Straight-Six Engines May Return on Next-Gen Mercedes E-Class

Posted on 11.11.2013 14:00 by Tushar

In-line sixes have been a forte of BMW for some time now, but a look back in history reveals an unbroken relationship between Mercedes-Benz and straight-six engines. This engine configuration has its advantages over the rest and that's why car makers prefer in-line sixes over others, even today. Mercedes-Benz dropped it from their lineup two decades ago but they'll soon return.

We've learned through Autocar that the next-generation E-Class is destined to get an in-line six-cylinder engine under its hood. The 21st century automotive engineering is all about reducing costs without compromising performance, and that's where modular architecture comes in to the picture.

The new generation of Mercedes engines will be a part of a modular design, allowing them to spawn three-, four- and six-cylinder engines. The new engines will debut on the 2016 W213 generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Plans are already on track for the mid-life update for the new C-Class that is yet to be revealed. The new C-Class should get the new family engines by 2017 - a three-cylinder engine is touted to be a part of the C Class line-up then.

On the technology front, Mercedes-Benz will also debut what's called an "Autobahn Pilot" on the 2016 E-Class and 2017 C-Class; today we know this as the autonomous diving assistant, which still in testing phase at the moment.

Click past the jump to read more about the new C Class AMG

gallery: 2014 Mercedes E-Class

• 

  
  

• 

  
  

• 

  
  

• 

  
  

Straight-Six Engines May Return on Next-Gen Mercedes E-Class originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 11 November 2013 14:00 EST.

read more

---