If you want to get the fashionable Mercedes GLA look for less cash, then this entry-level 200 CDI could be the car for you. Starting at £25,850, the Mercedes GLA 200 CDI boasts a price as eye-catching as its rugged styling.
The Mercedes GLA 200 CDI gets the same pumped-up hatchback styling as more expensive models, such as raised suspension, aluminium roof rails, plus extra chrome trim. The dash is also carried over pretty much unchanged from the Mercedes A-Class. Sadly, though, the upmarket air is shattered the moment the 2.1-litre diesel clatters into life.
Matters don’t improve on the move either, because the 134bhp unit underneath the bonnet of the Mercedes GLA 200 CDI feels sluggish off the line and is thrashy when extended.
The optional £1,450 seven-speed box fitted to the Mercedes GLA 200 CDI we tested provided smooth and early upshifts, which helped to avoid the worst of the initial mechanical racket. The Mercedes GLA 200 CDI gets a six-speed manual is standard, but it suffers from a springy and vague shift action.
Once up to a steady cruising speed, the engine in the Mercedes GLA 200 CDI subsides to a background hum, while wind and road noise are kept well in check. The Mercedes rides better than the A-Class it’s based on, too – although it fidgets a little on the motorway.
The small side windows on the Mercedes GLA make the cabin feel a little claustrophobic, but there’s decent head and legroom for those sitting in the back. Better still, there’s plenty of useful storage, including a number of lidded cubbies in the centre console. The deep boot also boasts a cavernous 481-litre capacity.
As with other models in the Mercedes GLA range the front-wheel-drive 200 CDI features safe and predictable handling. The steering is precise, there plenty of grip and decent body control. Yet despite its raised ride height, the Mercedes doesn’t give the same commanding view of the road as rivals such as the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q3.
Downsizing for the entry-level engines and downspeeding for the more powerful units – that is the Mercedes-Benz strategy for the diesel engines in the new A-Class. The wide range meets every performance requirement, and demonstrates the potential residing in the diesel engine: for the first time – with the A 180 CDI – a Mercedes-Benz will emit just 98 g of CO2 per kilometre. As a further highlight, the A 220 CDI already meets the Euro-6 emission standard only coming into effect from 2015.
The diesel engines also boast extreme efficiency and environmental friendliness, thanks to state-of-the-art injection technology and turbocharging. The A 180 CDI kicks off at 80 kW (109 hp) and offers maximum torque of up to 250 Nm (dual clutch transmission) or 260 Nm (6-speed manual transmission). In the A 200 CDI the maximum power output stands at 100 kW (136 hp), accompanied by maximum torque of 300 Nm. The A 220 CDI has a displacement of 2.2 litres and generates 125 kW (170 hp) with 350 Nm of torque, giving the performance of the A-Class a decidedly sporty touch.
From the S-Class to the A-Class: the diesel engines of the OM 651 series
Since its world premiere in 2008 the direct-injection diesel engine known as the OM 651 has been setting standards in terms of performance and torque characteristics, economy, emissions and smooth running. It is in more widespread use than any other Mercedes-Benz diesel engine and serves as a model of efficiency and power right up to the S-Class. For transverse installation the belt drive for the ancillary units, the installed position of the turbocharger and the air ducting have been modified.
No less than three versions are used in the new A-Class:
To realise the start/stop function, the belt drive is decoupled from the crankshaft in all three engines.
Other common features include:
Replete with Mercedes-Benz know-how: the OM 607
For the A 180 CDI with manual transmission Mercedes-Benz has had recourse to its cooperation with Renault to achieve fuel economy advantages from a compact, lightweight, low-friction engine which has been rigorously downsized. The common-rail four-cylinder with a rail pressure of 1600 bar is currently in its sixth generation, with more than 1.3 million units produced each year. This 1.5-litre engine with low-pressure EGR generates 80 kW (109 hp). With 98 g of CO2 per kilometre, it is among the most environmentally friendly diesels in the compact car segment. The turbocharger features variable turbine geometry (VTG).
