DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: If a mid/large German luxury sedan
with a 42-mpg highway rating doesn't open your eyes, perhaps the fact
that there's no electric motor/hybrid action under the hood will. The
E250 offers the same big Benz ride/small diesel economy that's made the
classic W123 Mercedes oil burners such cult icons. The difference? This
one can get out of its own way.
Thanks to modern clean diesel technology, the Bluetec E250 develops 369 lb-ft of torque at an accessible 1,600 rpm -- compare that with 181 lb-ft at 2,400 rpm from an old 300D. This sedan will never be confused with an AMG product but it never feels underpowered, in part thanks to excellent gear selection from the seven-speed automatic transmission.
Inside the E250 is pure E-class, which is to say just about perfect for a midluxury sedan. Never ostentatious, the Benz simply offers the expected equipment in an easy-to-use, attractive cabin. Sight lines are outstanding as is the seating position, but the interior overall feels a half-size smaller than the old E-class. It's a trick of the eye -- the new car is nearly identical to the outgoing model in all key interior dimensions -- but it nonetheless feels more like a C-class inside, at least in terms of size.
Maybe I'm getting old. Maybe Mercedes is getting younger at heart. Either way, the E-class remains my favorite car in this segment.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec 4Matic Sedan is equipped with a 2.1-liter turbocharged diesel I4.
EDITOR WES RAYNAL: I'd spend $64K on this 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec 4Matic before I spent three grand more on a Cadillac CTS with the 2.0-liter turbo four for sure.
Stoy has it right. This is a terrific powertrain. Power and torque is terrific -- especially low-end grunt -- and the seven-speed auto is a perfect fit for this engine. There is little diesel rattle and no funny smells. The car won't break your neck from a stoplight, but look at the speedometer while cruising and I bet you're going faster than you thought you were. It's deceptively fast(ish). And with all-wheel drive, weather isn't an issue for the most part.
The steering is well weighted, the driving experience hushed, and the ride is smooth and refined. Compared to some electric steering systems this one feels quick (sort of) and accurate. Body roll? Yeah, there is some, but the tradeoff, again, is a really nice ride. If you've had a tense day, jumping into this car at the end lessens it.
The interior is nicely built and everything is where it should be, and easy to figure out. The seats are comfy for long distances.
I like the car a lot. Stoy says he might be getting old. Well, I am old so maybe that explains why. Too bad you can't get this powertrain in the E-class wagon. That might be the perfect car…
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec 4Matic is equipped with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
SENIOR MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: Diesel E-class wagon?
That's the best idea you've had all week, Raynal. But the sedan makes a
strong case for itself as well. As you guys noted, it's as good as it
gets in midluxury land, though I find the interior rather stodgy and I
even dare say a bit boring, at least to look at and admire. There are
quality materials throughout, but nothing that catches my eye and makes
me say, “very cool.”
Perhaps -- when referring to a Mercedes-Benz diesel -- that should be taken as a compliment. Indeed, this powertrain feels strong and flexible, though I thought it was on the loud side for modern clean-diesel technology. My perception might have been enhanced by the irritating automatic stop/start function, however; these systems are annoying as is in conventional gasoline engines, and coupled to a diesel four-cylinder makes for a rough and noticeable shudder at every stop sign or light. Thankfully there is an “off” button for this …
I could easily spec this E-class to my liking for a good deal less coin than the test car checked in at. About the only option I really care about is the nice-sounding Harmon/Kardon surround-sound system, and I'd have no problem living with a car that came in closer to the $54K base price than the $64K as-tested price.
ROAD TEST EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: I suppose I'll have to jump into this love fest for the four-cylinder diesel in this 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec 4Matic sedan. There's enough pull down low with peak torque available from just 1,600 revs as Andy points out and it doesn't feel overburdened lugging all 4,400 pounds of curb weight around. It is a little louder when you boot it compared to a lot of the recent diesel drivetrains we've sampled, but it's not offensive. The automatic performs impeccable shifts.
The biggest upshot of this diesel is the EPA highway fuel economy rating of 42 mpg, which is stellar considering there is no hybrid mumbo jumbo under the hood, and you don't have to suffer with a wonky feeling brake pedal feel because of a regenerative braking system. There is that auto stop/start, which I don't like. It's just a weird feeling sitting in the middle of traffic with your engine not running. But it can be turned off, so it's all good.
