Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec Concept Revealed

[Merc1]

PRESS RELEASE:

Cleanest diesel technology, excellent fuel economy, great fun to drive

* E250 BlueTEC
* Unique combination of a highly efficient four-cylinder diesel engine and SCR exhaust technology
* 50-State Bin 5 compliance
* Refined power delivery makes concept car great fun to drive
* Technical data

BlueTEC is the keyword for the future of diesel engine technology. Thanks to the highly- efficient exhaust treatment system developed by Mercedes-Benz, BlueTEC vehicles fulfill the strictest global emissions standards to make them the cleanest diesels in the world. With the E250 BlueTEC concept, which was created specifically for the North American market, Mercedes-Benz is now demonstrating how BlueTEC technology in the E-Class can be combined with a four-cylinder engine with optimized fuel consumption. When fitted to the seven-speed automatic transmission, the E250 BlueTEC boasts fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway (estimated). The E250 BlueTEC concept fulfills the strictest emissions standards, including Bin 5, and would even meet the considerably toughened limits laid down in European EU6 legislation not due for implementation until September 1, 2014. The EU6 standard specifies maximum nitrogen oxide emissions that are less than half of those permitted by the current EU5 standard. The following is an overview of the current and future limits for diesel vehicles in the EU*:


EU 5 All new vehicles after 09/01/2009 EU 6 / All new vehicles after 09/01/2014

CO (g/km): 0.50 / 0.50
NOx (g/km): 0.18 / 0.08
HC + NOx (g/km): 0.23 / 0.17
Particulate emissions (g/km): 0.005 / 0.005

Group M1 - passenger vehicles with no more than eight seats plus driver. Max. total permissible weight 3,500kg. Test procedure NEDC 2000.

For the E250 BlueTEC, the modern 2.2 liter four-cylinder CDI engine underwent a detailed redevelopment program in order to further reduce the internal raw emissions generated by the engine and to fulfill the legislative requirements for on-board diagnostics (OBD), as well as other factors. The power unit hardware incorporates features from the series production engines, such as four-valve technology, fourth-generation common-rail piezo direct injection, 2-stage turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation. A highly sensitive electronic engine control system reacts precisely across the full range of operating conditions to optimize the combustion process. The exhaust gas treatment system incorporates an oxidation catalytic converter mounted close to the engine, as well as a diesel particulate filter, which is located at the rear bulkhead in order to shorten its regeneration time.

At the heart of the BlueTEC system are two SCR catalytic converters (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with an "AdBlue®" injector positioned upstream. "AdBlue®" is a synthetic, aqueous urea solution that enables the nitrogen oxide (NOx) to be converted into harmless nitrogen gas in the SCR catalytic converters. The monitoring and diagnosis of the sophisticated exhaust gas treatment process is handled by several sensors, including a differential pressure sensor, a Lambda probe plus NOx and temperature sensors.

For on-board storage of the "AdBlue®" solution, the E250 BlueTEC has a 25 liter tank equipped with a membrane pump, valve, pressure and temperature sensors. The tank volume is sufficient for the duration of a full service interval and is refilled as part of the regular maintenance schedule. The "AdBlue®" tank is integrated into the spare wheel well in the trunk.

E250 BlueTEC combines environmental awareness, driving fun and comfort The combination of the powerful four-cylinder engine with SCR technology makes a convincing argument not only in terms of fuel economy and emissions, but also with impressive performance and the associated fun factor. Thanks to a pair of Lanchester balancing shafts, the concept vehicle's powertrain boasts the exceptionally smooth characteristics expected of a Mercedes-Benz.

Summary technical data for the E250 BlueTEC:

Engine/cylinders - Diesel/I4
Transmission - 7-speed automatic
Displacement - 2143 cm³
Nominal power output - 204 hp
Nominal torque - 369 lb-ft at 1600-1800 r/min
U.S. fuel economy* City Highway - 28 mpg 39 mpg
U.S. emissions compliance - Bin 5
*preliminary figures

In Europe, this BlueTEC technology is available in a series production model starting fall 2009 with the E350 BlueTEC. Under its hood is a V6 diesel engine with 211 hp and 540 Nm of torque. This means that Mercedes-Benz will very soon offer a series production passenger vehicle that complies with the EU6 emissions standard not scheduled for implementation until 2014.


New York 2009: Mercedes E250 Bluetec concept would get 28/39 city/hwy rating



How interesting if this would go on sale here. This engine should be in the GLK and C-Class right now.


M

 

[Yaz]

How interesting if this would go on sale here. This engine should be in the GLK and C-Class right now.


M

Don't think so. The screen behind the guy only lists 3 engines - the E350, E550 and E350 BlueTec

Plus the car is not a US spec.

 

[Merc1]

Well we know that Yaz....the car is consumer reaction/test for the U.S. market...lol.

