Mercedes-Benz is returning to its roots with a new in-line six-cylinder engine. The new modular engine architecture will also spawn three- and four-cylinder engines for the German automaker.
Mercedes has a long history of straight-six engines, but the automaker phased out the engine layout during the 1990s. However, Mercedes will return to form with the launch of the next-generation E-Class, due out in 2016.
Few details are known about the engine that will debut in the new E-Class, but look for the six-cylinder to displace around 3.0L. We’d also expect Mercedes to strap at least one turbo to the straight-six.
The 2017 C-Class will be the second vehicle to utilize the new engine design. According to Autocar, Mercedes will roll out the new in-line engine as part of the C-Class’ mid-cycle refresh.
In addition to the in-line six, Mercedes is also planning three- and four-cylinder versions of the engine family. Those engines will presumably wind up under the hood of Mercedes’ smaller offerings, such as the CLA sedan and GLA crossover. However, no timeframes have been attached to those smaller engines.
Photo by Drew Johnson.
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