Mercedes to offer a three-cylinder hybrid engine on MFA-based models

Engine could be at least two years off

Daimler's head of powertrain development has revealed the company will offer hybridized three-cylinder engines in their MFA-based models.

Speaking to Automotive News Europe, Bernhard Heil said the three-cylinder engine offers a number of benefits over a four-cylinder unit. As he explained, "In packaging a hybridized engine in the front end, the four-cylinder engine has its limitations."  

Despite embracing hybridized three-cylinder engines for entry-level models, the company's rear-wheel drive lineup will continue to use larger engines because they offer more space for hybrid components.

Besides talking about the hybrid engines, Heil confirmed plans to offer a small petrol engine that was jointly-developed with Renault.

Little else is known about the engines but they are expected to be at least two years off.

Source: Automotive News Europe