Sit back and enjoy! These are the three greatest engines in Mercedes-Benz history

As you’re surely thinking, choosing the three greatest engines in Mercedes-Benz history is no easy task. The star brand has produced true gems that have gone down in automotive history and, of course, it has some of the finest engines in the world, not only for power but also for technology and even efficiency. Shall we get to know them a little better?

Reliability and durability are two of the basic characteristics of any Mercedes-Benz engine. These three greatest engines in Mercedes-Benz history are sure to put a smile on your face. We agree that there are many others, but we believe these deserve admiration. Are you ready to meet them?

Mercedes-Benz M120

The Mercedes-Benz engine known as the M120 is the one that powered the already legendary Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, so it could not be missing from this selection. This V12 engine was used in the 1990s and 2000s. Besides the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, the M120 also brought to life the Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG. It is a V12 DOHC engine with four valves per cylinder, sequential injection and water cooling.

It is important to note that it had several evolutions, each more spectacular than the last. It was launched in 1991 to equip the top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz S-Class, specifically the Mercedes-Benz 600SE, the Mercedes-Benz 600SEL and the Mercedes-Benz S600. A year later, in 1992, it reached the SEC, S Coupé, CL and SL versions. Over time, the engine evolved and made its way into competition with the M297. In case you didn’t know, the Mercedes-Benz M120 engine powers the Pagani Zonda in 6.0, 7.0 and 7.3 litre versions, reaching a power output of 750 CV in the Pagani Zonda R.

Mercedes-Benz M178

Although this engine is much more modern, we are sure the M178 will mark a before and after for the star brand. This engine replaced the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, the M157, and is far more technologically advanced. The new M178 from Mercedes-Benz is a compact, lightweight engine with plenty of power and great efficiency. It can be fitted to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class or even the Aston Martin DB11 with its V8 engine. It has two turbos inside the engine block, which makes it a very versatile unit.

Mercedes-Benz OM617

Much of the star brand’s fame is owed to the OM617 engine. This is a five-cylinder diesel engine that debuted in 1974 powering the Mercedes-Benz W115 with a maximum output of 80 CV. The engine was, in practice, an evolution of the OM616, but with one more cylinder. Over time it evolved and achieved its best results in the Mercedes-Benz W123 and in the Mercedes-Benz 300D, which reached 88 CV.