Mercedes-Benz will introduce its latest-generation diesel engine with the launch of the new E-Class in spring 2016.
The new four-cylinder unit is 46kg lighter and more compact than its predecessor, decreasing from 2.1-litres down to 2-litres. Mated to a new nine-speed automatic gearbox, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions are expected to see a 13 percent improvement for each model in the range.
To put this into perspective, the current E220d achieves an average of 64.2mpg while producing 121 g/km of CO2. A 13 percent improvement will see CO2 fall to around 105g/km and the combined mpg figure up to 73mpg – that means this E-Class could fall into a 21 percent BIK tax band from April 2016, a potential three band improvement over the current engine.
Power output will jump from 166bhp to 189bhp for the initial engine launch with torque levels remaining the same at 400Nm. A lower-powered variant is expected to be introduced later which will bring even more fuel-saving benefits for company car drivers.
As with the current 2.1-litre engine, the new four-cylinder unit will be the main diesel-fuelled powerplant for Mercedes and will be fitted in a wide variety of models — from the A-Class to the S-Class, and also the V-Class and even the Sprinter van.
With plans to offer a range of power outputs and installations with front-, rear- and all-wheel drive vehicles, this application of the new 2-litre will play a significant role for company car drivers – especially in Europe where diesel is in high demand.
If you’re particularly opposed to the idea of diesel-fuelled propulsion, Mercedes is planning on improving efficiency of its petrol engines with the use of hybrid technology too. The E350e saloon will make its way onto the market by the end of 2016.
Click here to see what the upcoming Mercedes E-Class interior looks like
Click here to read the current review of the Mercedes E-Class