Since 2010, the company has had a strategic agreement with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, allowing the use of certain Renault engines in compact models and commercial vehicles.
The goal was straightforward: reduce production costs without damaging the brand image or compromising driving qualities. In return, Renault gained access to Mercedes technologies, while the engines underwent serious re-engineering — changes to the ECU calibration, intake/exhaust systems, and ancillary components — to meet Mercedes’ strict standards for vibration, noise, and emissions (Euro 6 and later).
By 2026, the situation has changed significantly: production of the previous compact hatchbacks A-Class and B-Class ended in 2025, replaced by new models on the MMA platform with different powertrains. Renault diesel engines had already virtually disappeared from passenger Mercedes models earlier (after 2020–2022), and the 1.3-liter gasoline M282 engine (also known as the Renault H5Ht) is gradually being phased out in favor of newer units, including Chinese-sourced engines from Aurobay (Geely/Volvo partnership) and other in-house or new-partner developments.
On our website, you can buy a Mercedes with various engine types. If you appreciate genuine Mercedes engines, you should, of course, be careful when choosing models equipped with them.
Nevertheless, traces of this cooperation still remain in the used-car market and in some current models. Here are the places where Renault engines appeared (or still appear):
- A-Class (W177, up to 2025) — gasoline versions A 200, A 220 e, A 250, and earlier the diesel A 180 d. The main one was the 1.3 turbo M282 (joint development, but assembled in Germany and calibrated by Mercedes). The diesel OM608 (based on the Renault 1.5 dCi) was used only in early production batches, roughly until 2020–2021.
- B-Class (W247, up to 2025) — B 200, B 250 e, and older diesels. Same engines as in the A-Class, suited to practical family cars.
- CLA (C118/C119, transitional period) — CLA 200, CLA 220 e, CLA 250 e. M282 in gasoline and plug-in hybrid versions; the OM608 diesel disappeared quickly.
- GLA (H247) — GLA 200 and earlier GLA 180 d. Shared platform with the A-Class, therefore similar engines.
- GLB (X247) — GLB 200. The same 1.3-liter turbo in entry-level versions.
- Citan — essentially a rebadged Renault Kangoo. All diesel variants (110 CDI, 112 CDI, etc.) use the Renault 1.5 dCi. Production ends in 2026.
- Vito — in earlier generations some base diesels came from Renault, but nowadays almost all are equipped with Mercedes’ own OM-series engines.
The main Renault-sourced engines that appeared:
- 1.3 gasoline (M282) — joint development, considered reliable, real-world consumption 6–7 l/100 km, mostly produced in Germany.
- 1.5 diesel (K9K / OM608) — pure Renault engine with adaptations, consumption 4.5–6 l/100 km, long service life with proper maintenance.
Today Mercedes has largely moved away from Renault engines in passenger cars: the new CLA, GLA, and GLB are switching to in-house or new-partner powertrains (including Geely/Horse Powertrain). In the commercial segment, the Citan was the last stronghold, but it too is being phased out by mid-2026 without a direct successor using Renault engines.
The partnership helped, from 2010 through the mid-2020s, make compact Mercedes models more affordable while giving Renault a more premium image in the eyes of the market. For owners of used cars, it’s a benefit: parts are inexpensive and servicing is straightforward.
By 2026, Mercedes’ focus is fully on electric vehicles, hybrids, and new-generation combustion engines — globalization continues, but now without Renault in the core passenger lineup.
At its peak, roughly 5–7 models used these engines, mainly compacts and vans. It’s a clear example of how even premium brands adapt to market realities.