According to various media today the car was developed for the U.S. market in mind.

M

 

[Yaz]

Well, I just hope it stays there till I get there to see it . It looks like it's the only new E there.

 

[cawimmer430]

I say bring it over to the US. Consumers need to realize that luxury isn't all about excess but also about efficiency and realism.

 

[Giannis]

Now that i think of it, I have never driven a diesel Mercedes!

Anyway, pretty impressive engine and with a 7-speed transmission. Now that's a great package..

 

[Merc1]

#NYIAS Mercedes gave a quick introduction to the Vision E250 Bluetec sedan yesterday in New York. We took a quick photo. By today, the diesel Benz concept was gone, already whisked off for the Shanghai auto show.

"Vision" is somewhat of a misnomer, because the E250 isn't really a concept. A version of this car, the E250 CDI, is already part of the 2010 E-Class lineup in Europe. But the "Bluetec" indicates the car now has an AdBlue urea tank in back, allowing it to meet Europe's more stringent EU 6 emission standard that goes into effect in 2014. Compared to the current EU 5 standard, this requires a significant cut in NOx emissions.The urea injections would also allow the Mercedes-Benz E250 to get 50-state certification here.

Who's going to buy a four-cylinder diesel E-Class? You are. Consider that the Vision E250 Bluetec has a 2.1-liter turbodiesel four (or 2.2 liters, according to Benz, but displacement is only 2,143cc) good for 204 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from 1,600-1,800 rpm. That's not much less than the 210 hp and 400 lb-ft in our current E320 Bluetec, and the E250 would be cheaper, Mercedes officials tell us.

Estimated fuel economy ratings on the U.S. test cycle are an incredible 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway -- vastly better than the E320 Bluetec, rated at 23/32.

Mercedes has not yet made a decision about whether to import a production E250 Bluetec, but if it came here, it would replace the diesel E320. This diesel is also under consideration for the GLK. -- Erin Riches, Senior Editor


2009 New York Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz Vision E250 Bluetec | Straightline Blog on Edmunds' Inside Line


M

 

[cawimmer430]

Check out some of the responses to this car from readers of the International Herald Tribune. I expect them by default to be typically wealthier, more open-minded about different issues and curious.


Link: Mercedes-Benz to Bring 4-Cylinder Diesels to the U.S.? - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com


Some samples:


I think there’s a huge untapped market for small fuel-efficient luxury cars in this country. For too long the automakers have felt that luxury implied large and powerful. Small and sufficiently powerful is good enough.

Luxury also doesn’t need to mean every electronic convenience known to humankind and every surface covered in wood or leather. Luxury can mean a quiet interior with modest creature comforts like automatic climate control and a decent stereo. This is especially true for Mercedes in the US, where they don’t have a downmarket brand with which to compete.

I’d buy, for example, a TDI Quattro A3 in a heartbeat. The fuel economy of diesel matched with the utility of a station wagon (yes, that’s right, I said it) is a potent combination.
— Greg



I’d buy that motor in the E or C Class. Our E300 Turbodiesel is getting a bit long in the tooth.

MBUSA is completely enthralled with big motors and bling. It is sad really. Look how long it took them to bring in the Sprinter Van. Even then they disguised it as a Dodge.

I’ve been begging MBNA to import the new Diesel G-wagens also. I’ve imported an older diesel G and it has averaged 20mpg since I bought it. A far cry from the 11-13mpg the gas powered G the USA market gets.

Give me a choice! I had to blow $15K on EPA and DOT certification, just to import the diesel G-wagen I wanted. MBUSA could have done this for practically nothing since the same engine was already being imported in the E-class.
— Alan



I own a 2006 e 320 CDI. I drove it from Allentown PA to Quebec City Canada. At 80mph, I was getting 40 MPG!!!
I have a Saab 93 , and the Mercedes is faster and much better on fuel. I even get better milage than my wifes Toyota Corolla. A superior car indeed. I would love to see a diesel hybrid plug in version!!!!
— Ed Leskin


In a country with a 65mph speed limit it makes more sense than in Germany to offer smaller engine choices. None of my friends in Europe believe me when I tell them that the smallest engine I can get here in ANY Mercedes is a 3.0L V6 gasoline engine. The new 2.2L diesel engine MB is offering in Europe is good enough to power any MB model, including the E class - and IMHO even the S class. After all, it has about the same amount of torque than the V8 of the S550.
— Jürgen



On our European vacation in 2007, we rented a E-Class diesel wagon that possibly had this engine though was not Bluetec. Accelarated very well, was able to very comfortably drive at up to 120 mph and overall, we got between 35 and 40 mpg over 2,000 miles of mixed driving including a fair amount of driving in the Alps in Austria, Switzerland and Southern Germany. We wondered why such vehicles are not available in the US. Other than perception, and we Americans are folly to that, thse are marvelous engines. In the rest of the world, diesel is cheaper that gasoline as there is more balanced production - US refineries focus on gasoline with the result diesel prices are higher and fluctuate randomly, an unfortunate consequence of a free-market economy.
— Venkatesh



I grew up driving MB diesels (started driving with a 300CD Turbodiesel). It’s nice to see MB re-establish their strong diesel reputation that had been challenged by great diesel products from VW and BMW.

