Mercedes Introduces C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY

Mercedes C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY

More power, improved fuel economy

By Michael Gauthier
October 23, 2008 8:06 PM
Filed Under: Alternative Fuel, German, Green, Mercedes-Benz, Technology

Mercedes has announced their new C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY will feature second generation direct fuel injection, which produces more power and has improved fuel economy.

The new model features the world’s first petrol engine with spray-guided direct injection which improves fuel economy by 10% and provides a 15% increase in power compared to the standard C 350. This adds up to a total of 292 hp and 365 Nm of torque, a 20 hp and 15 Nm improvement over the less advanced engine. In the European driving cycle, the car obtains a rating of 8.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. The increase in power also helps acceleration, as the car takes 6.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

Being a Mercedes, the C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY comes with a host of standard equipment including an AMG spoiler lip on the boot, dual exhaust with stainless steel tips, a seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, speed-sensitive steering, and a choice of either 16 or 17-inch wheels. German pricing starts at €46,796.75 and orders are currently being accepted.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Press Release (Click to expand)

C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: Driving pleasure and efficiency thanks to innovative direct fuel injection

Mercedes-Benz is introducing the C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY featuring second generation direct fuel injection as the fourth BlueEFFICIENCY model in the C-Class. Compared to the current C 350, the new saloon consumes more than ten percent less fuel. At the same time, the innovative V6 engine delivers 15 percent more power and already meets future EU5 emission limits. As such, the new Mercedes-Benz C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY combines driving pleasure, safety, economy and environmental compatibility in a package which is exemplary for a vehicle in this class.

At the heart of the new Mercedes-Benz C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, which is available to order immediately, is the world’s first petrol engine with spray-guided direct injection. It produces 215 kW/292 hp and a maximum torque of 365 Nm. This is 15 kW/20 hp and 15 Nm more than the current V6 engine with port injection. Thanks to its innovative combustion system with piezo injection and a particulary efficient gearshift program the C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY consumes 8.3 litres of premium grade fuel per 100 kilometres in the European driving cycle, with CO2 emissions of 193 g/km. This figure is more than 1.4 litres less than the value attained by the current C 350 and already meets future EU5 emission limits.

In addition to greater economy and environmental compatibility, the new C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY also affords an impressive driving experience: it accelerates to 100 km/h from a standstill in 6.2 seconds, while its top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h.

The C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY will be available as no-cost options with “Elegance” equipment, or as the sporty “Avantgarde” variant. Besides the extensive range of equipment fitted as standard, the saloons feature an AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid, a dual-flow exhaust system with polished stainless steel tailpipe trim, seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, 16-inch light alloy wheels (17-inch wheels also available at no additional charge), speed-sensitive steering and also “SPEEDTRONIC” cruise control with variable limit speed.

As well as the exciting design and refinement for which Mercedes is renowned, the new model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class also features the latest, state-of-the-art technology. This includes for example the AGILITY CONTROL package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system. Since the official market launch on 31 March 2007, well over 400,000 customers have opted for a model in this series. As such, the multi-award-winning C-Class has become the world’s market leader in its segment.

The price of the C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENGY is 46,796.75 euros (incl. VAT).

Comments

need4speed
October 23, 2008 8:21 PM
ANY FUEL EFFICIENCY INNOVATION SHOULD BE APPLAUDED.

kimbo
October 23, 2008 8:39 PM
I totally agree on this. Merc is doing good job today with improving fuel efficiency, so does the vw group.

GanSan
October 23, 2008 10:56 PM
How right you are. It's a shame it has taken this long though.

alessandro
October 26, 2008 11:30 AM
Yes! Waited so long from Mercedes and most others to make something with their gasoline engines.

unknown
October 23, 2008 9:40 PM
it's about time they put that engine into every merc.

benz_man
October 23, 2008 9:59 PM
They've been keeping this great little engine to themselves for some time now. They need to drop it in everything that the port-injected 3.5 is in. And, why dont we get the CLS 350 CGI in the states?

BabyMilo
October 23, 2008 10:32 PM
im not too sure about the name, CGI BlueEFFICIENCY seems very long and annoying to say... i think mercedes should employ some new name thinkers

nossralsuva
October 24, 2008 3:25 AM
I like it, it shows that they are taking steps towards a greener future.

alejandromad
October 24, 2008 5:27 AM
Wasn't done before because was not important to the clients...

rcw
October 24, 2008 6:52 AM
With regards to the delay in introducing this to the U.S.:

I wonder if M-B was "testing" it in all the other markets before bringing it to the U.S.? It seems that we are last to get all of the goodies due to legal red tape, litigation fears and also quality control concerns. I've observed this several times before over the years. This happened when the euro Benzes had ABS and SRS eons before we did. I'm sure this technology isn't terribly cheap either. Better late than never, I guess.

GPKH
October 24, 2008 12:39 PM
want to be efficient, and still stick to Merc get the C180. Want the best green car get the BMW's 118d - World Green Cra of The year. want performance like the C350, yet green and fuel efficient, yet fun to drive for the young and dynamic, get the BMw123d not this C350 Efficient rubbish

zimstyles
January 23, 2009 5:09 AM
Well if you do your research, you will see that there are smaller variants of the CGI engines. The 123 is a smaller car... maybe suggest a 3 series.

StickForLife
October 26, 2008 4:17 PM
For those of us not familiar with the European fuel economy figures, I calculated it to be about 28.3 US MPG. Considering that the car's got near 300 HP and weighs as much as it does, that's very impressive. I sincerely hope MB decides to bring this engine over the pond. For comparison, the regular C 350 averages 21 US MPG, weighs 3615 lbs and has 268 HP.

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