Mercedes-Benz Launches Super-Efficient Direct-Injected Engines For C-Class

MERCEDES-BENZ has rolled out a trio of direct-injected engines in Europe, all of which will power the marque's volume-selling C-Class sedan and estate.

Heading the new additions to the range is the C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, which utilises a 2.1 litre direct-injected inline diesel four to produce 125kW and 400Nm.

That's the same amount of power and torque as the current C22o CDI, but thanks to direct injection, fuel economy improves from 6.7l/100km to 4.8l/100km and CO2 emissions drop from 177g/km to 127g/km.

Next up is the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (above), whose engine displaces the same volume as the C220 CDI but cranks out 150kW of power and a mighty 500Nm of torque. Despite the higher output of the C250 CDI, fuel economy is  also on the low side at 5.1l/100km. Carbon emissions are a respectable 134g/km.

The third engine is the direct-injected petrol inline four of the C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, which drinks just 7.2 litres of petrol per 100km while still managing to deliver 150kW and 310Nm of torque.

They may be frugal, but the new engines certainly aren't lacking in get-up-and-go. The C220 CDI will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds, the C250 CGI in 7.4 seconds and the C250 CDI in a very respectable seven seconds flat.

As for when these engines will be fitted to Benz's local offerings, Mercedes-Benz Australia confirmed with TMR that the C220 CDI BlueEfficiency will be going on sale in August, while the C250 CGI is in the pipeline but isn't likely to arrive this year.

We'll miss out on the fast n' frugal C250 CDI BlueEfficiency, but odds are we'll be seeing a lot more direct-injection tech in future Mercedes products.