BMW & Mercedes-Benz reportedly considering four-cylinders in US, pending new fuel ...
04-27-09, 09:20 AM
#1
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BMW & Mercedes-Benz reportedly considering four-cylinders in US, pending new fuel ...
Apr 27th 2009
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BMW and Mercedes-Benz reportedly considering four-cylinders in US, pending new fuel economy standards
With new CAFE regulations looming on the horizon, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are considering bringing four-cylinder models back to the States. BMW's development of new four-pots have been widely reported over the last year, with the automaker confirming work on a direct injected, twin-turbocharged four, likely to be fitted on the next generation 1 and 3 series, due to arrive in 2012. The new mill is also slated to be equipped on the X1 and X3, and according to the automaker, the powerplants will deliver the same output as the current in-line sixes, but with better fuel economy and lower emissions. However, the development of an all-new engine is expensive, and BMW will pass along the cost to consumers, despite BMW's claim that buyers aren't willing to pay for advanced technology.
As for Mercedes-Benz, aside from the 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel that debuted on the E250 Bluetech concept, little is known about the automaker's plans for four-bangers in the States. Although the concept, unveiled at the New York Auto Show, was equipped to an E-Class, don't expect a gasoline-powered four to be fitted on a future E – the new engine will likely find a home in the C-Class and GLK CUV sometime in the next few years.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
With new CAFE regulations looming on the horizon, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are considering bringing four-cylinder models back to the States. BMW's development of new four-pots have been widely reported over the last year, with the automaker confirming work on a direct injected, twin-turbocharged four, likely to be fitted on the next generation 1 and 3 series, due to arrive in 2012. The new mill is also slated to be equipped on the X1 and X3, and according to the automaker, the powerplants will deliver the same output as the current in-line sixes, but with better fuel economy and lower emissions. However, the development of an all-new engine is expensive, and BMW will pass along the cost to consumers, despite BMW's claim that buyers aren't willing to pay for advanced technology.
As for Mercedes-Benz, aside from the 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel that debuted on the E250 Bluetech concept, little is known about the automaker's plans for four-bangers in the States. Although the concept, unveiled at the New York Auto Show, was equipped to an E-Class, don't expect a gasoline-powered four to be fitted on a future E – the new engine will likely find a home in the C-Class and GLK CUV sometime in the next few years.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
04-27-09, 09:40 AM
#2
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Suddenly the Lexus HS looks like a genius move (again). What is at odds here is consumers in America clearly don't want them or don't care for them as gas is cheap(er) but CAFE is going to shove them down our throats. I am assuming the move is also b/c forecasters expect gas prices to eventually rise up to the $4 mark and beyond then.
If the economy continues to be in the toilet and gas RISES those luxury brands without efficient cars will be far worse off. Now you might say "well SICK, they are luxury cars, who cares about gas" but a couple of things here;
1. The vast majority of luxury cars sold are the entry level vehicles and people are more make a decision based on fuel economy.
2. With the economy possibly in tatters or worse, people that CAN afford big engines will be reluctant to buy them and would rather a more fuel effient car as they do not want to trade in the badge for say a Genesis, etc.
Lexus has proved here that people do want more economical luxury cars WITHOUT sacrificing the "luxury" part. The Germans are betting more on diesels than hybrids which is fine. That said Lexus next round of "hybrids" may focus more on the efficiency aspect than the performance side. (I don't understand why they don't make h=efficient and "F"=performance but for now I am not complaining lol).
The winners in the next decade in America will be those that offer truly complete lineups with a new emphasis on fuel efficiency while also offering larger engines.
A scary thought for the Germans is them losing their prestige advantage as big V-8, V-12, V-10 vehicles start selling so poorly the business case to bringing them here is lost.
Remember, America is the Germans most profitable market and that is b/c we love their big engine vehicles in comparison to Europe where the small engines are the vast majority of sales.
