Mercedes-Benz exec puts BMW engine rumours to bed

Mercedes-Benz's chief technical officer Markus Schäfer has been forced to address sensational rumours the German brand was about to do a deal with BMW to use its engines for future plug-in hybrid vehicles, with the Benz board member announcing there was no truth that it needed any help from its arch nemesis, which has a full line-up of Euro 7-compliant engines already in the wings, including an all-new V8.

During a round table discussion with media, Mercedes-Benz's chief technology officer said that it had no intention of snapping up BMW's B48 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder for its future plug-in hybrid technology.

The aim was reportedly to fill a gap in its engine offering because Benz was said to have lacked a Euro 7 compliant 2.0-litre that was suitable for a plug-in hybrid combustion application.

"There is no truth to this,” said Schäfer.

“We have developed our own new family of modular engines - FAME (Family of Modular Engines) - which covers all displacements, and are already compliant with EU7, China 7, and U.S. regulations."

Schäfer told media present that its FAME line-up was only introduced four years ago and, since then, the four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines have been updated and overhauled to ensure they are compliant for future emissions regulations.

"We will continue to offer V12s and also V8s", he said, adding:

"We have a complete in-house, updated thermal engine range that is ready for the future."

Originally, rumours suggested the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that Mercedes has developed for its inbound CLA mild-hybrid wasn't capable of being used in a plug-in hybrid configuration.

Schäfer did not explicitly confirm or deny the rumour, but the chief engineer said there was no intention to outsource engines, especially with the FAME powertrains available.

As ludicrous as it originally sounded Mercedes would go begging to BMW, with Europe's combustion engine bans coming into effect in 2035 it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a business case for splashing cash on new petrol-slurping powertrains.

That said, as competition intensifies from new Chinese rivals, expect more and more industry amalgamations in the years to come and that could see BMW and Benz cosy up in a bid to share costs and survive.

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