Mercedes will extend the
C-Class range with a special edition super frugal model. The C 250 CDI BlueEfficiency will be launched at the
Paris International Motor Show on 2nd October.
The 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine produces 201bhp and 369lb.ft of torque. Those figures are achieved with the latest common-rail injection technology and dual-stage supercharging. As well as delivering impressive power and torque figures the engine complies with the toughest current and near future emissions regulations. Expect to see this motor in other models in the Mercedes range before too long.
On the road the C 250 CDI returns claimed fuel consumption of 54.3mpg and CO
2 emissions of 138g/km while the key performance benchmarks are 0-60mph in just under seven seconds and a maximum speed of 155mph.
Economy boosting features are not limited to the engine. Airflow has been improved with underbody cladding and revised door mirror housings. The tyres have been developed to reduce rolling resistance by 10 percent while the power steering system has been revised to draw less power from the engine. Finally, a six-speed manual gearbox incorporates a high top gear for economical cruising while a gearshift indicator on the dashboard encourages an economical driving style. The instrument panel also incorporates an economy read out to show how much fuel is being saved.
There is no need to sacrifice comforts in the quest for frugal motoring. The BlueEfficiency is based on the C-Class Avantgarde, which means it gets the sportier radiator grille with the Mercedes star in the middle; inside there is aluminium or optional 'birds-eye' maple trim. To identify the limited edition status of the model the interior floor mats bear the legend "Prime Edition".
Four colours are offered: obsidian black, palladium silver, iridium silver and diamond white is available to special order. An AMG body kit is also available as an option. The price should be somewhere in the region of £32,700 and production is limited to 5,000 units. The C 250 CDI BlueEfficiency Prime Edition will be launched at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile with production starting in the autumn.
John Lambert - 12 Sep 2008