Mercedes adds new engines to C-Class BlueEFFICIENCY range

It's getting tougher and tougher to make an argument against diesels these days, as automakers continue to rapidly improve the performance and emissions ratings of their so called oil-burner engines.

But despite the advances European automakers have made with their diesel offerings, Mercedes seems to be inching ahead with their BlueEFFICIENCY label.

Case in point is the new C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY engine now available on the C-Class (with 170 hp/125kW and 400 Nm of torque). That 2.1 liter (2143cc) diesel achieves a fuel economy rating of 4.8 liters/100 km (58.85 UK mpg) - quite a leap from the 6.1 liters/100 km (46.31 UK mpg) of its previous, non-BlueEFFICIENCY iteration. It even fares better than the 5.1 liters/100 km (55.38 UK mpg) of the C200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (136 hp /100 kW), an engine launched just a year ago.

Also newly available in the C-Class is the C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, a direct injection petrol/gasoline engine. The C250 CGI comes with 204 hp/150kW and 310 Nm of torque while achieving an impressive 7.2 liters/100 km (39.23 UK mpg) fuel rating.

All figures cited above are for the new engines available on C-Class sedan models, fuel consumption is slightly (by very little) higher on the estate/wagon. Still, the competition (Audi, BMW) better keep up lest they leave Mercedes alone to become the go-to brand for consumption-conscious premium brand customers.

Press Release

New Engines in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class: The Most Efficient C-Class Ever

Three newly developed engines with direct injection will make the Mercedes-Benz C-Class even more efficient. They raise performance and driving enjoyment to a new level, while demonstrating exemplary economy and environmental compatibility.

The new engines impress with a low fuel consumption, and therefore exemplary environmental compatibility, while delivering a high output and therefore outstanding driving pleasure. The new C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY saloon, the most efficient C-Class ever, generates 125 kW/170 hp and a torque of 400 Nm from a displacement of 2143 cubic centimetres. This accelerates the saloon from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, yet the combined fuel consumption is only 4.8 litres of diesel per 100 km (corresponding to CO2 emissions of 127 g/km) - the best figure in this category.

The newly developed four-cylinder in the C 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY also uses direct injection. It achieves 150 kW/204 hp and offers 310 newton metres of torque. The saloon requires 7.4 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h with the new petrol engine. The combined consumption amounts to 7.2 litres per 100 km (CO2 emissions 168 g/km).

Key technical data for the new C-Class models