Report Says Mercedes Developing 3-Cylinder Engine

Looks like the new big thing for the luxury automakers might not be so big at all. Downsizing and getting more power from less is the way now. Just look at how Ford used EcoBoost technology to get V8 power out of a V6 engine with great fuel economy. I'll take more of that please.

BMW has been reported to be developing new 3-cylinder engines for it's upcoming line of vehicles. Now Mercedes is working on following. Coincidence? Who knows, there has been talk of cooperation between the two but not much has come of it. Could this be the first fruits of such a BMW-Mercedes partnership?

To be honest I think the idea of BMW and Mercedes-Benz partnering isn't that smart. BMW seems to be against it too, and I can see why.  The two have separate identities and are normally cut-throat competitors. It's better for all of us when the two are competing.

The new 3-cylinders from Mercedes will be used for the company's next-generation of small cars, the Smart ForTwo, and Mercedes’ A and B-Class. Even - now get this- the C-Class could get the engine. I'm not sure whether they mean the hatchback or sedan but a 3-cylinder in the C-Class is pretty bizarre.

Far as I know BMW wasn't planning for a 3-cylinder in the 3-Series.  How will buyers react to a 3-cylinder? What a stark change from the more cylinders the better mentality.Mercedes is reportedly unsure about that possibility of the engine surfacing in the C-Class for United States markets. I think that would be a smart idea. What an brave new world we live in though huh? Say hello to 3-Cylinder C-Classes.