Five carmakers using Mercedes-Benz bits

Tuesday, 14 November 2017

Mercedes-Benz often leads, with models like the E-class. And many follow.

The E-class is Mercedes-Benz's technology leader: the German company has packed all of its latest tech into the big fella.

But it also likes to share… for a price, of course. Mercedes flicks a lot of its older tech off to other companies, as well as providing some of the new stuff with its current partners. Here are five examples of carmakers that use Mercedes bits.

SsangYong

Back in 1991 SsangYong entered a 'technology partnership' with Daimler-Benz to develop an SUV using Mercedes components. The idea was that SsangYong could expand into new markets using Benz infrastructure, while Mercedes would get an SUV out of the deal.

The result was the Musso (and later the Musso Sport ute), which used Mercedes-Benz engines and transmissions, along with other technology. Mercedes did actually sell it in some markets, but the partnership stayed in place well after it stopped, with a badge-engineered version of the Mercedes-Benz MB100 van (the SsangYong Istana) appearing, as well as a number of SsangYongs using Mercedes engines and transmissions, including the second-generation Korando, the Rexton, the Chairman H and W and the Kyron.

Tesla

If you like Chrysler's 'modern' large cars you have a lot to thank Mercedes-Benz for.

Although the relationship has recently fallen apart, Tesla and Mercedes were once rather cosy, with Daimler-Benz even once taking a 10 per cent stake in Tesla when the American company was struggling for cash (again).

That relationship is rather obvious if you take a close look at the interior of the Tesla Model S, because most of the switchgear is actually from a W212 Mercedes E-class! The transmission selector, indicator and cruise control stalks on the steering column are pure Mercedes, as well as the the electric window switches. The cupholders are from the W164 M-class and, while neither party talk about it, it is widely rumoured that the air suspension system is also from Mercedes.

Mercedes was Japanese luxury brand Infiniti's ticket into the premium small-car market with the Q30 and QX30.

Chrysler

Now, this one is messy. Back when the whole ill-conceived DaimlerChrysler 'merger of equals' thing was happening, a number of half-arsed collaborations oozed their way into the world, only to quickly shrivel and die (remember the SLK-based Chrysler Crossfire?).

Original Aston Martin DB11 V12 used Mercedes electronics. New V8 version gets an AMG engine, too.

At that time, Chrysler needed to replace its ageing full-size LH platform. To save money when developing the new LX platform it used 'some' Mercedes parts. Which, in reality, pretty much meant 'all of it'. The W220 S-class and W211 E-class contributed to the LX, including suspension, seat rails, the steering column, transmissions, rear differential and the stability control system. That same platform is still in use today under the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Charger.

Infiniti

The first proper product from the technology sharing agreement between Mercedes and the Renault Nissan Alliance, the Infiniti Q30 hatch and QX30 small SUV, were both heavily based on the Mercedes-Benz A-class and GLA-class respectively. Which are basically the same cars underneath anyway.

While the Infinitis have different bodies and interiors, the platform, engines and transmissions are pure Mercedes, while - like the Tesla Model S - much of the switchgear is also Mercedes stuff. We've recently seen Mercedes use Renault engines and the platform of the Nissan Navara under its just-launched X-class pickup.

Aston Martin

Back in 2013 the iconic British manufacturer entered into an agreement with Daimler AG to source Mercedes-AMG engines and technology for its future models. We have since seen the first fruit of this deal in the form of the DB11: in V12 form it uses Mercedes infotainment and navigation systems, while the new V8 version goes all the way and uses the volcanic AMG 4.0-litre biturbo V8.

The next car to use the AMG V8 is the rather stunning Vantage - the Porsche-baiting sports car that will be released shortly. The Vantage also uses some rather familiar switchgear in its cabin as well. Oh, and by the way, expect that to continue, because Daimler owns five per cent of Aston Martin now.