Mercedes-Benz is considering the use of a three-cylinder engine in its high-end cars, reports say. 

Bernhard Heil, Mercedes-Benz powertrain chief, told Car & Drive that a three-cylinder unit could perform well with its compact size and ability to be transversely mounted for front-wheel drive vehicles. However, Heil does not find the small engines to be very competent due to vibration, noise and harshness issues.

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However, pairing the small engine with a hybrid powertrain would help exclude a number of issues. If built, the three-cylinder hybrid engine would only be used for front-wheel drive vehicles, including the GLA, A-Class, CLA or B-Class models.

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