Mercedes to introduce smaller displacement petrol engines

Mercedes-Benz is developing new downsized petrol engines for its entry level range of cars. The company is said to be working on 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre blocks that will first be seen under the hood of the new-gen 2018 A-Class, which is expected to be launched next year.

The said engines are being developed in partnership with the Renault-Nissan alliance. Internally codenamed as M282, these engines are also expected to power other front wheel drive cars like the B-Class, CLA and GLA. The new engines might further be used in the A-Class sedan, which was previewed as the Concept A sedan at this year's Shanghai Motor Show. Mercedes is also expected to plonk the new set of small capacity engines in the rumoured GLB SUV.

The new 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines have been designed especially for being mounted transversely. They are not expected to find their way into bigger Mercedes cars. Moreover, they aren't likely to feature any hybridization in the near future.

Mercedes' downsizing strategy is identical to what various automakers have been following from the last few years. The major reason for downsizing engines is to limit emissions and enhance fuel economy of the car.

Source: Car and Bike