Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce a brand new entry-level petrol engine line-up consisting of both 1.2 and 1.4-litre direct-injection units as part of a concerted downsizing initiative aimed at providing smaller models with improved economy and reduced emissions.
The new four-cylinder engines, which go under the internal codename M282, are planned to be launched in the next generation of compact Mercedes-Benz models, starting with more affordable versions of the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which is planned to go on sale in the UK during the second quarter of 2018.
Following their introduction in the A-Class, the new engines will be launched in upcoming successor models to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, CLA and Mercedes-Benz GLA. They will also be used in the new A-Class Saloon, which was previewed by the Concept A Saloon at the 2017 Shanghai motor show, and and a new BMW X1-rivalling SUV model, expected to be called the GLB.
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Developed in partnership with Mercedes' parent company Daimler’s alliance partner Renault-Nissan, the new engines have been conceived specifically for transverse applications, meaning they are unlikely to be used in larger Mercedes-Benz models, even in hybrid applications.
The new 1.2 and 1.4-litre four-cylinder powerplants are planned to support a heavily updated version of the existing M274 engine that's also planned for introduction in the new A-Class. This receives a new name, M260, and is planned to be offered in both 1.6 and 2.0-litre guises, with the latter forming the basis for a 400bhp-plus successor to the AMG-developed M133 unit used by the A 45, CLA 45 and GLA 45 4Matic.
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