Fuel-efficient model variants

Mercedes-Benz seeks to inspire its customers with economical and environmentally compatible premium automobiles that sacrifice nothing in the way of the typical brand attributes of safety, comfort, and superior driving pleasure. Our “Road to the Future” program launched in September 2007 demonstrates how we intend to achieve that goal. An important step in this respect was taken during the year under review with the introduction of numerous BlueEFFICIENCY models. BlueEFFICIENCY comprises a package of fuel-economy enhancement measures that are being applied in all Mercedes-Benz model series. These measures involve the optimization of weight, aerodynamics, roll resistance, energy management, and drive systems. A- and B-Class models equipped with start-stop technology are already available, as is a natural-gas version of the B-Class. The hot-selling C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 CDI models can now also be purchased as BlueEFFICIENCY versions. The new C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY , which was launched in the fall of 2008 and is equipped with a new four-cylinder diesel engine, combines driving pleasure with outstanding efficiency. With fuel consumption of only 5.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers and carbon-dioxide emissions of 138 grams per kilometer, the model offers the performance of a conventional six-cylinder engine but with much lower fuel consumption. And in October 2008, Mercedes-Benz launched the fuel-efficient C350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY with the world’s first gasoline engine with direct fuel injection. This new technology makes the car 14% more fuel efficient than the C 350 with conventional fuel injection. In December 2008, Mercedes-Benz then launched the first-ever luxury-segment BlueEFFICIENCY model in the form of the S 320 CDI. This sedan consumes 7.6 liters of fuel per 100 km - better than any other model in its segment. Our S 400 BlueHYBRID, which we unveiled in September 2008, will be the world’s most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered luxury sedan (7.9 liters per 100 km and 186 g CO₂ per km) when it is launched in mid-2009. Mercedes-Benz launched second-generation BLUETEC technology in the United States in October 2008: The SUVs from the ML-, R- and GL-Class feature the world’s cleanest diesel technology, enabling them to meet the stringent BIN5 emission standard in the US and making them eligible for registration in all 50 states. BlueEFFICIENCY diesel models will be launched in Europe as of autumn 2009 (see here).