Fresh details have surfaced concerning Mercedes-Benz’ long-rumored inline six-cylinder, an engine type the automaker last produced in the late 1990s.
According to a Motoring report, Mercedes is developing a new straight-six engine family that will consist of both naturally aspirated and turbocharged units ranging from 2.2- to 3.5-liter of displacement.
While Mercedes had switched to V6 motors in the past due in part to their packaging advantages, the shift back to straight-sixes is said to be motivated by a desire to maintain or increase refinement as the brand continues to downsize its engines in the interests of efficiency.
The new mills are believed to share components with Mercedes’ latest four-cylinders. Previous rumors have suggested they could also spawn a new range of three-cylinders.
Interestingly, no AMG derivatives of the six-cylinder are said to be under development, although that could certainly change in the future.
Should Motoring’s report prove accurate, expect to see inline-sixes in the next-generation E-Class and SL-Class models. The current C-Class could also adopt the engines at its mid-cycle refresh, industry whisperings have hinted.
For a quick look at the history of Mercedes’ straight sixes, head over to an earlier article about the motor layout’s potential resurgence at the three-pointed star brand.
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