BMW, Mercedes-Benz mulling four-cylinders for the U.S.

Audi is currently the only German luxury car maker to offer a four-cylinder engine in the United States, but that could change in the coming years. With more stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations set to come on line in the coming years, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz are strongly considering bringing four-pots back to the U.S. market.

Four-cylinder engines are nothing new to BMW or Mercedes – both automakers market a number of gas and diesel four-cylinders overseas – but neither automaker currently offers a four-pot in the U.S. market. BMW’s last four-cylinder offering was in the 318 of the late ‘90s, with Mercedes last offering a four-cylinder in the last-generation C- and SLK-Class.

However, that could change as more stringent regulations are set to take effect. BMW’s U.S. head, Jim O’Donnell, revealed to Automotive News that a turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder could be in the cards for some of BMW’s U.S. offerings. The new powerplant could see duty in BMW’s 1- and 3-Series models, as well as the next-generation X3 crossover and the upcoming X1 CUV. No specifications were given on the new gas mill, but O’Donnell says the new engine would be as powerful as BMW’s current six-cylinder engines, but would use less fuel.

Mercedes is also considering a four-cylinder for the U.S. market, but is opting to go the diesel route. Mercedes could slide its 204 horsepower 2.2L diesel under the hood of its U.S.-spec C-, E- and GLK-Class vehicles, netting mileage as high as 40 mpg highway. Mercedes showcased its four-cylinder diesel technology at the 2009 New York Auto Show in the form of the E250 Bluetec Concept.

Although plans are in place in both camps, neither automaker is planning to make move on four-cylinders until the U.S. government makes a final ruling on fuel economy and emissions regulations. But with fuel economy still at the top of many shoppers’ lists, we suspect four-cylinders will be in BMW and Mercedes showrooms in the coming years.

Posted in: Audi