The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC sedan emerged as a game-changer in the luxury vehicle market, setting new benchmarks for fuel economy. Boasting an EPA-estimated 45 miles per gallon on the highway and 28 mpg in the city, this model redefined expectations for diesel performance and efficiency. Notably, it was the first diesel E-Class to offer the option of 4MATIC all-wheel drive, achieving best-in-class fuel efficiency within the midsize luxury sedan segment and across the broader industry for vehicles of comparable size. Even when equipped with the optional 4MATIC system, the fuel consumption remained impressively low, rated at 42 mpg highway and 27 mpg city. This solidified its position as the diesel sedan with the highest EPA highway fuel economy rating available at the time.
High-Tech Four-Cylinder Engine with Balance Shafts
At the heart of the 2014 E250 BlueTEC’s innovation was its highly efficient turbodiesel engine. This all-aluminum, in-line four-cylinder powerplant incorporated four valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts featuring vane-type variable valve timing. This advanced design enabled it to produce 195 horsepower and a substantial 369 lb-ft of torque. To counteract the inherent vibrations of an in-line four-cylinder configuration, Mercedes-Benz engineers employed two Lanchester balance shafts. These shafts, spinning at twice the crankshaft speed and supported by sophisticated, low-friction roller bearings, effectively smoothed engine operation. Drivers experienced the benefits of a two-stage turbocharged system, characterized by virtually no turbo lag, immediate throttle response, and a broad torque curve accessible throughout the engine’s speed range, leading to significantly enhanced performance. The impressive 369 lb-ft of torque was readily available from as low as 1,800 rpm, ensuring robust power delivery when needed.
BlueTEC System Enhancements
The BlueTEC direct fuel injection system in the E250 BlueTEC operated at an exceptionally high pressure of 2,000 bar (28,400 pounds per square inch). This elevated fuel pressure contributed to both increased power output and reduced exhaust emissions. The higher injection pressure allowed the four piezo injectors to operate with greater precision, adapting to changes in engine load and speed. This sophisticated system positioned the four-cylinder diesel engine at the forefront of diesel technology for passenger vehicles, emphasizing both performance and environmental responsibility.
AdBlue Injection for Emission Control
To ensure the E250 BlueTEC met stringent exhaust emission standards across all 50 U.S. states, the BlueTEC system incorporated AdBlue injection. This technology made the diesel engine as clean-running as a modern gasoline engine. AdBlue, a water-based urea solution, was stored in a dedicated small tank and injected into the exhaust stream in minute, precisely controlled quantities. The AdBlue tank was conveniently refillable through the fuel filler door and only required replenishment during scheduled maintenance intervals. Upon injection into the pre-cleaned exhaust gas, AdBlue released ammonia (NH3), which then facilitated a chemical reaction in a downstream catalytic converter. This reaction converted nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. This process, known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), represented the most effective exhaust gas after-treatment method available at the time, ensuring compliance with the strictest emissions regulations.
4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive System
Reflecting the increasing popularity of refined all-wheel-drive systems, particularly in the luxury car segment, Mercedes-Benz offered its advanced 4MATIC system as an option on the E250 BlueTEC. Modern all-wheel-drive systems like 4MATIC provided significant year-round traction and stability benefits on both dry and slippery road surfaces with minimal compromises in weight and fuel efficiency. The latest iteration of Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC was seamlessly integrated with the 7-speed automatic transmission, fitting within the standard vehicle body and utilizing the existing front suspension architecture. Innovative design measures minimized energy losses associated with the additional gears and shafts, thereby improving overall fuel efficiency. Mercedes-Benz anticipated a balanced customer preference, projecting an approximate 50/50 split in national sales between rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC versions of the E250 BlueTEC, acknowledging that regions with colder climates typically exhibited a near-exclusive preference for 4MATIC equipped vehicles when available.
Leading Safety with Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Benz prioritized real-world safety, aiming for accident-free driving. The new E-Class showcased this commitment with over 30 standard and optional active and passive safety systems integrated under the umbrella of Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive. The Driver Assistance Package, available for $2800 on the 2014 E-Class sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, exemplified this advanced safety approach. Key features included:
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist: A radar-based cruise control system offering semi-autonomous steering inputs, functional from 0-124 mph depending on road conditions.
- PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian detection: Utilizing radar and stereo cameras to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead, this system could adjust braking force and even initiate full emergency braking if necessary.
- PRE-SAFE PLUS: Rear-facing radar to detect potential rear-end collisions, preparing the vehicle to mitigate passenger injury risk in such events.
- BAS PLUS with Cross Traffic Assist: Stereo cameras to monitor cross-traffic situations, providing appropriate brake assistance to avoid collisions.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Protection: These systems employed corrective one-sided braking to help drivers maintain lane position and avoid collisions with vehicles in blind spots.
E250 BlueTEC: The Entry Point to the E-Class Range
The E250 BlueTEC sedan served as the entry-level model in the E-Class lineup, priced competitively at $51,400 while delivering a sophisticated clean diesel powertrain. The 2014 E-Class portfolio and pricing structure (excluding the $925 destination & delivery charge) was as follows:
- E250 BlueTEC sedan (rear-wheel drive) – $51,400
- E350 sedan (rear-wheel drive) – $51,900
- E350 Coupe (rear-wheel drive) – $52,200
- E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC sedan – $53,900
- E350 4MATIC sedan – $54,400
- E350 4MATIC Coupe – $54,700
- E400 Hybrid sedan (rear-wheel drive) – $56,700
- E350 4MATIC wagon – $58,600
- E550 Coupe (rear-wheel drive) – $59,000
- E350 Cabriolet (rear-wheel drive) – $60,200
- E550 4MATIC sedan – $61,400
- E550 Cabriolet (rear-wheel drive) – $67,300
- E63 AMG 4MATIC sedan – $92,770
- E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC sedan – $99,770
- E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC wagon – $102,370
Beyond the E250 BlueTEC sedan, other 2014 Mercedes-Benz models in the U.S. featuring BlueTEC clean diesel technology included the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (V6), ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (V6), and GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’s broad commitment to advanced diesel technology across its model range.
