Originally Posted by Sulu

V6 engines are shorter than I6 engines so their crankshafts are shorter also, which means that they are less prone to flexing compared to the same-displacement inline-6 engines.

Inline-6 engines, however, are naturally balanced so are great smooth, refined engines without need for balance shafts (that larger I4 and 90-degree V6 engines need). That is why it was surprising when BMW announced that they would produce V6 engines.,

Originally Posted by Blackraven

So the inline-six is better compared to the V6...........but takes up more space.

So how do you think MB will solve these space constraints?

Also, what about flat or horizontally-opposed engines? (the ones that are used by Porsche and Subaru)

Originally Posted by SteVTEC

V-6 engines have been favored by the industry because they take up a lot less space, can easily be deployed in both transverse and longitudinal mounted applications, and have greater flexibility in displacement. And if they're designed with a 90-degree V angle you can share the architecture with V-8 engines, which is exactly what Mercedes had done for awhile. But a 90-degree V6 requires a balance shaft, which isn't ideal. 60-degree V6 engines are preferred and narrower and don't require a balance shaft, but still have end-to-end vibrations. Most people are pretty happy with V-6 engines, but they're not as refined and lack the character of Inline-6 engines, imho. If V-8 engines are becoming less popular in favor of a heavier mix of 4 and 6-cylinder engines, and most of your cars are designed for longitudinally mounted engines where an Inline-6 is more feasible, then a common architecture between I-3, I-4, and I-6 makes sense. When it comes to turbocharging, an Inline engine is also preferred as it makes the plumbing easier and more packaging friendly overall.

Originally Posted by SteVTEC

Neither I-6 or V-6 are better than the other, just different. V-6 has plenty of advantages. I-6 certainly has the smoothness and charisma though. I'm guessing MB won't plan to offer the I-6 in their smaller cars, like the new CLA or their A-class vehicles. Probably just C-class and higher, but with the way things are going maybe only the E-class or higher. Who knows.

Originally Posted by Hoovey2411

I'm sure you're right about the C-Class+, but then the article is also stating that the advantage to creating the I6 is that they can spin 3 and 4 cylinder variations of that engine into smaller models.

On a personal note, I'm willing to go down to turbo 4's someday but 3 just throws me for a loop. I'm not a fan of odd cylinder engines