If you do want that hybrid stuff, Benz does offer that, too, with the E400 Hybrid that gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid drivetrain. Those fuel economy numbers don't stack up that well to the E250 Bluetec 4Matic's that is 28 mpg city and 45 mpg highway from the four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. And then take into account that the hybrid E-class has a base price that's $1,875 more expensive than our 4Matic E-class diesel and $5,300 more than a rear-wheel drive version.
Besides the diesel, it's a typical E-class experience with the E250 with a smooth and comfortable ride, plush interior surroundings and handling that's respectable. There are all-season run flat tires on here, which didn't wreck ride quality, and that tells me that run flat tires are getting better. The suspension absorbs bumps really well, but does give way to some roll around turns. Steering response isn't instant, with a bit of play of center. Brakes confidently slow things down. Basically, it's a fine vehicle for long cruises and daily slogs through traffic with its comfortable personality. And that's fine because if you want something more sporty and exciting, there are the AMG versions for that.
The good news is that if you're in the market for an all-wheel drive midsize luxury sedan with a diesel powerplant, you've got a trio of options, including this Mercedes. You can also get a BMW 535d xDrive sedan with its 3.0-liter turbodiesel I6 with 255-hp and 413 lb-ft of torque that gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Or there's the Audi A6 TDI with a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 rated at 240-hp and 428 lb-ft netting a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Both the Bimmer and Audi get eight-speed automatics, while the Benz packs a seven-speed but with a couple less cylinders and power it not shockingly gets higher fuel mileage ratings.
This Benz also has the lowest base price between the three of $54,825 including destination, while the BMW begins at $57,525 and the Audi at $58,395.
What would my pick be? I would be willing to give up a little fuel economy, pay a little more and probably end with the Audi A6 TDI. It has the nicest interior and an ideal mix of handling and ride comfort for my tastes, which does come at a higher price of admission unfortunately.
As-Tested Price: $64,295
Drivetrain: 2.1-liter turbocharged diesel I4; AWD, seven-speed automatic
Output: 195 hp @ 3,800 rpm, 369 lb-ft @ 1,600-1,800 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,409 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 27/42/32 mpg
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 25.7 mpg
Options: P01 premium package including Comand system, navigation, MB apps, voice control, Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system, SiriusXM radio, traffic, weather, heated front seats, power rear-window sunshade, rearview camera ($3,870); 997 driver assistance package including Distronic Plus with steering assist, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, bas plus, cross-traffic assist, Pre-Safe Plus, Pre-Safe brake with pedestrian recognition ($2,800); 996 parking assist package including Parktronic, active parking assist, surround view camera system ($1,290); Obsidian Black paint ($720); 287 split-folding rear seats ($440); 104 rear deck spoiler ($350)
source: autoweek.com
Thanks to modern clean diesel technology, the Bluetec E250 develops 369 lb-ft of torque at an accessible 1,600 rpm -- compare that with 181 lb-ft at 2,400 rpm from an old 300D. This sedan will never be confused with an AMG product but it never feels underpowered, in part thanks to excellent gear selection from the seven-speed automatic transmission.
Inside the E250 is pure E-class, which is to say just about perfect for a midluxury sedan. Never ostentatious, the Benz simply offers the expected equipment in an easy-to-use, attractive cabin. Sight lines are outstanding as is the seating position, but the interior overall feels a half-size smaller than the old E-class. It's a trick of the eye -- the new car is nearly identical to the outgoing model in all key interior dimensions -- but it nonetheless feels more like a C-class inside, at least in terms of size.
Maybe I'm getting old. Maybe Mercedes is getting younger at heart. Either way, the E-class remains my favorite car in this segment.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec 4Matic Sedan is equipped with a 2.1-liter turbocharged diesel I4.
Stoy has it right. This is a terrific powertrain. Power and torque is terrific -- especially low-end grunt -- and the seven-speed auto is a perfect fit for this engine. There is little diesel rattle and no funny smells. The car won't break your neck from a stoplight, but look at the speedometer while cruising and I bet you're going faster than you thought you were. It's deceptively fast(ish). And with all-wheel drive, weather isn't an issue for the most part.
The steering is well weighted, the driving experience hushed, and the ride is smooth and refined. Compared to some electric steering systems this one feels quick (sort of) and accurate. Body roll? Yeah, there is some, but the tradeoff, again, is a really nice ride. If you've had a tense day, jumping into this car at the end lessens it.
The interior is nicely built and everything is where it should be, and easy to figure out. The seats are comfy for long distances.
