2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec

• That 2.1-liter turbodiesel might not sound like a lot of engine, but its performance fits in well with the E250's brief as a comfortable and luxurious sedan. There's 195 horsepower available at 3,800 rpm, while 369 pound-feet of torque can be had between 1,600 and 1,800 rpm. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, though our tester was fitted with Merc's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
• Despite weighing in at a hefty 4,400 pounds (rear-drive models are 200 pounds lighter), the readily available torque allows the E250 to deliver reasonable performance, although the heavy footed among us might be happier with the gas-powered E350 or the super-desirable E550. Mercedes claims the diesel-powered E-Class will hit 60 in 8.2 seconds, but it didn't feel quite as slow as that number indicates.
• The EPA rating on the MB's window sticker claims it will return 27 miles per gallon in the city and 42 mpg on the highway, for a combined 32-mpg rating. Our experience was slightly above the combined average, at about 34 mpg in mixed driving.
• There's some turbo lag here, but it's only truly intrusive when digging into the throttle at very low speeds. The 2.1 is a quiet, unobtrusive mill, that doesn't subscribe to any of the clattery diesel noises when cold and remains stealthily quiet while accelerating at freeway speeds.
• A seven-speed automatic is the sole transmission for the E250, and it is a peach. Smooth, barely perceptible upshifts are matched up with quick downshifts. There is a sport mode for the transmission, as well as a set of paddles on the back of the E-Class' steering wheel, but that sort of fire-at-will cog-swapping kind of misses the point of a sedan that's powered by a small diesel engine. Still, it works just fine, and Sport does speed downshifts slightly, but we found it was just better to let the trans do its thing without interference.
• Our tester featured a Mercedes sport package, which adds a unique set of 17-inch alloy wheels (the standard size offered on the E250), while lowering the suspension and adding a few aesthetic tweaks. Still, the ride was comfortable, likely due to the relatively small wheels and higher sidewall of the tires. The E250 was smooth and comfortable over a variety of surfaces, only suffering from an overabundance of vertical motion, or porpoising, on undulating surfaces at higher speeds.
• Prices for the E250 4Matic start at $53,900, but can climb quickly from there. Our tester adds $720 for the Obsidian Black paint, $440 for split-folding rear seats, $350 for a rear spoiler (why isn't this just part of the Sport Package?), $3,870 for a Premium Pack that adds the COMAND infotainment system, a rear-view camera and heated seats, $1,290 for a Parking Assist pack (surround video camera, active park assist) and $2,800 for a Driver Assistance pack (adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping and cross-traffic alert. Oddly, the Sport Pack is a no-cost option. Add on destination and delivery charges of $925, and our tester could be taken home for $64,295.
• The case for the E250 is hurt by its range of V6-powered, diesel-engined competitors. Both the BMW 535d and Audi A6 TDI are significantly more powerful for just a couple thousand dollars more than our tester's base price.
• The E250 is a compelling vehicle for a select group of buyers. Where the E350 and E550 are solidly in the sport sedan category, the E250 is not. It's quieter and smoother, making it a generally better car for those that aren't looking to get anywhere in a hurry. We like the fuel economy argument it provides, as well. All that said, its starting price and more powerful competitors hurt the appeal of the oil-burning Benz for just about anyone that doesn't place fuel economy as their number one priority.

Vital Stats

Engine:

Turbo-Diesel 2.1L I4

Power:

195 HP / 369 LB-FT

Transmission:

7-Speed Auto

0-60 Time:

8.2 Seconds

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight:

4,409 LBS

Seating:

2+3

Cargo:

15.9 CU-FT

MPG:

27 City / 42 HWY

Base Price:

$53,900

As-Tested Price:

$64,295

By Brandon Turkus