Power, refinement and economy are the three defining traits of the 4-cylinder in-line CDI diesel engines in the E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI models. Rarely has economical driving been so enjoyable, largely thanks to the impressive output and torque: 100 kW (136 hp)/340 Nm and 125 kW (170 hp)/400 Nm respectively. Plus both engines feature a Lanchester balancer and sophisticated insulation technology, thus ensuring superb refinement, as well as a standard-fit particulate filter to minimise soot emissions.


(E 200 CDI: fuel consumption combined: 6.1–7.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 160–186 g/km; E 220 CDI: fuel consumption combined: 6.1–7.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 160–187 g/km)[1]

With BLUETEC, the E-Class adds a new exceptionally low-emission drive variant to its 6-cylinder diesel engine line-up. BLUETEC intelligent diesel technology makes this compression-ignition engine one of the cleanest and most efficient drives in the world. The hallmarks of the E 300 BLUETEC are its muscular 540 Nm of torque and consistent economy, at emission levels which today already lie below tomorrow’s EURO standards. But the other E-Class 6-cylinder models also feature Common-Rail diesel technology. So-called piezo injectors, fine crystals which contract under voltage, meter the fuel with exquisite precision, enabling a sharper accelerator response, a dynamic response that can really be felt.

The V6 powerplants in the E 280 CDI, E 300 BLUETEC and E 320 CDI produce 140 kW (190 hp) and 165 kW (224 hp) respectively and offer torque characteristics that are outstanding in the engines' respective displacement categories. Furthermore, the consistently lightweight design ensures low fuel consumption. And all models comply with the EU4 emission standard, while the standard-fit particulate filter further reduces soot emissions by a substantial margin.

The E 280 CDI and the E 320 CDI are also available with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.


(E 280 CDI: fuel consumption combined: 6.9–7.5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 183–199 g/km;
E 300 BLUETEC: fuel consumption combined: 7.2–7.5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 189–199 g/km;
E 320 CDI: fuel consumption combined: 7.3–7.6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 194–202 g/km)[1]

The top-of-the-range diesel model is the E 420 CDI – with one of the highest-torque V8 diesel engines available for a passenger car. Developing 231 kW (314 hp), the powerplant delivers its peak torque of 730 Nm at just 2200 rpm and accelerates the E 420 CDI from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 6.1 seconds.

Features such as latest-generation common-rail direct injection, an aluminium crankcase, cooled exhaust-gas recirculation and electric intake-air throttling boost output whilst cutting consumption, noise and pollutant emissions.

As is the case in all E-Class diesel models, a particulate filter is fitted as standard.


(E 420 CDI: fuel consumption combined: 9.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 246 g/km)[1]