I personally couldn’t care LESS about how many cylinders a car has. I’m not hung up on that. I only care about how it drives, performs, and lasts. My 944 Turbo only had 4 cylinders, and it dusted quite a few cars with more cylinders (and got great gas mileage).
— Larry



My first Mercedes was a 190D that I purchased in 1980. It was 4 cylinders and was extremly economical. The car remained in my family with mileage of over 200,000 miles. The 4 cylinder was disocntinued and I purchased the 6 cylinder diesel until it was discontinued in 1996. I would be very interested to in its return to the U.S. market. I have purchased only Mercedes since 1980 …currently driving a S550. However, it is time to turn back the clock
— michael bulhack



I would buy a fuel efficient MB with a diesel engine. I rented an A-class in Europe with a diesel and was really surprised by how quick and solid that little Benz felt.
— cxv



Congratulations MB. We have a 2006 E320 CDI - the last of the straight 6 diesels. It gets 40 MPH no sweat on the interstate. Very hard to beat. On biodiesel or “mineral” diesel. MB went with the V-6 to fit the SUVs. But at CDI C class would be very neat, since it would weigh less than an E class; so 44 MPH - no problem. Sell more of these and change the warranty to allow 100% biodiesel.
— James Northrup


Finally, an efficient car for the rest of us. This is the car I have been looking for. I refuse to buy a car that averages (both urban and highway together) less than 30 mpg. While there are a few cars that meet that requirement, none of them offer the level of comfort that I desire.
— Mark Younger



Given how popular old Mercedes diesels remain among the niche audience that appreciates their reliability, sturdiness and fuel economy, I suspect that a modern, luxurious, smooth and clean diesel will be very popular, even if the latest Mercedes models don’t have the same the solid over-engineering of older M-B chassis.
— Andrew



It’s about time! I always wondered why luxury and high mileage were mutually exclusive in the car market.

Our TDI Jetta is phenomenal, getting 50+ hwy, and sufficiently plush. However, I’m only 6′4″, and I understand there are special-needs individuals for whom the Jetta is inadequate. While mileage is always my top priority, others must be enticed. The E BlueTEC might persuade some of my neighbors to buy a truly efficient car, instead of the Lexus hybrids they were suckered into.

Dave
— David Klumpp



Yes, definitely ~ bring it on.

I drive a 4-cylinder Jetta TDI now, and prior to that had a 4-cylinder MB-190D that I retired at 350,000 miles.

The MB-190D was slow to accelerate, but once up to speed, would cruise all day at 80 mph and deliver an honest 50 mpg.
— Langdon Rhinehardt



Having driven all over Italy in the last 9 years, and always specifying a diesel as a rental, I can tell you that there are dozens of models of American vehicles, e.g. The Dodge Caravan turbodiesel, the PT Cruiser, the Jeep that are all over the road. And strangely enough, diesel is 15-20% cheaper overseas! There are great Audi models, MBs of all types and sizes including “mini” mini vans that are just great and fun to drive. I am always amazed at how far behind we are the Europeans. Their diesels have always run cleaner, but only now we have developed the “blue diesel” that has been around in Italy for at least the past 9 years. Can someone explain to me why diesel in America costs more than gasoline, since it requires less refining? Your home heating oil, incidentally, as well as kerosene, works just fine in a diesel engine. For years, many farmers and others in rural areas would run their road vehicles from that “extra” tank of home heating oil in the barn, avoiding the road tax! Let’s wake up!
— rich robb



Finally, finally, finally!!!! After being an owner of Mercedes Benz cars for over 44 years, and after proposing the C Class to dealers hundreds of times, it seems like Daimler finally got the message: the USA IS the market for C Class diesel automobiles. For the first time last year I was unfaithful to the Marcedes Benz brand and I bought a new Lexus. I simply got tired that nobody in Germany would lesson to the fact the diesels from Mercedes Benz were the best cars ever, even in America. Let’s hope we can see the C Class diesels soon. I am ready to file for divorce and go back to my dearest brand.
— Al



MB, don’t make BMW’s mistake, who put a high end, 6 cyl. diesel into a 3 series and raised the price of the car by 10-15K Canadian dollars over the price of an entry level 328 or 323. People interested in diesels are not into winning the Le Mans…
As well, put the 4 cylinder in a B or C class, or in the GLK with AWD, not in the E series. People interested in diesels are rarely willing or able to fork out 60K (Canadian) for the privilege of driving a fuel-efficient, durable car.
Personally, I would prefer a diesel from a less prestigious brand (Subaru, Acura), but I could settle on an entry level MB.
— momo



And this comment was very interesting...