This engine with the in-house designation OM 607 weighs around 30 kilograms less than an OM 651. Numerous components are specific to Mercedes-Benz, for example the OM 607 has the engine mountings of the M 270 petrol engine, as well as a special two-mass flywheel. The starter flanged onto the transmission, the alternator and the refrigerant compressor also come from the Mercedes modular system, and are driven by a belt with six grooves.
Like all Mercedes engines, the OM 607 was required to absolve the extensive engine test programme involving bench-testing and endurance runs. The application effort devoted to the OM 607 by Mercedes-Benz was very considerable. In a joint project team of Mercedes and Renault personnel the engine was especially improved with respect to NVH and driveability. Coordination work also went into the ECO start/stop function included as standard. This Mercedes-specific feature also operates at temperatures down to minus 10 degrees Celsius, for example, and can therefore make a more frequent contribution to fuel economy.
Overview of technical data for the A-Class with diesel engine
| Model | A 180 CDI* | A 180 CDI ** | A 200 CDI*** | A 220 CDI** | |
| Cylinder arrangement/number | 4/in-line | 4/in-line | 4/in-line | 4/in-line | |
| Displacement | [cc] | 1461 | 1796 | 1796 | 2143 |
| Rated output | [kW/hp] at [rpm] | 80/109 4000 | 80/109 3200-4600 | 100/136 3600-4400 | 125/170 3600-4000 |
| Rated torque | [Nm] at [rpm] | 260 1750-2500 |
250 1400-2800 |
300 1600-3000 |
350 1600-3200 |
| Fuel consumption, combined | [l/100 km] | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.3 (4.1) | n/a |
| CO2 emissions, combined | [g/km] | 98 | 109 | 111 (109) | n/a |
* manual transmission,
** 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission,
*** figures for 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission in brackets
The all new Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI marks a first for Mercedes, combining a SLK Roadster with their famous diesel engines. The diesel roadster boasts 150 kW (204 hp) four-cylinder power unit putting the two-seater at the top of its class in many respects. Most notably, it is the most economical roadster in its segment, getting 62 miles per 1.3 gallons of diesel. Thanks to its enormous torque of 500 newton metres it accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, and gives drivers a top figure for acceleration from 50 to 75 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The new SLK 250 CDI can be ordered from September 13, 2011. The price including VAT is € 41,828.50.
Diesel drive and roadster excitement do not go together – or so a common misconception would have it. Mercedes-Benz impressively demonstrates the contrary with the new SLK 250 CDI. Its four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 2143 cc generates an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 newton metres of torque – as much as a petrol engine with twice the displacement would normally generate. This makes the new SLK 250 CDI the most powerful diesel model in its class, and gives the roadster the potential for extremely sporty performance.
Equipped with the standard 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission (a six-speed manual transmission will follow in the second quarter of next year), the diesel SLK sprints from zero to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and achieves a top speed of 243 km/h. Moreover, the flexibility of the SLK 250 CDI is nothing short of phenomenal. Thanks to its enormous diesel torque it accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in just 4.3 seconds – easily the best figure in this class, making for safe and effortless overtaking.
Apart from this, the SLK 250 CDI is the most economical and therefore environmentally compatible roadster in its segment. It is happy with 4.9 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 128 g/km. In other words, the diesel SLK combines thoroughbred sports car performance with the fuel economy of a sub-compact. This guarantees great driving pleasure with great fuel efficiency.
The diesel engine achieves its exemplary output, torque, fuel consumption and emissions figures, as well as its highly impressive smoothness for a diesel unit, thanks to an extensive package of innovative technologies. These include fourth-generation common-rail injection with a rail pressure of 2000 bar and precise injection timing, as well as two-stage turbocharging. Like all SLK models, the SLK 250 CDI also features a start/stop system as standard.
The frugal fuel consumption makes the SLK 250 CDI a car with superior long-distance qualities. Using the European motorways, it is e.g. quite possible to drive from the North Sea to a beach on the Mediterranean non-stop. Very comfortable sports seats, a comfortable suspension setup and the largest luggage capacity in this segment also do their bit to create the right conditions.
