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Mercedes-Benz returns to the straight six, debuts new I4 and V8 motors

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled four new engines, which begin their roll out in the facelifted S-Class sedan that’s due to go on sale globally next year.


Four new engines were revealed by the German luxury car maker, and all feature 500cc cylinders and, according to Car magazine, up to 40 percent parts commonality.

M256 I6 turbocharged petrol engine

The headline engine sees Mercedes-Benz return to the inline six-cylinder format after an absence of 18 years.

Displacing 3.0 litres, the new turbocharged engine is said to develop around 300kW of power and over 500Nm of torque. The company's current M276 3.0-litre V6 is rated at 245kW of power and 480Nm of power.

Mercedes-Benz says that CO2 emissions are down around 15 per cent compared to today’s V6 motor, while an included particulate filter traps soot particles before they enter the atmosphere.

The M256 is said to be one of the first engines to be designed specifically with a 48V electrical system in mind. The high voltage setup drives an electric compressor that works like a small turbo, and can spin up to 70,000rpm within 300 milliseconds to help eliminate turbo lag.

The 48V system also powers an integrated starter alternator unit, the air-conditioning compressor, and water pump.

When Mercedes-Benz initially made the switch from I6 engines to V6 motors in the late 1990s, one of the reasons cited for the change was packaging. The new straight-six is said to be less lengthy than older engines of the same configuration because electrification has allowed the company to permanently remove the belt drive.

The M256 inline six-cylinder will make its debut in the updated 2017 S-Class range.


OM656 I6 turbo-diesel engine

The company also returns to the inline layout for its six-cylinder diesel motor. The engine features Camtronic variable valve timing, an aluminium block, two-stage exhaust-driven turbocharging, and a low friction Nanoslide coating for the cylinder walls.

The OM656 is said to produce over 230kW of power and 650Nm of torque. That's up significantly over today’s V6 diesel engine, which manages just 190kW and 620Nm. Fuel consumption is said to be down by seven per cent.

The engine’s exhaust treatment gear is located close to the engine, which the company claims results in “low heat loss and extremely favourable operating conditions”.


M176 V8 twin-turbo petrol engine

The new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine produces at least 350kW of power, up from 335kW in today’s M278 4.7-litre V8 engine. The new engine is said to crank out around 700Nm of torque from 2000rpm.

Fuel economy gets a boost through the engine’s Camtronic valve timing system, and its ability to automatically shut off four cylinders under light load conditions.

The M176 will make its debut in next year's revised S-Class range.

M264 I4 turbocharged petrol engine

Also coming soon from the three-pointed star brand is the new M264 turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. With its twin-scroll turbochargers, the new 2.0-litre four-pot is said to develop 100kW per litre.

The new four-cylinder engine also features a 48V electrical system to power the car’s water pump. Also present is a 48V belt-driven starter alternator that allows for engine-free coasting and hybrid operation.

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