Mercedes-Benz may sell four-cylinder diesel engines in a handful of U.S.-spec cars, according to Wards Auto. After launching a a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in the 2013 GLK-Class crossover next year, Mercedes could make that engine available in other vehicles.
The 2013 GLK-Class (pictured) was introduced at the New York auto show and, starting next year, Mercedes will sell the GLK250 Bluetec model with a turbocharged 2.1-liter inline-four diesel making 190 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It is said to be “extremely frugal” and return higher fuel-economy figures than gasoline versions of the GLK.
That 2.1-liter diesel engine seems likely to spread to other Mercedes cars. Gunter Fischer, project manager for the Mercedes SL-Class, told Wards that four-cylinder diesels would provide enough performance and economy to be used in the American-market C-Class, SLK-Class roadster, and E-Class sedan. The German automaker reportedly believes that four-cylinder diesel engines will be a good way for Mercedes to improve fuel economy in American models.
“We brought a four-cylinder gasoline engine to the U.S. Why shouldn’t we do that with a four-cylinder diesel?” Fischer told Wards.
Mercedes already sells other diesel models in the U.S. market: the ML350 Bluetec, GL350 Bluetec, S350 Bluetec, R350 Bluetec, and E350 Bluetec use a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6. The company also has launched a gasoline four-cylinder — a turbocharged 1.8-liter I-4 — in the C250 sedan and coupe, and SLK250 roadster.
