OM 654, that is the name of the diesel engine with which Mercedes-Benz has said goodbye to Renault

A few years ago, the three-pointed star brand began using Renault engines in some of its entry-level models. Drivers didn’t take it very well, and some even considered it sacrilege. There are customers who look somewhat suspiciously at the Mercedes-Benz A-Class because it uses an engine of French origin. That is finally going to change, as Mercedes-Benz already has its new diesel engine ready.

This new engine will replace the Renault units under the bonnet of some of the brand’s most famous models. This new powertrain is called OM 654 and will be available across the entire compact vehicle range of the three-pointed star brand. Among those models are the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

OM 654, Mercedes-Benz’s new diesel engine

The so-called OM 654 is a four-cylinder, 1,950 cc engine. This means an increase of half a litre in displacement compared with the Renault unit. Despite this, the three-pointed star engineers have made intensive use of aluminium to achieve a much lower weight than the French engine.

Efficiency and performance have both increased. This has been possible thanks to its larger size. The engine works with more ease compared with its predecessor. It is important to highlight that Mercedes-Benz’s new diesel engine features latest-generation technology and components such as a larger particulate filter, high- and low-pressure EGR valves and an SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue.

In this way, emissions have been contained and consumption has been reduced by 15%, a very notable figure for an engine of this kind. Power is maintained and torque has increased by up to 20%. It is worth noting that Mercedes-Benz’s new diesel engine, which will see the brand bid farewell to Renault engines, offers a greater level of refinement thanks to the timing chain located at the rear of the engine, next to the flywheel, and to the two counter-rotating balance shafts placed on either side of the crankshaft. This notably reduces vibrations while driving.

The new Mercedes-Benz unit is 17% lighter, weighing 168.4 kg. Drivers will enjoy 190 CV, and the first model to receive it will be the Mercedes-Benz E 220d. Its consumption is around 3.9 litres/100 km. To improve efficiency, the three-pointed star brand has used pistons with Nanoslide anti-friction coating, and they have a redesigned crown that reduces heat losses.