World Premier Of The Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition
Posted September 10, 2008 At 11:30 AM CST by T. Philips

Mercedes today has officially taken the wraps of their newest diesel engine generation – one that will be launched starting in autumn 2008. While the new engine will replace four of Mercedes' current diesel powerplants and be featured on a number of different Mercedes models, including the E-Class, the GLK-Class and the E-Class Coupé (yes, you heard me right – an E-Class Coupé is coming), the engine will first make its debut on the new C-Class pictured before you: a model that's being called the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition. And I have to tell you, the figures are impressive, to say the least.

But before we get to the actual numbers, allow me to quickly detail the new engine and its various components. In the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition, the 2.2-Liter diesel powerplant produces 150 kW / 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Select technological highlights include a maximum ignition pressure of 200 bar; fourth-generation common-rail technology with a rail pressure increased to 2000 bar and a new piezo-injector concept with direct nozzle needle control (for greater flexibility in injection timing); larger, variable oil spray nozzles and a variable water pump; dual-stage supercharging; and a camshaft drive positioned in the rear. If you don't know what any of that means, don't worry, the performance figures speak for themselves.

Equipped on the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the new diesel engine is capable of propelling the C-Class from 0-62 mph in just 7.0 seconds and helping it attain a top speed of 155 mph. But what makes the powerplant truly unique is in the field of fuel consumption, where it helps the C-Class consume an NEDC average of 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 km (or 45 mpg, for my American readers). In addition, CO2 emissions weigh in at 138 g/km, enough to comply with future EU5 emissions standards.

As the BlueEFFICIENCY mark denotes, the C 250 CDI does, in addition to its diesel engine, boast a number of fuel saving features when compared to the traditional C-Class. Firstly, it's equipped with a manual six-speed transmission with overdrive, and in addition, a new gearshift and consumption display on the dashboard. The new system not only informs drivers of their current fuel usage, but it also alerts drivers of the appropriate moment to shift in order to best optimize fuel consumption. Another notable enhancement made to the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is in the field of aerodynamics, where airflow-enhancing mirrror housings and smooth underbody cladding help optimize air flow around the vehicle. And last but certainly not least, an efficient energy-management system with adaptive power steering has been implemented, that with the use of an additional valve, closes the flow of the power-steering pump when it is not required. Of course, the fantastic array of traditional C-Class equipment is all present as well, including PRE-SAFE, AGILITY CONTROL, so on and so forth.

I already know what you're thinking: "How much does it cost?" As is the case with all C-Class models, there's a wealth of choices you must first make to arrive at a final tally, although in its standard form, the Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition (limited in production to 5,000 units ) weighs in at EUR 40,638.50 (including VAT). This includes the AVANTGARDE equipment line, your choice of three 16-inch or 17-inch light alloy wheel and tire combinations, and the Audio 20 infotainment system. Add in the optional AMG sports package and diamond white metallic exterior paint color, and the cost rises incrementally.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the new Mercedes C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition and the new Mercedes diesel engine generation in a nutshell.

For the press release and pictures: http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Sep08/10_001382_World_Premier_Of_The_Mercedes_Benz_C_250_CDI_BlueEFFICIENCY_Prime_Edition.html

And we'll probably never see one here in the USA.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I'm going to start saving up!

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Dan
2005 E320 CDI - 246k
1987 300SDL TD05-16g, Herlevi pump, Elbe manifold, 2.47 LSD - 213k
Past: 1987 300D - 264k

Not bad for approx. $29-30 some thousand! Of course we'll never see one on this side of the pond.

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1969 220D "Berta" RIP
1982 300D turbo 250K

40,638.50 Euros = 56,536.2812 U.S. dollars

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Too much for a c class sedan. I bet if they bring one over it'll be priced more competively....else it won't sell.

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

Thats not how they sell. A car listed for 40k euros will be around $40k.

It looks huge! How much is hiding under that cover, anyhow?

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1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)

A whole bunch of emissions junk and two turbos.

how do they obtain those numbers? hp, torque, kw...

Besides the raw energy available in diesel fuel, is diesel combustion a more efficient process in general?

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An engine dynamometer.

I mean 45mpg with 500nm of torque.

I would hope they use a dyno instead of having Urich the machinist hold a torque wrench on the crank while they start the engine, or get it up to speed first.

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