As far as engines are concerned, the big news is the arrival of the new BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines which get the same direct injection technology as Mercedes’ latest six and eight-cylinder petrols, as well as turbocharging and fully variable camshaft adjustment on the inlet and exhaust side.
What’s changed?
Much more than you’d expect from the usual mid-life facelift:
- New tax efficient BlueDIRECT petrol engines
- ‘Intelligent drive’ safety and driver assist package
- Smoother, simpler body lines
As a result of these and other measures, both the 184 PS E 200 and the 211 PS E 250, which share the same two-litre capacity, deliver a wallet-friendly 48.7 mpg and a tax-friendly 135g/km of CO2 – excellent figures for cars capable of accelerating from rest to 62 mph in 7.9 and 7.4 seconds respectively. Both engines also already meet the tough EU6 standard which will apply from 2015. In short, real contenders in a business car comparison.
The diesel line-up has a more familiar look to it with the four-cylinder EU5-compliant E 200, E 220 and E 250 CDI options being joined by the EU6 E 350 BlueTEC. The recently-introduced E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid option is also carried over into the new line-up.
All engines are paired with a fuel-saving stop/start system.
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