Cleaner diesels for Merc E-class

21 June 2004

Mercedes will offer cleaner diesel engines in its E-class executive saloon and estate range from September.

The new 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre models have the same power outputs as the current E220 CDi and E320 CDi which they replace. However, because they meet Euro IV emissions regulations, they avoid the usual 3% company car tax surcharge.

Mercedes has so far only released details of the E320 CDi, which will cost £36,885, £520 more than the model it replaces.

Despite the higher price tag and increased carbon dioxide emissions of 194g/km, the new car will be £95 cheaper to tax for a higher-rate taxpayer - with an annual bill of £3521 because it attracts a lower tax rating of 24%.

Fuel consumption is worse for the new E320 CDi, dropping from 40.9mpg on the combined cycle to 36.7mpg. However, the Merc is still more efficient than the equivalent Audi A6 and BMW 5-series diesels.

Mercedes has yet to confirm whether the E270 CDi model will also be uprated to meet the stricter emissions standards.

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