The E250 Mercedes, specifically the 2014 E250 BlueTEC sedan, marked a significant step forward in fuel efficiency for luxury vehicles. Boasting an EPA estimated rating of 45 miles per gallon on the highway and 28 mpg in city driving, this model redefined expectations for midsize luxury sedans. Notably, the E250 Mercedes BlueTEC was the first diesel E-Class to offer the option of 4MATIC all-wheel drive, achieving best-in-class fuel economy within its segment and across the broader industry for vehicles of similar size. Even when equipped with the optional 4MATIC system, the fuel economy remained remarkably high, registering 42 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city. At its release, no other diesel sedan in the market could surpass the highway fuel economy estimate of the E250 Mercedes BlueTEC.
Unpacking the High-Tech Four-Cylinder Engine of the E250 Mercedes
The core innovation driving the efficiency of the E250 Mercedes BlueTEC is its advanced turbodiesel engine. This all-aluminum, in-line four-cylinder engine is engineered with four valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts featuring vane-type variable valve timing. This sophisticated configuration allows the engine to generate 195 horsepower and a substantial 369 lb-ft of torque. To mitigate the inherent vibrations of an in-line four-cylinder engine, Mercedes-Benz incorporated two Lanchester balance shafts. These shafts rotate at twice the crankshaft speed within low-friction roller bearings, effectively smoothing out engine operation.
The benefits of the E250 Mercedes‘ two-stage turbocharged system are palpable during regular driving. Drivers experience virtually no turbo lag, enjoying instant throttle response and a broad torque curve that spans the entire engine speed range. This translates to noticeably enhanced performance, particularly as the impressive 369 lb-ft of torque becomes readily available from as low as 1,800 rpm. This responsiveness makes the E250 Mercedes both fuel-efficient and enjoyable to drive.
BlueTEC: Refining Diesel Technology in the E250 Mercedes
The E250 Mercedes BlueTEC benefits from a high-pressure direct fuel injection system, operating at an astounding 2,000 bar or 28,400 pounds per square inch. This elevated fuel pressure is instrumental in achieving both increased power output and reduced exhaust emissions. The higher injection pressure allows the four piezo injectors to operate with exceptional precision, adapting to changes in engine load and speed. This advanced system positions the four-cylinder diesel engine of the E250 Mercedes at the forefront of diesel technology for passenger vehicles, setting new benchmarks for performance and cleanliness.
AdBlue Injection: Ensuring Clean Emissions in the E250 Mercedes
To meet stringent exhaust emission standards across all 50 U.S. states, the E250 Mercedes BlueTEC employs the BlueTEC system with AdBlue injection. This technology ensures that the diesel engine operates with the cleanliness comparable to a modern gasoline engine. AdBlue, a water-based urea solution, is stored in a dedicated small tank and injected into the exhaust in minute, precisely controlled quantities. The AdBlue tank is conveniently refillable through the fuel filler door and only requires replenishment during routine scheduled maintenance.
When AdBlue is introduced into the pre-cleaned exhaust gas, it releases ammonia (NH3). This ammonia then facilitates a chemical reaction within a downstream catalytic converter, converting nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. This process, known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), represents the most effective method of exhaust gas after-treatment currently available, underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to environmental responsibility with the E250 Mercedes.
4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive: Enhanced Traction for the E250 Mercedes
Modern all-wheel-drive systems, like the 4MATIC system available on the E250 Mercedes, are increasingly refined and popular, especially in the luxury vehicle market. Offering minimal compromises in weight and fuel efficiency, full-time four-wheel drive provides significant advantages in traction and stability in all weather conditions, on both dry and wet roads. The optional 4MATIC system on the E250 Mercedes is seamlessly integrated with the 7-speed automatic transmission, fitting within the standard body structure and utilizing the existing front suspension design.
Through innovative engineering, Mercedes-Benz has optimized the 4MATIC system for fuel efficiency by minimizing the energy required to operate the additional gears and shafts. The company anticipated a balanced adoption rate of around 50/50 between rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC versions of the E250 Mercedes nationwide, with expectations of higher 4MATIC preference in northern states where all-wheel drive is particularly valued for its winter driving capabilities.
Intelligent Drive: Industry-Leading Safety in the E250 Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes real-world safety, aiming for accident-free driving. The E250 Mercedes E-Class embodies this philosophy with over 30 standard and optional active and passive safety systems encompassed within the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive portfolio. The Driver Assistance Package, an available option for the 2014 E-Class sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, further enhances safety with a suite of advanced technologies:
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist: This radar-based cruise control system provides semi-autonomous steering assistance, functional from 0-124 mph depending on driving conditions.
- PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian detection: Utilizing radar and stereo cameras, this system detects vehicles and pedestrians ahead, adjusting braking force as needed and even applying full brakes autonomously to prevent or mitigate collisions.
- PRE-SAFE PLUS: Rear-facing radar detects potential rear-end collisions, proactively preparing the vehicle to minimize passenger injury risk in such events.
- BAS PLUS with Cross Traffic Assist: Stereo cameras monitor for cross-traffic situations and provide appropriate brake assistance to avoid accidents.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Protection: These systems use corrective one-sided braking to help drivers stay within their lane and avoid collisions with vehicles in blind spots.
E250 BlueTEC: The Entry Point to the E-Class Luxury
The E250 Mercedes BlueTEC sedan serves as the entry-level model in the E-Class lineup, offering a compelling value proposition with a competitive starting price of $51,400 while featuring a clean diesel powertrain. Below is a snapshot of the 2014 E-Class portfolio and pricing (excluding the $925 destination & delivery charge):
- E250 BlueTEC sedan (rear-wheel drive) – $51,400
- E350 sedan (rear-wheel drive) – $51,900
- E350 Coupe (rear-wheel drive) – $52,200
- E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC sedan – $53,900
- E350 4MATIC sedan – $54,400
- E350 4MATIC Coupe – $54,700
- E400 Hybrid sedan (rear-wheel drive) – $56,700
- E350 4MATIC wagon – $58,600
- E550 Coupe (rear-wheel drive) – $59,000
- E350 Cabriolet (rear-wheel drive) – $60,200
- E550 4MATIC sedan – $61,400
- E550 Cabriolet (rear-wheel drive) – $67,300
- E63 AMG 4MATIC sedan – $92,770
- E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC sedan – $99,770
- E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC wagon – $102,370
Beyond the E250 Mercedes sedan, Mercedes-Benz extended its BlueTEC clean diesel technology to other 2014 models in the U.S., including the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (V6), ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (V6), and GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, demonstrating a broader commitment to fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions across its vehicle range.
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https://xentryportal.store/image1.jpg- New Alt Text: BlueTEC badge on Mercedes-Benz E250, highlighting clean diesel technology and environmental focus.
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https://xentryportal.store/image2.jpg- New Alt Text: Mercedes-Benz E250 4MATIC emblem showcasing all-wheel drive system for enhanced handling and stability.
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https://xentryportal.store/image3.jpg- New Alt Text: E250 Mercedes dashboard view featuring Intelligent Drive system controls, emphasizing advanced safety and driver assistance technology.
