BlueEFFICIENCY – Automobiles Review

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class BlueEFFICIENCY Edition

Mercedes-Benz is now adding two particularly fuel-efficient and eco-friendly BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models to the range: the 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition petrol.

The fuel consumption of the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models is even lower than for the basic vehicles– by 0.2 (diesel) and 0.3 l/100 km (petrol) respectively, representing an improvement of five percent in each case. This means – 3.6 liters / 100 km with CO2 of 92 g/km for the CDI and 5.2 liters / 100 km with 120 g/km CO2 for the petrol variant.

The 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is a 1.5 liter diesel with 109HP (80 kW) and the 180 BlueEFFICIENCY petrol is a 1.6 liter naturally aspirated engine with 122HP (90 kW).

Factors contributing to the lower fuel consumption are: better Cd value of the A-Class from 0.27 – already a record for hatchback vehicles in this segment – to 0.26. Additional aerodynamic optimisation measures include, for example, the partial covering of the upper section of the radiator grille, aerodynamically shaped spring link coverings that improve the flow of air along the underbody at the rear axle, and a suspension that has been lowered by 15 mm.

The generator management system has also been revised, as has the manual transmission, which now features longer gear ratios in the higher gears. Visually, the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models are differentiated by round LED daytime running lamps set into the bumper, assuming that customers have not selected either of the available options of bi-xenon headlamps or the Intelligent Light System.

The models will go on sale on 1 February 2013, while the first vehicles will reach customers in March 2013.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 10, 2013

2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Welcomes 1.6 Engine to the Family

Just when you made up your mind on buying the new CLS Shooting Brake, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class pops out to rock your world. It introduces a new petrol engine and comes available with several trims, each ready to satisfy even the pickiest of customers.

The base model will be now known as the Executive SE and it will come in both, Saloon and Estate forms. The engine lineup will consist of the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. Standard equipment on any of the Executive SE models includes a sports grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels, Artico upholstery and LED daytime running lights. Optionally, a Luxury Package add an even more sophisticated grille, 17” alloy wheels with a seven twin-spoke design, automatically dimming rear view mirror and folding exterior door mirrors, chrome trim on the side, rear and shoulder line, a storage package and brown Ash wood trim with a matt finish.

The more interesting however, are the AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus trims. The former adds 17” alloy wheels and halogen headlights while at the same time boast reduced emissions in comparison to the old 2012 C 220 CDI – 123g/CO2 which is 10g less than before. It doesn’t sound much but bares some great tax relief consequences.. The AMG Sport Plus again picks up a notch on the size of the wheels bringing the number to 18” (bi-color AMG ones). You also get a pair of clever bi-Xenon front lights, some sports seats, red seat belts, AMG floor mats and paddles for the automatic models. If your AMG Sport Plus C-Class happens to be a Coupe, you also get an AMG trunk lip spoiler and an option to throw in an AMG Handling Package which enhances the steering, engine, exhaust and transmission response.

Although the name suggests a 1.8 engine, the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY has a downsized 1.6-liter plant as a drivetrain. The focus here is on ultra-efficiency. It’s a turbocharged petrol unit that outputs 154 hp at 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm. All respectable figures but the real kicker is the consumption 47.9 mpg and 139g/km of CO2 emissions (the Coupe returns 44.1 and 149g). All the while, Mercedes are dropping the 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine for the C-Class Saloon and Estate but the Coupe and the C 63 AMG models will still get it.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 1, 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is ready to hit the market. The vehicle is put on tough, practical testing, which focuses on the key customer requirements of safety, economy and comfort.

Some of the innovations include a 7-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. So, the new Sprinter is the first van in the world to be available with it. The fuel consumption is reduced even further by the BlueEFFICIENCY package and a higher axle ratio. Other very important technology is the standard fitted ESP – stability control program.

Like all new components of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, these new features have to demonstrate their ability to withstand extreme testing in unforgiving conditions near the Arctic Circle.
The testing program includes starting and running at minus 30 degrees Celsius and even lower. Everything is tested, from the cold-start of the engine equipped with the BlueEFFICIENCY package through the new 7-speed automatic gearbox and other control systems. Their sensors have to be tuned with absolute precision to ensure that the systems are always ready to intervene with corrective measures – regardless of how hostile the operating conditions may be.

The fuel consumption is one of the most important features for the working vehicles. So the new Sprinter can be equipped with BlueEFFICIENCY package, which cuts it with 0.5 liters per 100 km. It comprises of the ECO start/stop function, tyres with reduced rolling resistance, the ECO power steering pump, alternator management and an electrically controlled fuel pump. The result is excellent – 7.4 liters per 100 km.

