The M281 is a straight-three petrol engine produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2014.
The M281 uses an aluminium alloy cylinder block and head, and features a dual overhead camshaft with 4 valves per cylinder. It is transversely mounted and is available in three configurations: naturally aspirated with or , or as a turbocharged version. These engines are used in Smart, Renault, Nissan, and Dacia models due to Daimler A.G.'s involvement in the RenaultâÂÂNissanâÂÂMitsubishi Alliance since 2010.