The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC sedan emerged as a frontrunner in the luxury vehicle market, primarily due to its groundbreaking fuel efficiency. Achieving an EPA-estimated 45 miles per gallon on the highway and 28 mpg in city driving, this Mercedes Benz Bluetec Diesel model redefined expectations for fuel economy in its class. Notably, it became the first diesel E-Class variant to offer the option of 4MATIC all-wheel drive, maintaining its best-in-class fuel efficiency among midsize luxury sedans and across the industry for vehicles of comparable size. Even with the inclusion of the optional 4MATIC system, the fuel economy remained impressive, with figures of 42 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city. No other diesel sedan at the time could boast a higher EPA highway fuel economy rating, marking the E250 BlueTEC as a leader in its segment.
The Innovative Four-Cylinder Heart of the Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC Diesel
The core innovation of the 2014 E250 BlueTEC lies in its highly efficient 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 design enables the engine to produce 195 horsepower and a substantial 369 lb-ft of torque. To mitigate the inherent vibrations common in in-line four-cylinder configurations, mercedes benz bluetec diesel engines incorporate two Lanchester balance shafts. These shafts rotate at twice the crankshaft speed, supported by advanced, low-friction roller bearings, ensuring a remarkably smooth driving experience.
The two-stage turbocharging system integrated into this mercedes benz bluetec diesel engine delivers noticeable advantages during typical driving conditions. Drivers experience virtually no turbo lag, ensuring rapid throttle response and a consistent, broad torque curve across the entire engine speed range. This results in significantly enhanced performance, with the impressive 369 lb-ft of torque readily accessible from as low as 1,800 rpm. This readily available torque translates to effortless acceleration and responsive power delivery in various driving scenarios.
BlueTEC Technology: Refining Diesel for Enhanced Performance and Lower Emissions
The mercedes benz bluetec diesel system further distinguishes itself with its advanced direct fuel injection system. Operating at an immense pressure of 2,000 bar, or 28,400 pounds per square inch, this system maximizes both power output and minimizes exhaust emissions. This high fuel pressure allows for even finer control through the four piezo injectors, which can adjust fuel delivery with exceptional precision in response to changes in engine load and speed. This refined system positions the four-cylinder diesel engine at the forefront of passenger vehicle diesel technology, demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation.
AdBlue Injection: Ensuring Compliance and Environmental Responsibility in Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC Diesel
To meet stringent exhaust emission regulations across all 50 U.S. states, the mercedes benz bluetec diesel system employs AdBlue injection. This technology ensures that the diesel engine operates with emissions comparable to a state-of-the-art gasoline engine. The AdBlue system utilizes a water-based urea solution stored in a dedicated, easily accessible tank, now conveniently located behind the fuel filler door. Minute quantities of AdBlue are injected into the exhaust stream, and the tank is designed to only require refilling during scheduled maintenance intervals, minimizing driver intervention.
Upon injection into the pre-cleaned exhaust gas, AdBlue releases ammonia (NH3), which then triggers a chemical reaction in a downstream catalytic converter. This reaction converts nitrogen oxides (NOx) 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, highlighting the environmental consciousness integrated into mercedes benz bluetec diesel technology.
4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive: Enhancing Traction and Stability in the Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC Diesel E-Class
Modern all-wheel-drive systems have gained considerable popularity, especially in the luxury car market, due to their enhanced refinement and minimal drawbacks. The availability of 4MATIC all-wheel drive on the mercedes benz bluetec diesel E250 offers year-round traction and stability benefits on both dry and wet roads, with negligible impact on vehicle weight and fuel efficiency. The latest Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system is seamlessly integrated with the 7-speed automatic transmission, fitting within the standard body structure and utilizing the existing front suspension architecture. Innovative engineering measures have further optimized fuel efficiency by minimizing the energy required to operate the additional gears and shafts of the 4MATIC system. Mercedes-Benz anticipated a balanced adoption rate of approximately 50/50 between rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC versions of the E250 BlueTEC nationally, with significantly higher 4MATIC preference in northern states where all-wheel drive is highly valued.
Intelligent Drive: Industry-Leading Safety in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes real-world safety, aiming for accident-free driving, and the E-Class embodies this commitment with over 30 standard and optional active and passive safety systems under the umbrella of Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive. The Driver Assistance Package, a valuable option for the 2014 E-Class sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, exemplifies this advanced safety approach. Key features of this package include:
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist: A radar-based cruise control system that provides semi-autonomous steering inputs, functional from 0-124 mph depending on road conditions.
- PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian detection: Utilizes radar and stereo cameras to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead, proactively adjusting braking and even applying full brakes when necessary.
- PRE-SAFE PLUS: Employs rear-facing radar to anticipate potential rear-end collisions, preparing the vehicle to mitigate injury risk for occupants in such events.
- BAS PLUS with Cross Traffic Assist: Employs stereo cameras to monitor cross-traffic scenarios and provides appropriate brake assistance to avoid collisions.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Protection: Systems that intervene with corrective one-sided braking to help maintain lane position and prevent collisions with vehicles in blind spots.
E250 BlueTEC: The Accessible Gateway to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Experience
The new E250 BlueTEC sedan was strategically positioned as the entry-level model within the E-Class lineup, priced competitively at $51,400 while offering the advanced and fuel-efficient mercedes benz bluetec diesel powertrain. The broader 2014 E-Class portfolio pricing (excluding the $925 destination & delivery charge) was as follows:
- 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 BlueTEC sedan, other 2014 Mercedes-Benz models in the U.S. featuring BlueTEC clean diesel technology included the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (V6), ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (V6), and GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, further demonstrating the brand’s commitment to this efficient and clean diesel technology.