I like the car a lot. Stoy says he might be getting old. Well, I am old so maybe that explains why. Too bad you can't get this powertrain in the E-class wagon. That might be the perfect car…
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec 4Matic is equipped with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Perhaps -- when referring to a Mercedes-Benz diesel -- that should be taken as a compliment. Indeed, this powertrain feels strong and flexible, though I thought it was on the loud side for modern clean-diesel technology. My perception might have been enhanced by the irritating automatic stop/start function, however; these systems are annoying as is in conventional gasoline engines, and coupled to a diesel four-cylinder makes for a rough and noticeable shudder at every stop sign or light. Thankfully there is an “off” button for this …
I could easily spec this E-class to my liking for a good deal less coin than the test car checked in at. About the only option I really care about is the nice-sounding Harmon/Kardon surround-sound system, and I'd have no problem living with a car that came in closer to the $54K base price than the $64K as-tested price.
ROAD TEST EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: I suppose I'll have to jump into this love fest for the four-cylinder diesel in this 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec 4Matic sedan. There's enough pull down low with peak torque available from just 1,600 revs as Andy points out and it doesn't feel overburdened lugging all 4,400 pounds of curb weight around. It is a little louder when you boot it compared to a lot of the recent diesel drivetrains we've sampled, but it's not offensive. The automatic performs impeccable shifts.
The biggest upshot of this diesel is the EPA highway fuel economy rating of 42 mpg, which is stellar considering there is no hybrid mumbo jumbo under the hood, and you don't have to suffer with a wonky feeling brake pedal feel because of a regenerative braking system. There is that auto stop/start, which I don't like. It's just a weird feeling sitting in the middle of traffic with your engine not running. But it can be turned off, so it's all good.
If you do want that hybrid stuff, Benz does offer that, too, with the E400 Hybrid that gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid drivetrain. Those fuel economy numbers don't stack up that well to the E250 Bluetec 4Matic's that is 28 mpg city and 45 mpg highway from the four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. And then take into account that the hybrid E-class has a base price that's $1,875 more expensive than our 4Matic E-class diesel and $5,300 more than a rear-wheel drive version.
Besides the diesel, it's a typical E-class experience with the E250 with a smooth and comfortable ride, plush interior surroundings and handling that's respectable. There are all-season run flat tires on here, which didn't wreck ride quality, and that tells me that run flat tires are getting better. The suspension absorbs bumps really well, but does give way to some roll around turns. Steering response isn't instant, with a bit of play of center. Brakes confidently slow things down. Basically, it's a fine vehicle for long cruises and daily slogs through traffic with its comfortable personality. And that's fine because if you want something more sporty and exciting, there are the AMG versions for that.
The good news is that if you're in the market for an all-wheel drive midsize luxury sedan with a diesel powerplant, you've got a trio of options, including this Mercedes. You can also get a BMW 535d xDrive sedan with its 3.0-liter turbodiesel I6 with 255-hp and 413 lb-ft of torque that gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Or there's the Audi A6 TDI with a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 rated at 240-hp and 428 lb-ft netting a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Both the Bimmer and Audi get eight-speed automatics, while the Benz packs a seven-speed but with a couple less cylinders and power it not shockingly gets higher fuel mileage ratings.
This Benz also has the lowest base price between the three of $54,825 including destination, while the BMW begins at $57,525 and the Audi at $58,395.
What would my pick be? I would be willing to give up a little fuel economy, pay a little more and probably end with the Audi A6 TDI. It has the nicest interior and an ideal mix of handling and ride comfort for my tastes, which does come at a higher price of admission unfortunately.
2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec 4Matic Sedan
Base Price: $54,825As-Tested Price: $64,295
Drivetrain: 2.1-liter turbocharged diesel I4; AWD, seven-speed automatic
Output: 195 hp @ 3,800 rpm, 369 lb-ft @ 1,600-1,800 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,409 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 27/42/32 mpg
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 25.7 mpg
Options: P01 premium package including Comand system, navigation, MB apps, voice control, Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system, SiriusXM radio, traffic, weather, heated front seats, power rear-window sunshade, rearview camera ($3,870); 997 driver assistance package including Distronic Plus with steering assist, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, bas plus, cross-traffic assist, Pre-Safe Plus, Pre-Safe brake with pedestrian recognition ($2,800); 996 parking assist package including Parktronic, active parking assist, surround view camera system ($1,290); Obsidian Black paint ($720); 287 split-folding rear seats ($440); 104 rear deck spoiler ($350)