As it shares the same genes with the other members of the successful SLK family, the SLK 250 CDI combines lightfooted sportiness with stylish comfort, a striking sports car design and absolute day-to-day suitability, while delivering top performance with exemplary ecology. This means that the diesel version too provides open-top driving enjoyment at an extraordinarily high level.
The SLK 250 CDI is likewise available with a choice of three versions of the famous vario-roof – one of them the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof can be changed from dark to transparent at the touch of a button. There are also three suspension versions available: a conventional steel suspension, a sports suspension with a stiffer spring and damper setup or a suspension with an electronically controlled, fully automatic damping system. The latter is part of the Dynamic Handling package, which also includes the Direct-Steer system and the Torque Vectoring Brake developed by Mercedes-Benz for particularly agile and predictable handling characteristics.
Externally the new SLK 250 CDI is no different in appearance from the petrol models. It even retains the twin exhaust system, and therefore has the same exciting look for which all the SLK models are known.
The new SLK 250 CDI can be ordered from September 13, 2011. The price including VAT is € 41,828.50.
Mercedes-Benz has long been known for their Diesel engines, but in recent years Mercedes’ compression-ignition offerings in the U.S. have been pretty limited. However, with several diesel vehicles in the pipeline and several more potentially on the way, diesel’s may again make a comeback.
One vehicle that may make its way to the U.S. is a four-cylinder diesel M-Class in diesel form. In Europe and elsewhere, there will be a new base version of the M-Class: an ML250 BlueTec, powered by a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, making 204 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
That’s the same engine that’s already been confirmed as emissions-certified and U.S. bound—as well as headed to the U.S. as soon as later this year in the smaller GLK-Class crossover, as a GLK250 BlueTec.
Bernhard Glaser, general manager for U.S. product, told MotorAuthority that the automaker hasn’t ruled out offering the four-cylinder diesel in the M-Class—they’re currently evaluating that, and it all depends on how the vehicle would perform in the North American market, and on U.S. highways. It’s likely that the model, if brought here, could achieve 30 mpg highway and significantly affect the brand’s fuel economy average.
At least one other U.S. model will be receiving the four-cylinder engine early on, Glaser confirmed. That will help defray the cost and complication of certifying an all-new engine for U.S. use (considering that diesels don’t typically make up any more than 20 percent of the product mix when Mercedes-Benz offers them). And, according to Glaser, additional models with the engine will potentially follow.
Some outlets have reported that the C-Class will be the other model to initially get the BlueTec four, but Glaser insists that this isn’t a done deal. The automaker has also shown an E250 BlueTec concept—at the 2010 New York Auto Show—also hinting that the E-Class is in contention. The C-Class is already getting a smaller gasoline engine for 2012: an all-new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the C250.
The automaker has already confirmed that V-8 versions of the all-new M-Class will join the lineup next year, as well as a two-wheel-drive version of the gasoline ML350.
Given pending fuel economy regulations, we can expect Mercedes to hit harder with diesels this time; a diesel version of the S-Class, called the S350 BlueTec, will arrive to dealerships this fall.
In the meantime, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is available at launch in ML350 BlueTec form, with a strong 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 making 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet. For more details about that, and how it stacks up with the gasoline ML350, see our full first drive report on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class models.
Source: Motor Authority
Effective immediately, Mercedes-Benz is combining the V6 diesel engine in the S350 BlueTEC with an ECO start/stop function. As a result, the fuel consumption of the luxury class saloon has been lowered to 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres or 1.6 gallons per 62 miles (NEDC combined). The S 350 BlueTEC is also one of the world’s cleanest diesel models.
