The Stuttgart-based manufacturer is once again demonstrating that its commitment to electric mobility does not mean neglecting the evolution of combustion engines. In a move aimed at redefining performance and efficiency standards in the compact segment, the German brand has officially lifted the curtain on a new high-tech powertrain, equipped with a revolutionary turbocharging system taken directly from the world of elite motorsport.
A direct evolution of the M 252 engine launched last year, the new 1.5-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine is officially called the M 252 LS. The central element that transforms this assembly into a technical masterpiece is the integration of an electric turbocharger.
● Motorsport origins: This advanced technology was first seen in the exceptional Mercedes-AMG One hypercar and has its roots in engineering solutions developed in the Formula 1 World Championship.
● Instantaneous response: Unlike a traditional turbocharger, which relies on exhaust gas flow at higher engine speeds, the electric version uses a small electric motor to instantly spin the turbine. This technology completely eliminates the phenomenon of turbo lag, providing a prompt and linear response to pressing the accelerator pedal, regardless of engine speed.
The new engine not only excels in terms of agility in response, but also sets new benchmarks in power and efficiency for a compact displacement.
● Energy recovery: The electric turbocharger is able to recover up to 2 kW of energy directly from the exhaust gases, transforming the thermal and kinetic surplus into electrical energy that is stored and used instantly.
● Power resources: In its top configuration, the M 252 LS engine delivers a basic output of 231 horsepower, to which is added a temporary extra 31 horsepower provided by the recovered electrical energy. With these figures, the new powerplant becomes the most powerful 4-cylinder engine in the compact segment developed by the German manufacturer, ensuring an outstanding balance between sporty dynamics, low fuel consumption and low carbon dioxide emissions.
By nature of its innovative architecture and compact dimensions, the new M 252 LS engine is designed to become a core part in the brand's new generation of vehicles, being optimized for modern platforms and partially electrified powertrains.
● New compact model generation: The new engine will primarily equip the future high-volume and high-performance models in the German manufacturer's compact model range, being integrated into the brand's flexible architecture (including on the MMA - Mercedes Modular Architecture).
● Target models: Among the first vehicles to benefit from this technology are the future developments of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA family, as well as the future generations of the successful compact SUVs in the brand's portfolio, such as the GLA and GLB. This means that customers who want top-level dynamic performance in the compact segment will be able to experience the Formula 1-inspired technology in everyday use.