M254 – the Future of the 4-Cylinder Gasoline Engine

Authors

Dr. T. Schell, Mercedes-Benz AG, Stuttgart

Year

2020

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Reihe 12, Nr. 813

Summary

The M 254, the all-new four-cylinder gasoline engine, rounds off the Mercedes-Benz family of modular engines (FAME), which involves the current generation of gasoline and diesel, as well as four- and six-cylinder engines. With its market launch in 2020, the M 254 makes a key contribution to the modularization of the powertrain and flexibilization of the international production network. This means substantially reduced product diversity and manufacturing complexity.
Thanks to its consistent electrification, the new four-cylinder gasoline engine makes a substantial contribution to achieving Mercedes-Benz’s global CO₂ fleet targets. In addition, the M 254 paves the way with regard to CO₂ neutrality and air quality approaching the sustainability strategy Ambition 2039.
Its innovative technology set helps to assure the brand’s future-proofness and competitiveness with regard to efficiency and sustainability. With its launch as part of the E-Class facelift, the M 254 takes the model line to a new level in terms of efficiency and dynamics.
The highlights of the innovative technology set include the segment turbocharger, which can be supplemented with an electric auxiliary compressor.
The all new M254 segment turbocharger, is a cooperation result of the teams from MBC development and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1. This technology transfer from Formula 1 to series production enables a new degree of performance in combination with maximum efficiency.
When necessary – especially at low engine speeds – the new electric auxiliary compressor guarantees a rapid buildup of boost pressure in order to contribute to an improved dynamic response.
The close-coupled exhaust system allows highly effective exhaust aftertreatment as well as a uniform package situation in the vehicle.
The second generation of the integrated starter-generator (ISG) supports the M 254 with up to 15 kW and around 180 Nm of torque from the very first revolution while taking the powertrain to a new level in terms of starting comfort and smooth idling.
By bundling the concepts for minimized friction in the family of modular engines, the M 254 sets a further benchmark on the way to the friction-optimized engine.
The intelligent combination of structural and insulation measures on the entire powertrain, along with optimized air ducting on the M 254, helps to meet the high expectations of Mercedes-Benz customers with regard to comfort and convenience.
With the M 254, Mercedes-Benz reaches a further important milestone in the transformation process.
Thanks to electrification, the internal combustion engine is still far from being at the end of the road!