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It wasn’t too long ago that Mercedes struggled to get into this guide but with a new range of super hi-tech engines that is all about to change. Mercedes may have been the slowest of the German manufacturers to bring fuel-efficient models to market, but the results are impressive.
Confusingly, Mercedes’ badging system no longer directly relates to engine size which explains how the 250 gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 211 bhp. It deploys cutting-edge BlueDIRECT technology with direct fuel injection, multi-spark injection, turbocharging, and continuously variable intake and exhaust timing. Even more impressively this is the first time that a turbocharged engine has been built with the ability to switch between stratified charge (lean burn) or homogeneous charge, offering big fuel consumption savings.
Alongside the new engine, a number of detail changes maximise fuel efficiency with all UK E-Class’s getting the BlueEFFICIENCY pack apart from the V8 models. This means low rolling resistance tyres, energy-saving alternator, fuel pump, air conditioning and power steering. The E250 combines this with a 7-speed automatic transmission which aids fuel economy and performance.
None of this fuel-sipping technology detracts from the usual E-Class strong points of supreme refinement and excellent build quality. In fact the aerodynamic additions result in a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.25 which helps to make the cabin a hushed environment at speed.
The latest E-Class takes the best aspects of the previous model but adds state-of-the-art engines and the BlueEFFICIENCY pack to great effect. As long as driving thrills aren’t top of your list, and you can live with the list price, the Mercedes Benz E-Class makes a compelling case.
Read our full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review
