Baby Benz E250 4Matic a beauty
Boasts quick, bi-turbo engine, agile handling
The 2014 E250, MercedesBenz’s base model E-Class, brings a bi-turbo diesel engine and full-time all-wheel drive that makes it arguably the best car in the range.
The bi-turbo 2.1-litre diesel engine is stellar. On paper, the 195 horsepower engine looks weak, but torque is what gives acceleration. And the BlueTec diesel pounds out an impressive 369 poundfeet at a lowly 1,600 rpm.
The Mercedes diesel engine idles quietly and, under hard throttle, emits little noise. And, like all modern diesel engines, there’s no black cloud of smoke belching from the exhaust.
Acceleration around town is impressively quick, power is effortless and there isn’t the slightest hint of turbo lag.
The seven-speed automatic transmission is a harmonious match to the engine, shifting smoothly and responding quickly to rapid throttle inputs. Unlike many AWD systems, Mercedes’ permanent 4Matic is biased to give power primarily to the rear wheels for fun driving.
Last year, the E-Class was given a facelift, a more aggressive demeanour. Headlights, fog lights and front turn signals were integrated into a one-piece assembly and the front air splitter was sharpened to accentuate the E’s face like a jutting chin.
The E250’s cabin is luxurious and inviting. The black Artico upholstery is supple and, for most people, indistinguishable from genuine leather (which is available as an option.)
A three-circle gauge cluster is dominated by a large speedometer flanked by a tachometer and fuel/engine temperature gauge. Rear seat room is spacious.
Road handling of the E250 perfectly balances a taut, European feel with a comfortable ride. Steering is communicative, turn-in is precise, and huge potholes are absorbed with grace.
The E250 feels smaller than it is in heavy traffic. The leading edge of the hood and front fenders are easily visible from the driver’s seat, and sight lines around the vehicle are all good.
Critics may argue inherent efficiency is lost with diesel fuel currently priced much higher than regular unleaded gasoline. However, the current higher cost will likely drop once diesel refineries (reputedly down for maintenance thereby reducing supply and increasing the price) resume operations.
The E250 diesel is rated 7.4 city/4.6 highway, giving it an astounding theoretical range of more than 1,000 km in city driving and 1,700 km on the highway, thanks to an 80-litre fuel tank.
The $57,800 2014 E250 BlueTec 4Matic diesel is my favourite of the entire E-Class range, and it’s one of the sweetest, most balanced cars I’ve tested in a long time.
That makes the E 2504 Matic highly recommended.