If the economy continues to be in the toilet and gas RISES those luxury brands without efficient cars will be far worse off. Now you might say "well SICK, they are luxury cars, who cares about gas" but a couple of things here;
1. The vast majority of luxury cars sold are the entry level vehicles and people are more make a decision based on fuel economy.
2. With the economy possibly in tatters or worse, people that CAN afford big engines will be reluctant to buy them and would rather a more fuel effient car as they do not want to trade in the badge for say a Genesis, etc.
Lexus has proved here that people do want more economical luxury cars WITHOUT sacrificing the "luxury" part. The Germans are betting more on diesels than hybrids which is fine. That said Lexus next round of "hybrids" may focus more on the efficiency aspect than the performance side. (I don't understand why they don't make h=efficient and "F"=performance but for now I am not complaining lol).
The winners in the next decade in America will be those that offer truly complete lineups with a new emphasis on fuel efficiency while also offering larger engines.
A scary thought for the Germans is them losing their prestige advantage as big V-8, V-12, V-10 vehicles start selling so poorly the business case to bringing them here is lost.
Remember, America is the Germans most profitable market and that is b/c we love their big engine vehicles in comparison to Europe where the small engines are the vast majority of sales.
04-27-09, 10:00 AM
#4
I will hold on to my inline 6 cars since I love the growl & performance of those motors.. Bring back the 4 bangers BMW.. The E30 M3 was/is a 4 banger and put many 6 & 8 cylinder cars to shame. There are rumors of a M version of the 1 series with a TT 4 banger which will be called the "M coupe".
The HS250 Rolla should blow the doors offthe 4 bangers from Merc & BMW
The HS250 Rolla should blow the doors offthe 4 bangers from Merc & BMW
04-27-09, 02:13 PM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
Suddenly the Lexus HS looks like a genius move (again). What is at odds here is consumers in America clearly don't want them or don't care for them as gas is cheap(er) but CAFE is going to shove them down our throats. I am assuming the move is also b/c forecasters expect gas prices to eventually rise up to the $4 mark and beyond then.
If the economy continues to be in the toilet and gas RISES those luxury brands without efficient cars will be far worse off. Now you might say "well SICK, they are luxury cars, who cares about gas" but a couple of things here;
1. The vast majority of luxury cars sold are the entry level vehicles and people are more make a decision based on fuel economy.
2. With the economy possibly in tatters or worse, people that CAN afford big engines will be reluctant to buy them and would rather a more fuel effient car as they do not want to trade in the badge for say a Genesis, etc.
1. The vast majority of luxury cars sold are the entry level vehicles and people are more make a decision based on fuel economy.
2. With the economy possibly in tatters or worse, people that CAN afford big engines will be reluctant to buy them and would rather a more fuel effient car as they do not want to trade in the badge for say a Genesis, etc.
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04-27-09, 03:44 PM
#8
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Anyone remember the Mercedes 240D? That car was a 4 cylinder diesel. Owners loved it. The only real complaints about the 240D was that the car was very slow and maybe it didn't quite start up promptly in colder climates. Most people I know back in the day (late 1970s) only knew two things about that car:
1) it was a Mercedes
and
2) it was a diesel
Did it matter? Not really. It was a Benz. That was and still is a very powerful word in the automotive industry. If I recall correctly Mercedes and BMW also sold some of their more ancient 4 cylinder designs in the US. I know that Mercedes offered us the "Torpedo" 190D - which was a slow 4 cylinder diesel.
If the Europeans bring over their 4 cylinders their prestige won't suffer. I actually think it'll be enhanced. In the Audi S8/W12 thread I mentioned that I spotted several enthusiastic American reader comments about the E250 (gas or diesel) that may reach the US on the International Herald Tribune website. Most of the comments came from current Mercedes owners or people who had owned a Mercedes in the past - as they stated. The impression I got was that such a car would be welcomed. Some people also wished that this engine would make it into the C class and GLK. Indeed, most comments about the GLK lambasted the fact that there is no economical alternative in the US. A GLK220 CDI would be bestseller in the US! The fuel economy is impressive and the performance is completely sufficient.
I think 4 cylinders would do very well in the US in this day and age and possibly even in the future. We're waking up in the Land of Opportunity. We're starting to realize that luxury doesn't have to be excessive and wasteful. Let's not forget the many people who buy these cars are more interested in other features than performance. An economical 4 cylinder E class or 5 series will be just as luxurious as an E350 / 525i/530i/535i - just slower. Big deal.
04-27-09, 03:59 PM
#9
The European luxury brands have the history and the heritage first of all and second, they have sold 4 cylinders here in the past. Their prestige hasn't suffered. It's not a big issue in my opinion.
Anyone remember the Mercedes 240D? That car was a 4 cylinder diesel. Owners loved it. The only real complaints about the 240D was that the car was very slow and maybe it didn't quite start up promptly in colder climates. Most people I know back in the day (late 1970s) only knew two things about that car:
1) it was a Mercedes
and
2) it was a diesel
Did it matter? Not really. It was a Benz. That was and still is a very powerful word in the automotive industry. If I recall correctly Mercedes and BMW also sold some of their more ancient 4 cylinder designs in the US. I know that Mercedes offered us the "Torpedo" 190D - which was a slow 4 cylinder diesel.
If the Europeans bring over their 4 cylinders their prestige won't suffer. I actually think it'll be enhanced. In the Audi S8/W12 thread I mentioned that I spotted several enthusiastic American reader comments about the E250 (gas or diesel) that may reach the US on the International Herald Tribune website. Most of the comments came from current Mercedes owners or people who had owned a Mercedes in the past - as they stated. The impression I got was that such a car would be welcomed. Some people also wished that this engine would make it into the C class and GLK. Indeed, most comments about the GLK lambasted the fact that there is no economical alternative in the US. A GLK220 CDI would be bestseller in the US! The fuel economy is impressive and the performance is completely sufficient.
I think 4 cylinders would do very well in the US in this day and age and possibly even in the future. We're waking up in the Land of Opportunity. We're starting to realize that luxury doesn't have to be excessive and wasteful. Let's not forget the many people who buy these cars are more interested in other features than performance. An economical 4 cylinder E class or 5 series will be just as luxurious as an E350 / 525i/530i/535i - just slower. Big deal.
Anyone remember the Mercedes 240D? That car was a 4 cylinder diesel. Owners loved it. The only real complaints about the 240D was that the car was very slow and maybe it didn't quite start up promptly in colder climates. Most people I know back in the day (late 1970s) only knew two things about that car:
1) it was a Mercedes
and
2) it was a diesel
Did it matter? Not really. It was a Benz. That was and still is a very powerful word in the automotive industry. If I recall correctly Mercedes and BMW also sold some of their more ancient 4 cylinder designs in the US. I know that Mercedes offered us the "Torpedo" 190D - which was a slow 4 cylinder diesel.
If the Europeans bring over their 4 cylinders their prestige won't suffer. I actually think it'll be enhanced. In the Audi S8/W12 thread I mentioned that I spotted several enthusiastic American reader comments about the E250 (gas or diesel) that may reach the US on the International Herald Tribune website. Most of the comments came from current Mercedes owners or people who had owned a Mercedes in the past - as they stated. The impression I got was that such a car would be welcomed. Some people also wished that this engine would make it into the C class and GLK. Indeed, most comments about the GLK lambasted the fact that there is no economical alternative in the US. A GLK220 CDI would be bestseller in the US! The fuel economy is impressive and the performance is completely sufficient.
I think 4 cylinders would do very well in the US in this day and age and possibly even in the future. We're waking up in the Land of Opportunity. We're starting to realize that luxury doesn't have to be excessive and wasteful. Let's not forget the many people who buy these cars are more interested in other features than performance. An economical 4 cylinder E class or 5 series will be just as luxurious as an E350 / 525i/530i/535i - just slower. Big deal.
04-27-09, 04:18 PM
#12
Lexus Champion
04-27-09, 05:56 PM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
04-27-09, 05:57 PM
#15
Lexus Fanatic