Mercedes Benz M276 engine

The Mercedes-Benz M276 engine is a direct injected, V6 gasoline automotive piston engine.

The M276 engine is related to the Chrysler Pentastar V6 engine, with which it shares its basic architecture, as it was developed while Chrysler was still owned by Daimler AG. This can be seen in its 60 degree vee-angle, as opposed to the 90 degree angle of its M272 predecessor. The 60 degree vee-angle eliminates the need for a balance shaft, improving refinement while reducing mechanical complexity.

The M276 engine features an aluminum engine block and dual overhead camshafts with independent variable valve timing on intake and exhaust valves and a new timing chain arrangement. The M276 also includes direct injection with piezo-electrically controlled injectors for more precise fuel delivery, multi-spark ignition that allows for multiple ignition events during the combustion stroke, and modified accessories (such as the fuel pump, water pump, oil pump, and alternator) that reduce parasitic loads. These features are also shared with Mercedes' M278 V8 engine, announced at the same time.

Mercedes-Benz claim that the new engine, in conjunction with vehicle modifications such as a stop-start system, can produce up to a 24% improvement in fuel economy while increasing power and torque over the M272.

The M276 is not available in Australian market due to high sulphur content in the fuel. BMW had similar decision with their N53 engine for the same reason.