Mercedes-Benz and BMW, two of the biggest rivals in the German car industry, may soon work together. A German magazine, Manager Magazin, says that Mercedes is talking with BMW about buying four-cylinder engines. This would be a big surprise in the car world. This news is important because it shows a change in the companies' plans. In 2021, Mercedes promised to make only electric cars by 2030. But in 2024, they changed their minds. Their CEO, Ola Källenius, said that gasoline engines will now "last well into the 2030s." This is because sales of electric cars are not growing as fast as they expected around the world.
The rumor says that Mercedes wants to use a version of BMW's 2.0-liter turbo B48 engine. This engine is already in many BMW models. Mercedes needs it for their plug-in hybrid cars (PHEVs) and as a "range extender." The B48 engine is good for many different Mercedes cars. Mercedes has its own new engine (M252), but it does not work well with hybrid technology. Also, the M252 is made in China, so it would cost a lot more to send to the USA. The rumor also says that the two companies might build a factory in the USA together to avoid these extra costs.
BMW has a lot of experience selling engines to other car companies. They already sell engines to Morgan, INEOS, and Range Rover. For the Toyota Supra, BMW gives the engine and other parts. But if this deal with Mercedes is true, it would be the first time that two of Germany's biggest luxury car companies share parts like this. Right now, neither company has said anything officially. But if this partnership happens, it could change how the car industry works and start a new era for German engineering.
