Audi is currently the only German luxury car maker to offer a four-cylinder engine in the United States, but that could change in the coming years. With more stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations set to come on line in the coming years, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz are strongly considering bringing four-pots back to the U.S. market.
Four-cylinder engines are nothing new to BMW or Mercedes – both automakers market a number of gas and diesel four-cylinders overseas – but neither automaker currently offers a four-pot in the U.S. market. BMW’s last four-cylinder offering was in the 318 of the late ‘90s, with Mercedes last offering a four-cylinder in the last-generation C- and SLK-Class.
However, that could change as more stringent regulations are set to take effect. BMW’s U.S. head, Jim O’Donnell, revealed to Automotive News that a turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder could be in the cards for some of BMW’s U.S. offerings. The new powerplant could see duty in BMW’s 1- and 3-Series models, as well as the next-generation X3 crossover and the upcoming X1 CUV. No specifications were given on the new gas mill, but O’Donnell says the new engine would be as powerful as BMW’s current six-cylinder engines, but would use less fuel.
Mercedes is also considering a four-cylinder for the U.S. market, but is opting to go the diesel route. Mercedes could slide its 204 horsepower 2.2L diesel under the hood of its U.S.-spec C-, E- and GLK-Class vehicles, netting mileage as high as 40 mpg highway. Mercedes showcased its four-cylinder diesel technology at the 2009 New York Auto Show in the form of the E250 Bluetec Concept.
Although plans are in place in both camps, neither automaker is planning to make move on four-cylinders until the U.S. government makes a final ruling on fuel economy and emissions regulations. But with fuel economy still at the top of many shoppers’ lists, we suspect four-cylinders will be in BMW and Mercedes showrooms in the coming years.
04/27, 11:20 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
These manufacturers used to offer 4-bangers in their bottom-level models. They only went away from them because the cars are too heavy. If you want better performance and economy out of a vehicle… shed some weight and/or size. It may not be the cheapest option… but something has to buck the trend of “bigger is better” here or we are all going to be driving 2-door limos before this is over.
04/27, 11:53 AM
posted by:
Borat
Over 200 ponies out of 2.2L engine is nothing short of excellent. Actually a lot of diesels in Europe are surpassing gasoline engines in HP numbers and way above and beyond gasoline counterparts in torque. Torque is moving the vehicle and important to overcome weight. And diesels are known for torque. Actually torque in 2.2L I4 diesel is probably the same as in 3.5L V6 of gasoline model. So the car/CUV will not attain top speed of gasoline model in US where top speed limit is 75 mph (89 semi safe mode of operation). Even smaller diesel will get 90 mph. And another side effect: although slower from the start diesel accelerates much faster on a highway (50 to 70 mph).
04/27, 12:29 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
All auto manufacturers need to quit dickin’ around and move forward on this already. Its an obvious no-brainer. Volkswagen/Audi already offers a fantastic 2.0T four cylinder with direct injection and a turbo. Plus, so far as I know, 4 cylinders are the only engine platform paired to Bosch/Valeo stop-start systems. No wonder Volkswagen is on the verge of overtaking Toyota, they have their fundamentals in order.
04/27, 2:10 PM
posted by:
shaver
I hope its as wonderful as the Japanese 4 bangers. LOL I got one for my 4th b’day and its still as good as new 30 years later. I actually put it in my friends cars to get us home when their American cars break down all the time. LOL
04/27, 4:08 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
Raineman,
I agree with you. If not a 4cyl gas, how about a diesel? All my family member in europe drive 4 & 6 cylinder deisels and they are awesome! The 2.0t from vw is a great engine imo. it has all the power to pass on the freeway(thanks to the turbo) and the power to haul all of your friends a$$es:-) I’m sure mercedes could come up with something…it better have a turbo!
04/27, 4:28 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
No diesels… period. The price is too high and you’ll never drive enough miles to offset the cost of the engine and fuel. Plus this new “urea injection” is exactly what it sounds like… a load of piss.
Stick with gasoline engines. If GM can get 300hp out of a turbocharged 2.0 that gets 30MPG on the highway companies like MB & BMW need to take a lesson.
Hell, the supercharged 2.0 in my 06 Cobalt SS is putting 240 to the wheels and I get 35MPG at 70MPH.
04/27, 4:41 PM
posted by:
Borat
Price of diesel in my neck of the woods are few pennies higher then premium, required by all luxury vehicles. The price of engine is 1-2K above the same model with similar sized gasoline. Considering diesle’s torque is of a higher number of cylinders motor – it’s a toss.
04/27, 10:12 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Well.. the saying supposedly goes “Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races.” but I haven’t seen a Jetta TDI or a BMW 335d win anything yet. Even with 450+lb/ft of torque the 335d barely hits 60 in under 6 seconds… and you can’t get it with a manual.