The German luxury trio of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi are locked in a battle near the title of most popular car manufacturer in the world. According to sales figures for the first half of 2010, BMW is currently in first place, although its lead over its two rivals is marginal. In less than 2,000 vehicles, driving Mercedes Audi in third place is even thinner, although that number may have increased in recent months thanks to strong sales of Mercedes in the U.S.
In any case, the three German luxury brands in a race for first place. To accomplish this, they go after the smaller market segments. According to Automotive News, the next segment that brands are looking to address is the "green" or environmentally conscious car owner.
Mercedes just announced that it will release a four-cylinder engine at the top of the line S-Class model. The S250 CDI is expected to be available in several models in early 2011. Four cylinders are unusual choices for luxury vehicles, with drivers often want the performance of six or eight cylinders. However, Mercedes says that thanks to turbocharger technology, the engine delivers the torque of a six-cylinder engine with low emissions and fuel consumption of smaller engines.
"Luxury Green is doable," said Verena Mueller, a spokeswoman for Mercedes. "We hope to attract environmentally conscious customers who are looking for CO2 emissions as low as possible. In addition to private clients, which could, of course, fleet buyers."
The news source reports that Audi will counter with a new version of its A8 sedan is likely to see the pair of four-cylinder cars with an electric motor for the hybrid A8, which is expected in 2012.
BMW is also the electrical path, but it is unlikely that the change to a four-cylinder in the short term. BMW is said to be developing a hybrid supercar based off of his concept of the Vision Efficient Dynamics.
"I like selling 7-series cars with six and eight cylinders," said Norbert Reithofer BMW CEO of the news source in the Paris Motor Show. "What we have to offer with these cars in the future is electrification."
The smaller engines and electric cars could save drivers at the pump, but luxury cars equipped with the latest in engine technology will likely be expensive for many buyers. Drivers interested in saving money on your purchase of a vehicle to buy a used Mercedes, BMW or Audi.
