Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI BlueEfficiency

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Introduction

Mercedes has caused something of a stir with its new E-Class model. Specifically, the new executive saloon's four-cylinder 2.1-litre turbodiesel models, which offer quite remarkable economy and consumption figures. Three are offered in E 200, E 220 and E 250 CDI BlueEfficiency guises, each using the same basic four-cylinder engine. What's impressive though is that despite their varying outputs - from 134bhp in the E 200 CDI to 201bhp in the E 250 CDI - they all record the same 53.3mpg combined consumption figure and 139g/km of CO₂.

What is it?

All but a handful of the fastest and most powerful new E-Class models benefit from BlueEfficiency technology. That encompasses everything from on-demand under bonnet auxiliaries to low rolling resistance tyres, super-slippery aerodynamics - the E-Class comfortably the most aerodynamically efficient car in its class - gear-shift indicators and on some models the inclusion of stop-start technology. The E-Class is an executive saloon institution, Mercedes having sold millions of cars in this class. This latest E-Class is absolutely brimming with technological advances that don't just make it as environmentally friendly as possible, but as comfortable as and more safe than ever.

How does it drive?

It's not often you can pick the most powerful engine of three without compromising your environmental credentials but that's the case with the new 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine in the E-Class. Both of the lower output versions will do a perfectly adequate job of powering the E-Class, but in E 250 CDI form it gives the E-Class the sort of winning punch that buyers will want in this class. Mercedes tested this car longer and harder than any car in its history before it okayed it for production and that shows. Refinement is exemplary, comfort is superb and all the various systems - many of which are optional at this level - work very effectively indeed.

The 2.1-litre turbodiesel unit is super strong in its mid-range, the enormous 369lb.ft of torque it produces making the E 250 CDI an effortless machine to drive. To achieve those headline CO₂ and consumption figures you need to stick with the standard manual six-speed transmission, though if you can't live with an executive car without an auto then there's a five-speed automatic offered optionally. That increases the CO₂ output to 159g/km and hits the fuel consumption slightly, but even so-equipped the E 250 CDI BlueEfficiency is still impressively environmentally friendly.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

Until we have cars that produce absolutely no CO₂ and use no fossil fuels then everything's a bit of a planet mugger. It's all degrees of environmentally friendliness though and here the E 250 CDI scores very well indeed. CO₂ emissions of 139g/km and fuel consumption of 53.3mpg are better figures than many superminis can muster - remember this is a big, comfortable 201bhp executive saloon that can reach 62mph in 8.2 seconds and 150mph. It's also worth noting that the 139g/km CO₂ figure only applies to SE models, as the Avantgarde and Sport trims result in a 5g/km increase in emissions.

Verdict

For a big executive saloon to return the sort of economy and emissions numbers the E 250 CDI BlueEfficiency does is pretty remarkable. That it does so without compromising its credibility as a fast, easy to live with executive model is even more impressive. With a range of stop-start cars and hybridisation of some models in the pipeline, the E-Class really is a three-pointed environmental star.

Kyle Fortune

Friday April 3