Mercedes-Benz is reportedly in superior discussions to supply BMW’s four-cylinder petrol engines for a variety of its future fashions. The transfer, first reported by Germany’s Supervisor Magazin, may see one in every of BMW’s most vital powerplants, the B48, taking part in a central position in each manufacturers’ inside combustion futures – and by extension, BMW’s.
In response to Supervisor Magazin, the 2 German rivals are at a excessive stage of planning and negotiations, with an announcement anticipated earlier than the tip of the 12 months. If finalized, the deal would characterize a serious shift for Mercedes, which has lately slowed its EV roll-out in response to weaker-than-expected demand and is rethinking its ICE technique.
Why Mercedes Desires BMW’s B48
For Mercedes, the attraction is obvious. The B48 engine household already meets Euro 7 requirements and has been engineered for each longitudinal and transverse layouts. That flexibility means it may be dropped into every part from compact vehicles just like the CLA and GLA to mid-size staples just like the C-Class, E-Class, and GLC – to not point out the upcoming “Little G.”
Against this, Mercedes’ new in-house M252 four-cylinder, developed in Germany and inbuilt China by Horse (a Geely-Renault three way partnership), is restricted in scope. Provided within the newest CLA with outputs starting from 136 to 190 hp, it really works properly in mild-hybrid type however isn’t engineered for plug-in hybrid or range-extender functions. The B48, nonetheless, is already confirmed in such roles, giving Mercedes a ready-made resolution with out huge new R&D funding.
What This Means for BMW and MINI
For BMW, supplying engines to Mercedes would mark a historic first: two German luxurious carmakers sharing combustion engines. It’s being framed as a “strategic step to chop growth prices,” nevertheless it additionally alerts that BMW has no intention of strolling away from refining the B48 any time quickly.
The B48 powers each combustion MINI mannequin as we speak, from Cooper S to X2, and if BMW is about to decide to a deeper, long-term growth cycle for the engine, it suggests each manufacturers will proceed to learn from upgrades in effectivity, emissions compliance, and probably efficiency.
A Shared Future and Shared Prices
The partnership may go even additional. Stories recommend the 2 corporations might have a look at shared manufacturing hubs, together with the opportunity of a U.S.-based engine plant to keep away from mounting import tariffs. There’s even hypothesis that gearboxes might be a part of the settlement in the long term.
If this deal is signed, it received’t simply reshape Mercedes’ ICE lineup. It may additionally lock within the B48 as BMW’s (and MINI’s) mainstay four-cylinder for years to come back – a reassuring signal for these of us who nonetheless consider in the way forward for a turbocharged MINI Cooper S or X1 with petrol energy.
