Mercedes-Benz will use a range of four-cylinder engines in its next-generation B-class — designed by PSA Peugeot-Citroen — that were originally intended for use in BMW’s Mini, a new report finds. The direct-injection engines will power several different variants of the B-class — including three and five door hatches, an SUV and a coupe and convertible — which will replace the smaller A-class.
According to AutoBild, the new cars should hit the market sometime in 2011.
The German publication also mentioned the possibility — although highly unlikely — that Mercedes and Fiat could share future vehicle platforms. “The fact that it might have found an agreement with other suppliers does not mean that it is not interested in Fiat,” Fiat Chief Sergio Marchionne explained. “Mercedes needs a lot of engines, some of them from others and some of them from Fiat.”
Earlier this year, Mercedes COO Rainer Schmückle said that the automaker would shift production of the next generation B-class to developing regions to cut costs.
10/19, 12:02 PM
posted by:
F451
An affirmation that $100 plus/barrel of gas is just around the corner.
10/19, 12:16 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Yup. And if Mercedes-Benz wants to “share future vehicle platforms” with Fiat, they’re as good as dead.
10/19, 12:19 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
MBZ should just make its own small engines
10/19, 1:30 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
How long is it going to take people to figure out that Mercedes-Benz is not Mercedes-Benz anymore. They are overpriced cars sold on past glory. If you want a good German car, get a BMW. End of story.
10/19, 1:35 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
I just love how MB gets ****tier and ****tier every year.
10/19, 1:43 PM
posted by:
autonut
Neither Benz or BMW can make modern small engine. For Mini BMW sourced from Peugeot-Citroen Otto engine and diesel from Toyota. I guess DiesOtto is still far from production ready and would be prohibitive for smaller displacement and smaller car. BMW use to have great 1.6 – 1.8 L engine I wonder if they still have it since for Mini they choose to outsource.
10/19, 1:46 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
Damn, now when the Germans want a well built well engineered engine, they go to the French?
10/19, 2:09 PM
posted by:
autonut
And to Japs, don;t forget Toyota diesel.
10/19, 6:50 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
madcapp: I prefer BMWs, but I’ve long concluded that a Benz is still a Benz. It’ll be tough to defend that position if this ever happens.
10/19, 7:08 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Guys, cut the crap. I’ve driven BMWs, and I’ve driven Benzes. BIG difference – BMWs have become more spartan cabinwise, which ordinarily is a good thing, except when compared to a Benz that coddles the occupants. And the torque and performance on those big Benzes…
10/20, 3:52 PM
posted by:
mazdaman
It’s great to see that the B-Class will be expanded to include a lot of different variants. In a gas price conscious world, it is wise to have more choices in this segment.
I am a little worried about shifting the production of these products to developing regions. I know this is necessary from a pricing/profit standpoint, but how will it affect the quality of the products? Benz will need to watch quality control very closely to ensure these products don’t tarnish their image.
10/20, 4:57 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Deanster, its time to look past the 3 pointed star and associated brand image, and recognize the reality that Mercedes-Benz has not fully recovered from its cost cutting ways introduced in the 90s. Don’t try to hide behind some soft subjective statement like “except when compared to a Benz that coddles the occupants. And the torque and performance on those big Benzes…”. Mercedes-Benz is an exceedingly poor value as an automotive purchase at this point in time.