Mercedes Dropping V-6s for I-6 Engines

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit plans to phase out its V-6 engines and replace them with inline-6 powerplants.

The move is precipitated by the overall industry shift to smaller and more fuel-efficient engines, Ola Kallenius, Mercedes’ research and development chief, told reporters at the Detroit auto show. He notes that I-6 and inline-4 engines can more easily share parts and be built on the same production line—providing the same flexibility and cost benefits that V-6s have with V-8 engines, which are on the decline.

Mercedes currently is launching its new generation of I-6 engines with a 3.0-liter mill that powers the S-Class sedan and CLS450 model. The engine is teamed with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which replaces the standard starter and generator with an integrated system positioned between the engine and transmission.

The combination provides V-8-like performance with the efficiency of a 6-cylinder engine, according to Mercedes. The technology also minimizes the overall length of the package, which can be a problem for I-6 engines.