Mercedes-Benz Reportedly Will "Borrow" Machines From BMW For Future Cars

JAKARTA - The development of new cars, especially in the era of technology that continues to change as it is today (electric cars, self-driving, etc.), requires enormous Research and Development (R&D) costs. As a result, collaboration between major brands in the automotive world is increasingly occurring, especially in recent decades.

Now a recent report hints that future Mercedes-Benz models have the potential to use machines from their eternal rival, BMW, if the ongoing conversation between the two German automotive giants is successful.

This innovative alliance, if realized, will become one of the most unexpected collaborations in the history of the automotive industry. However, this is not the first time two brands that do not have direct relationships are working together.

BMW's Four Cylinder Machine Becomes Initial Target

Although the conversation is still ongoing, it is not certain how wide the scope of this cooperation will be. However, according to a report from German magazine, Magazin's Manager, continued by Autoblogging, Friday, August 22, BMW's four-cylinder engine with B48 gasoline and diesel B47 is touted as the first machine likely to be used in Mercedes models.

According to the report, Mercedes CEO Ola Kryptlenius discussed this possibility with BMW CEO Oliver Zipse, nearly a year ago. If all goes well, BMW could start supplying engines to Mercedes as early as 2027. In fact, joint production in the United States is also being considered as a way to reduce tariff costs.

At present, it is not clear which Mercedes model will use this machine. However, the B48 turbo engine itself has been used in various BMW models, ranging from Series 1 to X3. With the performance it offers, it is particularly suitable for smaller Mercedes models, such as A-Class and GLA. It's hard to imagine that BMW's high-performance machines, such as the six-cylinder S58 engine used in BMW M3, will be shared with Mercedes.

The potential for this deal will greatly help Mercedes, especially as they slow down the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). On the other hand, this collaboration will also provide significant cost savings for both brands.

In addition, Mercedes also needs more engines for their new generation of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars, and B48 engines can be a powerful foundation for such powertrains.