Mercedes-Benz is shifting to new straight-six engines

During the recent 2018 Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-AMG revealed to us the new CLS53 and E53. Both of these were equipped with the same 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline six engine, with a light electrification system that the automaker refers to as the EQ Boost. This motor, according to Road & Track, will likely find its way into other future models.

The V6 engines will soon be phased out. This is being implemented so that the automaker can prioritize Mercedes-Benz’s straight six engines, referring primarily to the M256 motor.
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cidflekken - 1/26/2018 3:32:28 PM

+3 Boost

yes!

TheSteve - 1/26/2018 3:48:18 PM

+2 Boost

BMW has been doing that for ages. It's not new to the auto industry. It's just new to Mercedes.

LexSucks - 1/29/2018 6:29:11 PM

+1 Boost

Mercedes Benz only recently (last 20 years or so) started using V6 engines. Before that they used Inline 6 engines. It isn't anything new to them.

carsnyc - 1/26/2018 4:21:38 PM

+2 Boost

About time!

TomM - 1/26/2018 6:11:39 PM

+1 Boost

This makes a lot of sense - since the V-8 is pretty much being replaced by smaller engines with multiple Turbos. ANd the 4 cylinder is now the go to engine - so with inline 4 cylinder - the inline 6 can easily be created - and even assembled on the same lines. AS I have gushed over the V12 engine in the past - so a straight 6 has refinement that no v-6 ever really approaches as well. THey were the star at BMW for years.

MrEE - 1/26/2018 8:46:03 PM

+1 Boost

Maybe they should just source the Nissan V6.

PUGPROUD - 1/27/2018 4:19:02 AM

0 Boost

A straight six sings, a V6 lip sinks!

MDarringer - 1/27/2018 10:47:42 AM

-1 Boost

A straight 6 sounds more "enginey" because it produces harmonic rumble. A 60 degree V6 because of its inherent balance tends to be so smooth that they almost do nothing "enginey". TVR's Speed Six is a most delightful straight six. That said, I'd rather have a V8 over any 6.

MrEE - 1/27/2018 7:42:05 PM

+3 Boost

Actually the inline 6 is the best balanced piston configuration, less expensive to build (overhead cam), and easier to plumb turbos.

MDarringer - 1/28/2018 8:04:09 AM

0 Boost

All true, but they also tend to sound much better than a V6. The rise of the V6 stems largely for convenience in transverse applications and now that turbo 4s and electrification are supplanting the V6 in mainstream cars, premium RWD cars can go back to the better sound of a straight six.

LexSucks - 1/29/2018 6:27:29 PM

+2 Boost

"Switching back" to inline 6 engines.

LexSucks - 1/29/2018 6:30:06 PM

+2 Boost

Guess I'm old. I remember when all Mercedes Benz 6-cylinder engines were inline 6s

mini22 - 1/29/2018 9:03:07 PM

+1 Boost

Yes MB appears to be coming full circle. The in line BMW 6 from the 80's was one of the nicest sounding engines on the market. Jaguar is also developing an in line six. I drove a 71 Mercedes 280 SEL with a 2.8 in line six. Great driving car.