Mercedes-Benz has quietly launched a new low cost diesel variant of the E-Class. The E220 CDI was spotted by us a few months ago, undergoing fuel efficiency tests in Pune and is now on sale officially. Powered by a 2143 cc, in-line, turbo-charged diesel unit, the E220 CDI produces 170 hp of power at 3000 RPM and 400 Nm of torque between 1400-2800 RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI is priced at Rs. 44.50 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai) and the dealer is offering discounts as well as special offers on the car. The E220 CDI is available in only one trim level, Elegance. The E220 CDI and E250 CDI uses the same engine but the E250 is tuned for more power, producing 203 hp at 4200 RPM and 500 Nm of torque between 1600-1800 RPM.
Mercedes is using BlueEFFICIENCY technology on the entry level diesel E-Class to boost fuel economy and rival the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series. Both the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series are available with an entry level diesel engine which helps these German automakers to price their luxury saloons aggressively. Audi uses a 2.0-liter TDI unit, while BMW uses the 3-Series and X1’s 2-0-liter motor to power the entry level executive cars. With the introduction of the E250, the E-Class range is now available with 3 diesel engines and 2 petrol engines (the E250 petrol has been discontinued) – E220 CDI, E250 CDI, E350 CDI, E200 CGI and E350. We have extensively reviewed the E-Class before and you can read our review here.
