BMW’s 2.0-litre B48 engine could be heading into Mercedes cars as the German brand looks for a Euro 7 solution. But is this partnership a bigger win for BMW than Mercedes?
Why Would Mercedes Use a BMW Engine?
Rumours are circulating that Mercedes may adopt BMW’s well-proven 2.0-litre B48 turbocharged petrol engine to help meet strict Euro 7 emissions regulations set to arrive later this decade. The potential collaboration hasn’t been finalised, but it would represent a dramatic turn in one of the automotive world’s most famous rivalries.
Mercedes’s heavy investment in electrification has left the brand with fewer resources to refine its smaller combustion engines. Partnering with BMW gives Mercedes access to a reliable, efficient power unit without investing heavily in fresh R&D.
What Does BMW Gain From Supplying Engines to Mercedes?
From BMW’s perspective, the deal is packed with upside. Every Mercedes model fitted with a B48 means thousands of extra engine sales - all built at BMW’s Steyr plant in Austria, which already has the capacity to deliver at scale. Beyond direct revenue, BMW enjoys the optics of the deal: a long-time competitor quietly relying on its engineering expertise.
To car enthusiasts, a BMW engine in a Mercedes could be seen as a symbolic win for Bavaria. Even if most mainstream buyers never notice what’s under the bonnet, the brand boost for BMW is undeniable.
Do Mercedes Buyers Care If Their Car Has a BMW Engine?
For Mercedes, the benefits are more practical than emotional. Most buyers outside the enthusiast community won’t care where the engine originates, and many may even welcome the fact that BMW’s B48 is regarded as one of the best four-cylinder engines in the business.
There’s also the chance that Mercedes tuning and chassis work could make the most of BMW’s power unit - potentially creating cars that rival BMW’s own offerings. And compared to turning to Geely, sourcing engines from BMW is a far safer look for the brand’s image.
Has BMW Supplied Engines to Other Brands Before?
BMW already supplies engines to marques like Toyota, Land Rover, and Morgan, so the concept isn’t new. But Mercedes is a different story - the rivalry runs deeper, and the headlines write themselves. While both sides stand to benefit, the general consensus is that BMW gains more: stronger sales, better utilisation of its facilities, and a subtle but significant marketing victory.
For Mercedes, it’s a temporary solution to a regulatory challenge. For BMW, it’s proof of the strength of its engineering and another reminder that, even in a changing automotive landscape, combustion excellence still matters.
