The Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI 4MATIC, produced from April 2013 to July 2014, was a key variant within the W212 E-Class facelift range. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it combined a fuel-efficient diesel engine with the security of all-wheel drive and the convenience of a seven-speed automatic transmission. This model aimed to balance performance, economy, and practicality for buyers in the premium executive car segment, particularly in European markets where diesel engines held significant popularity. The W212 facelift brought styling updates and technological enhancements to the E-Class, and the E 250 CDI 4MATIC represented a compelling option for those seeking a refined and capable vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-class |
| Generation | E-class (W212, facelift 2013) |
| Type | E 250 CDI (204 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production | April, 2013 |
| End of production | July, 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.4-6.6 l/100 km (36.8 – 35.6 US mpg, 44.1 – 42.8 UK mpg, 15.6 – 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6-5 l/100 km (51.1 – 47 US mpg, 61.4 – 56.5 UK mpg, 21.7 – 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.4-5.7 l/100 km (43.6 – 41.3 US mpg, 52.3 – 49.6 UK mpg, 18.5 – 17.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 140-149 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 238 km/h (147.89 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.7 kg/Hp, 115.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.5 kg/Nm, 282.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 204 Hp @ 3800 rpm |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1600-1800 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 1600-1800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 651.924 |
| Engine displacement | 2143 cm3 (130.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 99 mm (3.9 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1770 kg (3902.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2410 kg (5313.14 lbs.) |
| Max load | 640 kg (1410.96 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 59 l (15.59 US gal | 12.98 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (with brakes) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (without brakes) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 84 kg (185.19 lbs.) |
| Length | 4879 mm (192.09 in.) |
| Width | 1854 mm (72.99 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2071 mm (81.54 in.) |
| Height | 1474 mm (58.03 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2874 mm (113.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1598 mm (62.91 in.) |
| Rear track | 1614 mm (63.54 in.) |
| Front overhang | 849 mm (33.43 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1156 mm (45.51 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.26 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives all four wheels permanently |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission G-TRONIC PLUS |
INTRODUCTION
The Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI 4MATIC, part of the W212 E-Class facelift introduced in 2013, represented a significant offering in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Built upon the 1HX0/A3 platform, this variant combined the efficiency of a four-cylinder diesel engine with the added traction and stability of Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The facelift brought revised styling, including a new front fascia, headlights, and interior refinements, aiming to enhance the E-Class’s appeal. The E 250 CDI 4MATIC was designed to appeal to buyers who prioritized fuel economy and all-weather capability without sacrificing the luxury and refinement expected from the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the E 250 CDI 4MATIC lies the OM 651.924 2.1-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine is characterized by its advanced commonrail direct injection system, capable of delivering high injection pressures for optimized combustion. The engine utilizes a bi-turbocharger setup – a small turbocharger for quick response at low engine speeds and a larger turbocharger for increased power at higher RPMs – coupled with an intercooler to enhance air density. The valvetrain features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, contributing to efficient gas exchange. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission is a key component, offering smooth and responsive gear changes. This transmission is known for its wide gear ratios and ability to adapt to driving conditions, contributing to both fuel efficiency and performance. The transmission also features a manual shift mode for driver control.
Driving Characteristics
The E 250 CDI 4MATIC offered a comfortable and refined driving experience. While not a performance-oriented model, the 204 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque provided adequate acceleration for everyday driving and highway cruising. The 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds was respectable for a diesel-powered sedan. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission played a crucial role in delivering smooth power delivery, and the close gear ratios helped keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the more powerful E 350 or E 550 models, the E 250 CDI 4MATIC prioritized fuel efficiency and torque over outright speed. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced traction in adverse weather conditions, making it a particularly appealing choice for drivers in regions with snow or rain. The steering was precise and well-weighted, contributing to a confident feel behind the wheel.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The E 250 CDI 4MATIC typically came well-equipped with standard features such as automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a premium audio system, and a multi-function steering wheel. Interior upholstery was typically a combination of leatherette and fabric, with full leather options available as an upgrade. The dashboard featured a classic Mercedes-Benz design with wood or aluminum trim options. Optional extras included a navigation system, a panoramic sunroof, advanced driver-assistance systems (such as lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring), and upgraded audio systems. The E 250 CDI 4MATIC sat in the middle of the E-Class lineup, offering a balance of features and price. It was positioned above the base E 200 models and below the more luxurious and powerful E 350 and E 550 variants.
Chassis & Braking
The W212 E-Class featured a sophisticated chassis design. The front suspension utilized a multi-link independent setup with coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar. The rear suspension also employed a multi-link independent design with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Air suspension was available as an option, providing a more comfortable ride and adjustable ride height. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, along with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist. The chassis was tuned to provide a balance of comfort and handling, with a focus on stability and refinement.
Market Reception & Comparison
The E 250 CDI 4MATIC was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and refined interior. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system was also highlighted as a significant benefit, particularly in regions with inclement weather. Compared to other trims in the E-Class lineup, the E 250 CDI 4MATIC offered a compelling value proposition for buyers who prioritized economy and practicality. While the E 350 offered more power, it came at a higher price and with lower fuel economy. The E 250 CDI 4MATIC’s fuel economy figures of 43.6-41.3 US mpg combined were particularly attractive to buyers seeking to minimize their running costs. Reliability was generally good, although diesel engines can be more complex to maintain than gasoline engines.
Legacy
The OM 651 engine family, including the 2.1-liter variant found in the E 250 CDI 4MATIC, has proven to be a durable and reliable powertrain. These engines are known for their longevity and relatively low maintenance costs, provided they are properly serviced. In the used car market, the W212 E 250 CDI 4MATIC remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and well-equipped luxury sedan. While newer E-Class models offer more advanced technology and features, the W212 generation continues to represent a solid value proposition, offering a blend of German engineering and practicality.
