Mercedes-Benz Revises E-Class Engine Range

In tune with the times, Mercedes-Benz has announced a comprehensive suite of mechanical upgrades for the E-Class series, which result in significant gains in fuel economy. From now on, all models are fitted with the firm’s eco-friendly BlueEfficiency package, direct injection technology and start-stop systems. In addition, all automatic models are equipped with the improved 7G-Tronic Plus 7-speed transmission.
The V6 and V8 petrol engines in the E350 and the E500 have been heavily revised, with both featuring Merc’s third-generation direct injection system called BlueDirect. The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, which had the V-angle reduced from 90 to 60 degrees for more refinement, receives a new air intake system and the direct injection system, resulting in a more power and greater fuel-efficiency.
The six-cylinder now develops 306HP (up from 292HP) and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque (previously 365 Nm). Fuel consumption has dropped by a whopping 20 percent, from 8.5 liters/100 km (27.7 mpg US) to 6.8 liters/100 km (34.6 mpg US) in the E350 sedan. CO2 emissions were also reduced by 20 percent, from 199 to 159 g/km. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 6.3 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than before.
The V8 unit in the E500 model is brand new employs a twin turbocharging system to compensate for the reduction in displacement from 5.5 to 4.6 liters. It is rated at 408HP (up from 388HP) and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque (previously 530 Nm). Fuel consumption has been reduced by 17 percent, from 10.8 lt/100 km (21.8 mpg US) to 8.9 lt/100 km (26.4 mpg US), while CO2 emissions dropped from 253 to 209 g/km.
The four-cylinder diesel engines in the E 200 CDI, E 220 CDI and E 250 CDI also consume less fuel thanks to the Eco start/stop function and the 7G-Tronic Plus gearbox. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 2 to 16 percent across the range.
The four-pot gasoline engines in the E 200 and E 250 also post improved fuel-efficiency by up to 15 percent, especially on the versions equipped with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox.
Finally, Mercedes has also revised the E 200 NGT BlueEfficiency version that runs on natural gas and petrol. Rated at 163 horsepower, it has the advantage of 50 percent lower fuel costs and 20 percent lower CO2 emissions in natural gas mode (in Europe). In petrol mode, fuel-economy has been improved by 13 percent to 8.1 liters/100 km (29 mpg), while in natural gas operation the car consumes 5.5 kilograms per 100 km, 0.6 kg less than before. CO2 emissions are rated at 149 g/km.

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

 It won’t be long before Mercedes stops production of the short wheelbase version (SWB) of its iconic G-Class series, but before that happens, the German company is launching a limited production model, fittingly called the “BA3 Final Edition” as a last hurrah. It is joined by a special version of the long-wheelbase model (LWB) called the “Edition Select”, based on the G500.

The G-Class BA3 Final Edition is available with two engine variants (G 350 BlueTEC and G 500) and sports several AMG elements such as the flared wheel arches painted in the same color as the rest of the vehicle, radiator grille with chrome highlights, 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels, stainless-steel running boards and spare wheel cover. Other features include an electric sunroof, metallic paintwork, parking radar and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Inside, limited edition SWB model boasts ventilated and heated front seats covered in black leather, burr walnut wood trim and chrome highlights on the gearshift lever, seat adjustment controls and loudspeakers in the front doors. Standard features include a mobile phone package, rubber floor mats and a load compartment cover with additional stowage boxes.

In Germany, the 211HP G 350 BlueTEC “BA3 Final Edition” is priced at €90,511 ($134,500), while the 388HP G 500 version costs €100,686 ($149,600).

Moving onto Merc’s second special G-Class, the long-wheelbase “Edition Select” package is offered exclusively on the V8-powered G500. It comes in a two-tone paintwork, with the bumpers, AMG side flaps and exterior mirrors finished in obsidian black metallic. The stainless-steel running boards and spare wheel cover, together with the black 18-inch alloy-wheels add further contrast to the rugged 4x4’s body. Other exterior elements include the carbon-fiber inserts on the protective strips, underbody protection and an AMG sports exhaust system.

The two-tone theme continues in the cabin, where porcelain and black designo leather create a stylish atmosphere. The car carries the Chrome package from the “BA3 Final Edition” and also gets designo piano black wood trim. The dashboard, armrest, door handles and brake lever are lined in black leather, while the inner door panels are lined with gathered leather. A 12-speaker, 450-watt Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, the crash-responsive Neck-Pro head restraints and stainless steel door sill panels also come as standard.

The “Edition Select” package adds €6,735 ($10,000) to the price of LWB G-Class models in Germany.

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