Stay tuned for full specs and prices.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 14, 2012

Mercedes S 250 CDI and ML 250 Green Winners for 2011

Since 1997, every year the ÖkoTrend institute has been awarding and ranking thousands of cars based on data which involves the subject’s environmental impact, efficiency, manufacture, logistics and recycling. All and all there are 12 categories in which cars may fall in to.

This year the “Luxury” and “SUV” categories are headed by the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC respectively. The cars are going home with an “AUTO TEST WINNERS in GREEN!” award from the specialist publication AUTO TEST.

The vehicles maybe different but the engine is the same: a 2.1 liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel unit with direct injection. Power comes in the form of 204bhp but what’s really impressive is the torque – 500 newton metres. For the cars to get to 60mph from a stand still it takes 8.2 seconds for the CDI and 9.0 seconds for the ML.

Nimble as they are, the ML’s combined consumption and emissions do not exceed 6.0 liters per 100km and 158 g/km respectively while the S-klasse gets an even lower number of 5.7 liters per 100km and 149 g/km of CO2 emissions (again combined).

Source: Daimler

December 28, 2011

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Grand Edition W221

Mercedes-Benz has announced the new 2012 S Class Grand Edition W221. The W221 Grand Edition is created to celebrate the 60 years that passed since the model first entered the market.

The car was developed by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO and comes with a new aerodynamics package. The body kit features a new front spoiler with integrated LED daytime running lights and a lower air intake, a pair of new side skirts, a rear apron and a re-styled rear bumper.

The interior boasts a lot of individual options as well as a leather steering wheel, stainless-steel pedals and various wood styling inserts.

2012 Mercedes-Benz Grand Edition S Class stands on 19” AMG wheels with a double five-spoke design. Behined them, there are 350 mm brake discs with 8-piston calipers up front and 6-piston calipers at the rear.

Grand Edition S Class is available with S250 CDI delivering 204PS (150 kW), S350 BlueTEC with 258PS (190 kW) and S350 BlueEFFICIENCY boasting 306PS (225 kW).

Price list is not announced, yet.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Grand Edition W221

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 25, 2011

Superchips power-up for Mercedes 350CDi BlueEFFICIENCY

The ECU remap for diesel engines is so popular, that probably there is no a single diesel car, which haven’t been „chipped”. Mercedes’ models, which feature 231bhp 350 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY engine can be boosted by Superchips ltd.

The ECU map for the Mercedes’ Bosch EDC17 ECU features removing some of the inherent performance constraints and fine tuning fuelling and turbo boost parameters. The result is additional 34 bhp and 80 Nm of torque. The overall power of 350 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY is 265bhp and massive 642Nm of torque.

Superchips conversion is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30 000 mile supplementary vehicle warranty.

All Mercedes models featuring 350 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY can be boosted – C / E / M / R and S-Class, which are produced from June 2009 onwards.

The price of the ECU remap from Superchips is £445 including installation and VAT.

2010 Superchips Mercedes C 350 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY

August 3, 2010

2010 Mercedes Benz Viano – space, comfort and BlueEFFICIENCY

2010 Mercedes-Benz Viano raises the benchmark for comfort, material quality and efficiency in large-capacity vehicles to a whole new level. The VAN comes with improved interior of both cockpit and passenger compartment sets new standards, as does an efficient new drive system.

The vehicle also adopts BlueEFFICIENCY technology, which comes as standard, ensuring maximum fuel economy and minimum environmental impact.

Inside, Viano offers comfort and operating convenience better than ever. There are new interior trim materials, which improve the look of the vehicle significantly. A key feature of a new lighting concept for the passenger compartment is the impressive ambient lighting system. (more…)

July 15, 2010

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class combines latest technologies with superior comfort

The new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class comes with entirely re-designed V8 biturbo engine of the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY model delivering 435hp and returning the incredible 29.7mpg. Its NEDC figures show savings of up to 23 per cent over its predecessor model, CO₂ emissions having dropped from 288 g/km to only 224.

The amazing results are achieved thanks to the newly-developed BlueDIRECT technology with third-generation spray-guided direct injection, with the contribution of the specially-designed BlueEFFICIENCY package of the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. (more…)

July 5, 2010

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate

From November 2009, Mercedes-Benz is launching the Estate version as another highly distinctive member of the E-Class family. Like the Saloon and Coupé, the Estate, which is available now, combines unique design with leadership in safety, comfort, quality and practicality. The new E-Class marks the debut of a number of technical innovations which no other car in the world in this category is able to offer – from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the Active Bonnet. Naturally the Estate also features all these innovations. Plus air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as standard and unique new load compartment management features. (more…)

August 5, 2009

Tag: BlueEFFICIENCY