Reports: Mercedes might buy engines from their native rival BMW

New Delhi: In one of the strangest twists of tales, Mercedes-Benz cars might soon be powered by BMW engines. According to reports from German publication Manager Magazin, Mercedes are in talks with their fellow German company to purchase four-cylinder motors for their lineup starting from 2027.

The engine is most likely to be a version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre B48 used in almost every current BMW model, and it would fill in the blank in Mercedes' portfolio as a PHEV motor or range extender, according to Autocar. The B48 made in Steyr, Austria, provides more flexibility as they are designed for both longitudinal and transverse layouts, making them perfect for a wide range of compact and mid-size models from Mercedes. 

Mercedes have introduced a new four-cylinder engine called the M252, which is already in the CLA. That engine, though, has a few drawbacks, one of them being that it isn’t well-suited to pair with a plug-in hybrid tech. It is built in China, so it will have high tariff costs for US-bound models. According to Autocar, this rumoured engine partnership could also potentially lead to an engine-making plant in the US, to avoid the tariffs being applicable.

The rumour comes amidst Mercedes's tries to rearrange their portfolio in the face of slowing EV adoption across the world. The brand had previously said in 2021 said they would be going completely electric by 2030. However, in 2024, they went back on that plan with CEO Ola Kallenius last year in an interview, noting that ICE will be exist even in the 2030s.

For BMW, the company has already been building engines for the likes of Range Rover, Morgan and even Ineos. For the Toyota Supra, BMW provides engines and many parts, being actively involved in the manufacturing. However, if the deal goes through with Mercedes, it will mark the first time that they have shared engines on such a level.