by design V6 was a step back. And they obviously know it now. If they would have listed back then.

Yonder7 - 10/27/2011 10:29:53 AM

+1 Boost

Willis: we know that fact cause we are enthusiast, but most of others are badgewores. I can say that MB will copy the X6 or BMW is copying the CLS, but engines is other matter.

85bmw745i - 10/27/2011 1:17:00 PM

+2 Boost

Good! I am glad they are going back to an inline 6. Turbocharging will be much easier to package as well. Their V6 engines are not as smooth as their inline 6 engines were. I am excited.

MBCLK500 - 10/28/2011 10:26:29 AM

+1 Boost

MB will undoubtedly keep making great engines and cars, but as long as they insist on $350 (US) dealer oil changes (MB calls it service A & B), I will not look at buying a new one... My "ex" dealer did say that they would do "just an oil change for $100, but they would not reset the service A & B computer/reminder.... Silly!