Mercedes-Benz and, more specifically, its AMG department, are well known for producing excellent engines, so why is the German marque looking to China for new powertrains?
Expected to debut next year using a new modular ‘MMA’ platform allowing mild-hybrid and battery electric variations, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class liftback is likely to adopt a Geely and Renault 2.0-litre turbo engine, according to CarNewsChina.
Currently an entry-point into Mercedes-Benz range, the new generation BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A3 competitor has the potential to put Mercedes-Benz back on track with an exciting and modern product to tempt Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 owners. It could be a similar turning point as the ‘W201’ 190E ushered in at its 1982 release.
Your move, Tesla Model 3! Mercedes Concept CLA Class previews next-gen platform with 750km range and an AMG version
ICE age? Renault investing big in development and production of the internal combustion engine, despite electric car future
Mercedes-Benz Australia's new way of selling cars is here to stay
The reported Horse engine won't be the first time Mercedes has looked elsewhere for motivation, with the current A200 hatch powered by a Renault-sourced 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder.
Despite the new engine being reported as a Chinese one, it will continue Mercedes' Renault partnership, too, as it’s to come from Horse Powertrain Limited, a joint venture between the French brand and Chinese automotive giant Geely.
Horse was set up in May 2024 with the companies collaborating on new engines, giving Geely a leg into Korea via Renault’s tie-in with Samsung as well as aiding the French marque’s fortunes in China. It is entirely separate from Renault’s alliance with Mitsubishi and Nissan.
The CLA’s engine will reportedly be built in China with final assembly, including required catalytic/petrol particulate filters, installed in Germany.
New information has come to light recently, though Geely and Mercedes-Benz have been working together n project since 2020, according to Forbes.
The new 2.0-litre will include mild-hybrid assistance via a gearbox mounted starter generator with peak power listed at 186kW. For reference, Benz’s current in-house ‘M260’ 2.0-litre turbo produces 165kW in the CLA 250 and 225kW in the AMG CLA 35.
The flagship AMG CLA 45 uses Mercedes-AMG’s hand-assembled ‘M139’ four-cylinder producing 310kW.
There is more Chinese technology bound for the CLA, including the adaptive driver assistance systems. These will be powered by technology from Momenta, a company in which Mercedes-Benz holds a stake.
Along with Mercedes-Benz, Geely is also a 50 per cent owner of the Smart brand which has recently relaunched in Australia with the #1 and #3 electric cars.
The CLA’s MMA platform also supports battery electric running so, alongside the mild-hybrid model, it’s expected an 82kWh battery helped by 800-volt electricals, low drag body and efficient motors will deliver a Tesla Model 3-beating 750km of WLTP-rated driving range.
Additionally, it will be able to add 400km of driving range in 15 minutes at a 250kW fast-charging pylon.
More details of the third generation CLA-Class, as previewed by the Concept CLA at the 2023 Munich Motor Show and teased again this month, will be revealed soon.
_0.jpg)