The V6 diesel engine in the S 350 BlueTEC develops an output of 190 kW (258 hp) from a displacement of 2987 cc, and generates 620 Nm of torque. It also comes with excellent fuel consumption and emission values as standard. Thanks to BlueTEC with AdBlue exhaust treatment, the S-Class model – which made its debut in 2010 – currently already fulfils the emission values planned for 2014 in accordance with the EU6 standard, and as such is one of the world’s cleanest diesel vehicles. The new ECO start/stop function fitted as standard now helps to improve the efficiency of the luxury class saloon even further. With a combined consumption of 6.2 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, the S 350 BlueTEC improves on the figures of its predecessor by 0.6 litre, or nine percent. CO2 emissions have dropped from 177 to 164 grammes per kilometre.
The ECO start/stop system developed by Mercedes-Benz switches the engine off when the vehicle comes to a standstill – for example at traffic lights. The engine then immediately starts again as soon as the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal. Thanks to the intelligent control system, all of the vehicle’s functions and comfort systems continue to operate during the stop phase.
The increase in efficiency was also achieved, among other things, through the use of TWAS(twin-wire-arc-sprayed) coating technology.
AMG has been using TWAS coating technology since 2005 in the 6.3-litre V8 in all model series, including the new SLS. Based on the positive experiences gained, Mercedes has now also developed this technology further for diesel engines. It is currently being introduced in the new Mercedes V6 diesel engine.
The benefits are impressive. Taking the diesel engine as an example, the potential savings are around 3%. At the same time, the weight has been reduced by 4.3 kg.
The price of the Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC remains unchanged at 76,517 euros, inclusive of 19% VAT.
The aftermarket specialist from German tuner Kicherer have divulged information on their all new the Mercedes GL 42 Sport Black. The Kicherer Mercedes GL 42 Sport Black is based on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 420 CDI and offers a complete package with visual and performance modifications.
The current Mercedes-Benz GL420 CDI offers a 4.2 liter V8 common rail diesel engine with 306 hp and 700 Nm of torque. With help from Kicherer, the SUV’s power output increases to 380 hp and 900 Nm of torque. The Kicherer GL 42 Sport also comes with a PowerConverter from the company that enhances acceleration pedal response.
The exterior of the GL Tuner is a matte black foil finish and the grille and Mercedes-Benz badges all re-done in black. Additional exterior features include 22-inch rims, an off-road package with electronic chassis adjustment as well as a 2-pipe sports exhaust system. On the interior is an upgraded ergonomic sports steering wheel.
Kicherer Press Release:
GL 42 Sport Black – The exception
The Mercedes Benz GL class is extremely impressive even in its serial version. At a length of 5.09 meters, width of 1.92 meters, height of 1.84 meters and a combat weight of approx. 2.5 tons, the X164 series – which has been available since 2006 – towers over nearly all the other full size SUVs without seeming plump. KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik from Stockach at the beautiful Bodensee specialize in Mercedes-Benz refinement; they emphasize the sportive characteristics of this large SUV with strategically placed tuning measures: Raise the curtain for the KICHERER GL 42 Sport Black! Send through Y!M E-mail this
The special edition based on a Mercedes Benz GL 420 CDI is powered accordingly by a 4.2 liter V8 common rail turbo diesel engine; in the series state, it has 306 HP and 700 Newton meters as maximum torque. The performance improvement by KICHERER provides the GL 42 Sport Black with a full 380 HP and 900 Newton meters on the thick crankshaft. The additionally installed KICHERER PowerConverter also sharpens the electronic gas pedal characteristic curve, causing the heavy vehicle to react even more spontaneously to acceleration commands and enabling powerful acceleration from the very bottom. The two end pipes of the two-pipe sports exhaust system give off a deeply evil roar
The serial Airmatic chassis was also given a more sportive characteristic curve, making the GL 42 Sport Black comparatively light on it wheels when going around bends of any size. The Vogue complete wheel set consisting of 10×22 inch wheel rims and XXL size 295/35R22 tires also essentially contributes to the new driving dynamics.
For a sportive look, KICHERER retrofitted the GL 42 Sport Black, which is completely covered in matte black exclusive foil, with its own off-road package. The grille and all the Mercedes stars and decorative strips are now black to perfect the SUV’s “bad boy” look. KICHERER also improved the cockpit with the contoured ergonomic sports steering wheel.
Modifications