Despite the fact that we are living in an era of downsizing and electrification, the inline-six engine has seen a comeback in the automotive industry. It was once adored for its smoothness and sultry sound, but manufacturers started using V6s because they were smaller and could fit both longitudinal and transverse mounting applications. For a long time, BMW was the only company that didn't change, and the inline-six became a hallmark of the best BMWs. However, in 2023, the inline six will be back, and at least five automaker conglomerates will use this fantastic engine. It's no longer just for high-end brands; companies like Jeep and Mazda are also getting in on the action. Therefore, we decided to recognize the manufacturers who were at the forefront of the straight-six's revival in order to commemorate its return.
Did you not anticipate that BMW would be the first item on this list? But no, we're starting with the most recent addition to the list because Mazda has shown us the all-new CX-90 for the American market, which features a straight-six engine and a longitudinal (rear-drive-oriented) platform for the first time. The CX-90 is the first, but other new Mazda models with the same engine family and platform will follow. A new 3.3-liter inline-six produces 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of buttery-smooth torque in range-topping form thanks to mild hybridization, which is common to most straight sixes on this list.
We have reason to believe that plug-in hybrids will also be compatible with the new sixer, and diesel versions will also be available in other markets.
BMW and inline sixes go hand in hand. Toyota, Ineos, Morgan, and Boldmen all buy this six-cylinder engine from BMW and use it in their Supra, Grenadier, Plus Six, and CR4 models.With its inline-six heritage dating back to the M20, which debuted in 1977, BMW has been building straight sixes for the longest duration of any of the automakers on this list. And that is only the "junior" six-pot; the "Senior Six" M30 was made in 1968.
The 3.0-liter displacement that has been in use since the M54 generation is one of the few modern characteristics that all BMW six-cylinder models have in common. However, since the N54 was introduced in 2006, these six-cylinder engines have been turbocharged in a variety of configurations and utilized in a wide range of vehicles, including full-size luxury sedans and SUVs as well as performance coupes and sports cars. At the time of writing, the BMW M4 CSL's S58 produces up to 553 horsepower, making it the best of the best.When it comes to V8 engines (thanks to BMW), the British motor group is frequently associated with borrowing engines from other brands. However, JLR introduced the Ingenium modular engine family in 2015, which could be equipped with either gas or diesel options and could be scaled up to six cylinders. The Ingenium six-pot has been paired with turbocharging and electric supercharging in straight-six form, as well as turbocharging and hybridization. These motors are currently in use in the Jaguar F-Pace SUV, the Land Rover Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Defender, as well as the significantly updated Range Rover Velar for 2024. The smooth-six powers even more models elsewhere in the world, including the F-Type sports car. This engine will probably be the first to go out of production when Jaguar and Land Rover both decide to only make cars that use electric vehicles in the coming years.
Mercedes-Benz When it comes to straight sixes, Mercedes-Benz arguably has the same or even better heritage than BMW. Since 1924, Mercedes-Benz has produced inline sixes, but it stopped making them after switching to the V6 in 1997. But in 2017, Merc made a U-turn and went back to the wonderful inline application. A 3.0-liter engine was paired with EQ Boost, a new mild-hybrid system that uses both traditional and electronic turbocharging. From the E 450 to the S 500 and the AMG GT 53 4Matic, this extremely adaptable powertrain has been used, and Aston Martin even used it in the DBX SUV for the Chinese market. According to rumors, the next-generation Mercedes-AMG E63 will use this motor with a plug-in hybrid system and all-wheel drive to carry on Merc's nearly 700 horsepower six-cylinder tradition.
From a performance standpoint, BMW's sixes are iconic, but Mercedes' new straight-six is one of our favorites to drive because it blends electric and combustion propulsion better than any rival.Stellantis, Wagoneer, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo While Dodge has frequently been able to compete with BMW in terms of performance, it has typically done so by employing high-displacement V8 engines. However, Stellantis has developed a brand-new inline-six known as the Hurricane, which will be built at its Saltillo, Mexico, production facility by the end of 2021. With twin turbocharging, this 3.0-liter inline-six is available in Standard Output (SO) or High Output (HO) versions with 420 to 510 horsepower. Another engine that is ripe for hybridization is this one. The Hurricane can be found in the Wagoneer and Wagoneer L at the moment. In the not-too-distant future, it will also appear in the Ram 1500 pickup. There are also strong rumors that it will appear in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, next-generation Alfa Romeo sedans and SUVs, and Dodge muscle cars. Yes, Dodge will sell alternative six-cylinder muscle cars for a few years, but not all of them will be electric. You can even purchase the Hurricrate, a crate version of this motor, to stick in any car you want.
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