Benz adds E250 CDI Estate

MERCEDES-BENZ has released an entry-level version of its fifth-generation E-class wagon, lowering the admission price of the large German seven-seater in Australia by more than $32,000, to a still-pricey $105,500 plus on-road costs.

On sale now, the E250 CDI Estate BlueEfficiency diesel is also more fuel-efficient than the existing V6 petrol-engined E350 Estate ($138,100), which went on sale here in January, with average fuel consumption reducing from 9.9 litres per 100km to just 6.3L/100km.

The newest 212-series E-class variant, which joins the E-class Cabriolet range launched here in April and the mainstream E-class sedan and coupe models first released in Australia in August last year, employs a 150kW/500Nm 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine, instead of the E350’s 200kW/350Nm 3.5-litre V6.

In Europe, variations of the same two-stage turbo-diesel engine return 100kW in the E200 CDI and 125kW in the E220 CDI, which along with the E250 CDI return just 5.7L/100km with a manual transmission.

Australia’s E250 CDI Estate is also less fuel-efficient than BMW’s all-new 520d Touring, which is powered by a 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that returns aslittle as 5.3L/100km.

The 520d wagon, which goes on sale in September too, is also priced $12,700 lower at $92,800. BMW’s twin-stage turbo-petrol 535i Touring ($138,900) continues to rival the E350 Estate.

The E-class Estate is one of four seven-seat models available from Mercedes here, including the R-class, GL-class and Viano.

Like the E350 Estate and previous E-class – but not C-class - wagons, the E250 CDI features a pair of rear-facing third-row seats.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific managing director Horst von Sanden highlighted the safety credentials of the E250 CDI Estate.

“We put the carriage of the most precious cargo of all (families) as an absolute priority,” he said.

“Our NCAP five star rated range of Mercedes-Benz Estates put every family first. Our offering of the largest and most comprehensive estate range in the industry with a choice between the five-seat C-class, the five or seven-seat R-class and the six, seven or eight-seat Viano and now the seven seat E250 CDI demonstrates our commitment to the estate buyer.

“I am such a huge fan of the E-Class Estate that I chose to drive one as my everyday vehicle. The seven-seat versatility, safety, comfort, impressive performance and design tick all the boxes for me. The E250 CDI I believe has very strong appeal to our customers with its impressive environmental credentials. I believe it is truly the Estate of the Nation,” said Mr van Sanden.

Available in a single Avantgarde specification grade, the E250 CDI Estate comes standard with adaptive damping and self-levelling rear suspension, an electric rear tailgate with programmable opening angle, the Easypack rear seat folding facility, a load compartment cover and cargo retaining net), a fold-down bench seat with three-point seatbelts, leather trim, parking sensors, rear-door sunblinds, a UCI Media interface featuring iPod integration and bi-Xenon headlights with Intelligent Light System and Adaptive High beam Assist.