For weeks, car enthusiasts have been caught up in whispers about BMW engines possibly ending up under the hood of future Mercedes-Benz models. The idea was bold, even shocking — two German rivals, locked in competition for over a century, suddenly working together. Reports suggested that Mercedes might adopt BMW’s well-known B48 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for several of its cars, from the compact CLA and GLA all the way to larger models like the C-Class, E-Class, and even a smaller version of the G-Wagen. Some rumors went further, speculating about a shared BMW engine plant in the United States.
At first glance, the story seemed to make sense. Using BMW engines would have allowed Mercedes to save big on development costs while meeting tough new Euro 7 emissions standards. With recent struggles in EV sales — particularly the drop in demand for models like the EQE and EQS — the idea of borrowing BMW’s proven four-cylinder technology sounded like a smart, if unusual, solution.
But when the spotlight turned to Mercedes at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, the company poured cold water on the entire narrative. Executives stressed that there was no truth to the reports and that Mercedes has no plans to rely on BMW engines, now or in the future. Instead, they pointed proudly to their own Family of Modular Engines (FAME), a range launched four years ago that covers everything from efficient four-cylinders to mighty V-12s. These engines are already engineered to pass the strictest standards in Europe, China, and the United States.
Mercedes also reminded the world that its engine program is far from slowing down. A new, cleaner high-performance V-8 is nearly ready for launch, and the legendary V-12 will continue to power flagship models. For Mercedes, sticking to in-house powerplants isn’t just a business decision — it’s about preserving its engineering identity. Handing that over to BMW engines was never part of the plan.
The timing of this clarification couldn’t be more important. Mercedes is racing toward an electric future but has no intention of abandoning combustion power altogether. By keeping both tracks alive — electric innovation and advanced internal combustion — the brand is ensuring that customers can enjoy choice and performance for years to come.
So, while the idea of BMW engines inside Mercedes cars sparked plenty of conversation, the truth is simpler: Mercedes will keep its heart beating in Stuttgart. Its engines will remain its own, born from the same philosophy and engineering tradition that has defined the three-pointed star for generations.
