Mercedes-Benz studying 3-cylinder engines

According to senior sources at the company, Mercedes-Benz is stuck between the choice of three of four-cylinder units for its next-generation of downsized engines. While BMW has already confirmed that it will offer a 3-cylinder engine for the next-generation 3-series, Mercedes-Benz executives are a bit hesitant to follow due to the extra cost and complexity involved.

Sources told AutoCar that using a 3-cylinder engine “was relatively expensive to optimise”. The process will involve Mercedes-Benz addressing other measures including the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness.

The new engines will be used in both the next-generation A-Class, B-class and the C-class range.

Other sources say that it would be cheaper for Mercedes-Benz to look for a partner who could supply a more conventional 4-cylinder unit, which the company could add its own direct injection and turbocharging technology to.

– By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar