Four-cylinder E-Class lands

Mercedes-Benz is on the efficiency warpath with the arrival of the new BlueEfficiency versions of its E-Class.

The BlueEfficiency range was flagged at the launch of the latest E-Class in March. Though the first Aussie Es were petrol V6 and V8 models, now, four new high efficiency engines have been added to the local range: two four-cylinder turbodiesels, one V6 turbodiesel and a turbo petrol four-cylinder.

With fuel consumption dropping to as low as 5.9L/100km, the new engines continue the trend of bringing small-car economy with more than adequate torque to full-size cars via small-capacity, ultra-efficient turbodiesels..

The entry-level E-Class is now the 2.1-litre four-cylinder E 220 CDI turbodiesel that pumps out an unarguably strong 125kW/400Nm yet consumes an average of 5.9L/100km, for a manufacturer's list price (MLP) excluding on-road costs of $80,900. Next step up is the 2.1-litre 150kW/500Nm E 250 CDI that, despite the extra torque and kilowatts, claims the same average fuel consumption of 5.9L/100km and is tagged at $96,900.

The top turbodiesel is the 170kW/540Nm 3.0-litre V6 with an average (Euro) consumption of 7.3L/100km and a pricetag from $131,900.

In between the two four-cylinder turbodiesels is the four-cylinder direct-injection petrol E 250 CGI. It displaces 1.8 litres and winds out 150kW/310Nm while consuming 7.6L/100km.

With some parallels to BMW's EfficientDynamics regime, the Benz BlueEfficiency tag means things such as improved aerodynamics, weight reduction strategies and optimised, reduced-weight engines. It filters down to things like thinner windscreen glass, lighter alloy wheels, low rolling resistance tyres – and even the removal of some sound-deadening material.

The new BlueEfficiency Benz models have gained a top accolade from the TUV Rheinland group as the current holders of its Design for Environment certificate.

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