From A to S, Mercedes Benz now has a diesel variant in Australia for any Merc letter of the alphabet available with the introduction of the both the A180 CDI and S320 CDI, though in Europe this has always been the case.
The baby of the Merc range, the A-Class, has had a make over. Taller and wider as well as shorter in length, Mercedes’s smallest car scores in every direction ranked against its rivals. The A-class packs enough space for five big adults to travel in comfort.
It is more expensive than it Japanese / Korean equivalents, but then its extra girth and height make it more of a true competitor to cars such as Ford’s Focus and the Volkswagen Golf. And, even though it is the baby of the line-up, it does feel every inch a proper Mercedes: refined, classy and built as if it’ll last.
The design basics of the car date from its introduction in 1997 but still hold good. A high-set floor and seats give occupants an MPV-like view of the world, sitting more upright than they would in a regular small car. The floor is also completely flat, to make the most of available leg- and foot-room, while the rear seats split and fold to turn the back into what becomes, effectively, a small van.
And, though it’s little, it looks every inch a Mercedes inside, by which we mean it feels even more solidly assembled than the competition and feels as if it’ll last for ages. All models can be had three or five doors and while the five-door cars typically cost around $2 – 2.5K more, they’re worth it for the extra practicality that they offer.
When it comes to the ride and handling, the A-class doesn’t blow you away. While it can’t quite replicate the ‘magic carpet’ ride you’ll see from bigger Mercedes, it does feel well planted at speed, making it a surprisingly good freeway car. Wind noise and tyre roar mostly stays outside the cabin, too. However, in town it can’t smother the bumps as well as you might expect, but there are some pleasing gems in the A180 CDI.
The power train is one of them. This 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four is not the smoothest or quietest diesel on the market, yet it is willing and responsive, with its torque (pulling power) peaking at 250Nm and starting from a low 1600 revs. This is married well with the continuously-variable transmission (CVT).
It has typical turbo lag, but picks up more quickly than most. We averaged around 7.8L/100km in mostly urban stop-start traffic with a few short freeway runs. Although this isn’t bad in congested traffic, it’s a fair way from the 5.4L/100km combined figure quoted by Mercedes-Benz – but then again I’m not known for having a feathered foot on the accelerator.
To further increase fuel economy and decrease CO2 emission, Mercedes Benz have introduced Blue Efficiency to their range line up overseas. In its Blue Efficiency line-up Mercedes employs what I like to call ‘passive modifications’. Rather than requiring the driver to do something to get better fuel economy, the efficiency is built in. This means that even the most lead-footed of drivers will end up saving, whether they like it or not.
Most of the modifications were made to either the weight of the car or the car’s aerodynamics. Beyond that, they’re modifications that don’t make the car slower and therefore are unlikely to dull the driving experience.
In the Blue Efficiency models Mercedes shaved weight with lighter windows, less sound-proofing, and a thinner windshield. To reduce aerodynamic drag the car was lowered, has part of the grill blocked, and had some protrusions like mirrors and door handles optimized. This all makes for a more efficient car, with modifications that the public is likely not to notice.
Mercedes now has this package available for every one of its model ranges, so, many more drivers will have a chance to get better fuel economy without losing out in style, comfort or speed. Certainly a step in the right direction and we look forward to these models arriving on our shores.
When it comes to the other end, the range topping Mercedes-Benz S Class, the S 320 CDI is now available. It has a further-optimised version of the popular 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, the same power unit that has impressed with its impressive pulling power, fuel economy and exceptional emission levels in other Mercedes-Benz passenger car models.
This is the first time Mercedes-Benz has offered turbo-diesel power in the S-Class to Australian customers. The newly developed CDI (Common-rail Direct Injection) six-cylinder engine will join the range of engines for the award-winning S-Class. It has an output of 173 kW, topping the figure for the engine in the preceding S 320 CDI (not sold in Australia) by 15 percent.
Maximum torque has increased by eight percent, from 500 to 540 Nm (Newton metres) which is available between a low 1600 and 2800 revs. These remarkable values make the direct-injection diesel unit one of the most powerful in its displacement class. Combining this exceptional engine with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment ensures the best possible use of its outstanding output and torque potential in any driving situation.
In the wings though is a much more fuel efficient S Class – the S 400h. Mercedes Benz the brand leads the field in new technology and this could be the start of something big, but it will come at a retail price.
With Co2 emissions only 190g/km (the S320 displaces 220g/km) and expected mileage of 7.9l / 100kms, the performance will be satisfactory at 220kw/299hp with the torque at 375 Nm.
Off the mark and the Mercedes Benz S400h is hoped to achieve 100 kph in 7.3 sec and a limited top speed of 250 Km.
Daimler AG achieved a crucial breakthrough in battery technology becoming the world’s first manufacturer to have succeeded in adapting lithium-ion technology to the demanding requirements of automotive applications. This technology will be used in the 2009 production. This vital piece of hi tech work is reported to have on its own 25 patents held by Daimler. The system will short cut the short falls of batteries that have gone before them, enabling the battery to work at a optimal level within the temp range of 15 – 35C. This in itself will ensure a more reliable and longer lasting battery source.
The main advantages offered by the newly developed lithium-ion battery are its very compact dimensions and its far superior performance compared to conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries.
AUTO FACTS – A180 CDi
Price: $39,990
Engine: 2.0-litre 4 –cyl turbo diesel
Power: 80kW, 250Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel: 5.4-litre / 100kms
AUTO FACT – S320 CDi
Price: $189,874
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Power: 174kW, 540Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.5-litre / 100 kms
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