It should come as no surprise that the S250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the ML250 BlueTEC 4Matic are among the most environmentally friendly vehicles in their class. Both vehicles are powered by a four-cylinder diesel unit with direct injection and turbocharging. The engine has a displacement of 2143 cubic centimetres, from which it delivers an output of 150 kW (204 hp), placing a powerful torque of 500 newton metres at the driver’s disposal.
The S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, which is in the luxury class, uses the four-cylinder diesel to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.2 seconds, while the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, in the SUV category, takes 9.0 seconds to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint.
But, even with their sporty performances, both of the models are easy on fuel. The S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY consumes 5.7 l/100 km combined (which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 149 g/km combined). The ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC consumes 6.0 litres over 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km (both figures combined).
Recently, the “ÖkoTrend” institute declared the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC to be not just among the best in their class but the best in terms of being the most environmentally friendly cars in their class.
Since 1997 the ÖkoTrend institute has been publishing an environmental ranking for cars on an annual basis. In order to reach a conclusion the institute evaluates the environmental compatibility of several tens of thousands of data relating to around a thousand car models in twelve categories. This stringent assessment includes information on consumption, pollutant emissions, manufacturing, logistics, recycling and the manufacturers’ environmental systems.
The above reseach led to the “AUTO TEST WINNERS in GREEN!” awards from the specialist publication AUTO TEST to go to the Mercedes S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC.