Following the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet and E-Class Coupé, both model ranges are now available with a new engine derivative – the E 250 CGI BlueEfficiency.

The powerplant within the E 250 CGI BlueEfficiency Coupé and Cabriolet is the newly developed 1.8-litre 4-cylinder, turbocharged, direct-injection unit with 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque. The new 4-cylinder engine is more fuel efficient, with 7.2 L/100km and CO2 emissions are 185 grams per kilometre. The new engine is mated to Mercedes-Benz’s five-speed automatic transmission in both models.

The low fuel consumption is not due exclusively to the engine, but is attributed to a number of efficiency measures. These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the vehicle’s electrical power requirements.

As an alternative to the standard-fit ‘Agility Control’ suspension that is set up for comfort, Agility Control with sports suspension is available as an optional extra. The sports suspension uses an electronically controlled damping system that processes sensor data about the current driving situation and adjusts the shock absorbers separately for each wheel. Furthermore, the driver can switch between two drive modes – Comfort and Sport – which make corresponding adjustments to the suspension set-up, accelerator response and the shift points of the automatic transmission. A newly developed speed-sensitive sports steering system with a more direct ratio and variable centring is also included in the standard dynamic handling package.

Safety is further enhanced with the optional Blind Spot Assist function. This radar-based system warns the driver before a lane-change if it detects another vehicle in the exterior mirror’s blind spot. An optional Light package includes an intelligent light system with Bi-Xenon headlights with variable light distribution, LED day time driving lights, LED turn signal in the tail lamp, a headlamp wash system and adaptive high beam assistant.

Adding to the standard equipment of the E 250 CGI is the popular AMG Sports package, which includes the AMG bodystyling, AMG 18-inch 6-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG perforated front brake discs and sports suspension. The interior features of the AMG sports package includes multi-contour seats for driver and front passenger and brushed stainless steel sports pedals. The steering wheel shift paddles and the AMG steering wheel complete the sporty look of these models.

Both the E 250 CGI Coupé and Cabriolet offers the Mercedes-Benz-developed ‘Command APS’ multimedia system as an option. This system includes a DVD player for audio and video as well as a Africa-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a hard drive, allowing fast access to the navigation data and, compared to DVD-based navigation, even faster route calculations. The high-resolution map appears on the 7-inch colour display in the centre of the dashboard. In addition, the system can stire up to 1 200 music tracks in MP3, WMA or AAC format, which can be downloaded from memory cards via an adapter slot, as well as the Gracenote CD database for naming audio files.

Prices include a 6-years/120 000 km maintenance plan and 2-year/unlimited km warranty and roadside assistance.