With electric vehicle (EV) demand slowing and its internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup under review, Mercedes-Benz is now reportedly in talks with its biggest rival, BMW, to source four-cylinder petrol engines for its future cars. It’s a bit like being forced to admit you were wrong after a schoolyard fight — only this time, the white flag isn’t words but BMW engines powering Mercedes-Benz cars.
According to a report by Autocar, the move is part of Stuttgart’s efforts in rethinking its ICE strategy. Mercedes-Benz intends to keep its ICE lineup alive, following less-than-stellar response to its EV models – but to do so, it needs to “cut development costs”, while also having an engine that meets strict Euro 7 emissions standards while integrating seamlessly with hybrid powertrains without further investments in engine development.
A potential solution – even though it might seem odd to fans from both sides of the rivalry – is to utilise the much-appraised BMW B48 four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Produced in Austria, it is seen in almost every BMW model, ranging from the 1-series to the 7-series, and heck, even in the A90 Toyota Supra.
The engine can be mounted in both longitudinal (for FWD-based models) and transverse (for RWD-based models) layouts. This will give Mercedes-Benz much-needed flexibility and dramatically reduce development costs on future models.
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Mercedes-Benz, you might point out, still has the new M252 engine that is currently offered in the all-new CLA. However, insiders admitted to the publication that, while suited for mild-hybrid powertrains, it is not particularly developed for PHEV or range-extender use. The BMW B48, on the other hand, fulfils all of the above and more.
The report also noted that Mercedes-Benz M252 engines are currently built in China by Horse, a joint venture between Geely and Renault. Meanwhile, the BMW B48 engine is produced in Austria — though the partnership could see a new facility established in the US to counter rising import tariffs.
Initially reported by German Publication Manager Magazin, Mercedes-Benz could utilise the BMW engine for a wide range of models, including the CLA, GLA, GLB, C-Class, E-Class, GLC, and the much-anticipated “Little G”. Insiders have confirmed to Autocar that the two firms are in deep talks, with an announcement expected before the end of the year.
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