If only Mercedes would bring their A series to the USA, especially the diesel version. It would be their best seller.

Auto execs think Americans only want “luxury” sedans with small interiors and big trunks.

Wake up!

Look at the sales of spacious, intelligent cars like the Honda Fit. Mercedes A series is even better and is omnipresent in Europe, but impossible to buy in USA.
— nathan

 

[Merc1]

The problem with that is that A-Class would be too expensive to really compete with those cars and to make it cheaper would mean you'd have a Mercedes with absolutely nothing in it.

These people might be more open minded, but most consumers aren't and they aren't going to buy a A-Class Mercedes and it most certainly wouldn't be Mercedes' best seller here, that is ridiculous.

A 4-cylinder diesel makes perfect sense a GLK or C-Class, but in an E that would iffy IMO. Sure it would sell to people like the above folks, but they aren't the majority and MBUSA has to determine whether or not it is worthwhile to import such a car at such low numbers. The V6 diesel doesn't exactly light up the sales charts now, its still an aquired taste. Price isn't the diesel E's problem, perception and high diesel fuel prices are.


M

 

[MoSs]

gorgeous paint!!!

 

[ZicZachZo]

It's hard to say how long buyers will keep purchasing smaller cars. With the bad press about their safety, fickle consumers who consider gas price the top factor in car purchases, and a total lack of setting a gas tax that would help car manufacturers tremendously, the consensus is hard to pen.

I think that if the A class were marketed to the right kind of people it would do very well here. I'm sure that a number of people flocking toward the Fit/Smart/Versa/Yaris/Mini have deeper pockets than what their car purchase would suggest. Not to mention, I think women would flock to a car like the A class. I would imagine only the elegance and sport models, with a mix of gas and diesel engines.

Let's face it, we're all in a perplexed state of mind with this lingering economy. I think Mercedes could capitalize on a confused public and eschew in a new segment of luxury minded small cars.

As for the E class having a 4 cylinder engine... Honestly, who gives a rip. This engine makes around the same horsepower as the inline 6 found in the W124. With such a whopping amount of torque, who the hell is going to know it's a 4 cylinder if they're not told so beforehand? I bet you could fool a lot of people.

 

[Gullwing]

This I4 makes the same power as the V6 CDI
I think if there was no markings on the engine cover and you showed it to most people they would think it was a V6 or V8.

 

[cawimmer430]

The problem with that is that A-Class would be too expensive to really compete with those cars and to make it cheaper would mean you'd have a Mercedes with absolutely nothing in it.

These people might be more open minded, but most consumers aren't and they aren't going to buy a A-Class Mercedes and it most certainly wouldn't be Mercedes' best seller here, that is ridiculous.

I personally don't want to see the A-Class or B-Class in the US for the sole reason that could cheapen the brand. C-Class is definitely the absolute minimum.

A 4-cylinder diesel makes perfect sense a GLK or C-Class, but in an E that would iffy IMO. Sure it would sell to people like the above folks, but they aren't the majority and MBUSA has to determine whether or not it is worthwhile to import such a car at such low numbers. The V6 diesel doesn't exactly light up the sales charts now, its still an aquired taste. Price isn't the diesel E's problem, perception and high diesel fuel prices are.

The people who posted there can also exert influence. They have friends who drive luxury cars and are probably also as open minded or at least willing to give a 4-cylinder E-Class a try. Keep in mind that many people there claimed they were driving an E320 or E350 because "nothing lower" was available. They made it perfectly clear that they care more about what the car offers (comfort etc.) rather than performance. Rest assured that there are many who think like this. An E250 would sell because of mileage, not performance - and its performance would be deemed as completely sufficient anyway.

 

[Merc1]

Good points Chris, but does MBUSA have the balls to do it? I doubt it. They'll try a 4-cylinder in a GLK and C first IMO.


M

 

[cawimmer430]

Good points Chris, but does MBUSA have the balls to do it? I doubt it. They'll try a 4-cylinder in a GLK and C first IMO.


M

Or they could inform and educate their customers about this car through flyers and of course making people aware of it on their USA website. Then question your customers (and non-MB customers) through the use of surveys to get a picture of how well this car could do in the market.

 

[tennmb]

Mercedes needs to do their market research. Diesel works hand in hand with economy.

A c-class 4 cyl diesel would do well in the US. But you need to market it right.
The diesel engines are focusing too much on performance, and not enough on economy.

 

[Gullwing]

If I was bringing over the C250CDI I would not say anything about it being a 4 cylinder engine. I would just show the power and mileage numbers, compare it to the Prius or other hybrids.