Mercedes-Benz details new diesel engine for E-Class

Mercedes-Benz has released more details of its newly developed turbodiesel 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that will power the new E220d. The first of an all-aluminium generation that will roll out across car models as well as vans, the new engine is claimed to be future-proof while underlining the key role to be played by the diesel engine in achieving the challenging global climate targets.

Wearing the name ‘OM 654’, Mercedes says the new four-cylinder engine is “the diesel future”; promising more power and improved economy in a new compact, lightweight (17 percent lighter) design. The first model to use the new powerplant will be the E 220d, but Benz says the OM 654 is just the first in a family of diesel engines which will be rolled out into other models in the future, including Mercedes-Benz vans.

With displacement reduced to two litres and weight down from 203 kg to 168.4 kg, the new engine is said to be around 13% more economical than its predecessor. In addition, it generates lower noise levels and fewer vibrations as a result of the newly implemented technology. The new engine takes advantage of the fourth-gen common rail injection and has received steel pistons with stepped combustion bowls along with NANOSLIDE cylinder coating.

Despite the reduction in displacement, the new diesel engine is also slightly more powerful than before, as peak power output has increased from the 2.1-litre’s 168 PS to 192 PS at 3,800 rpm. The maximum torque of 400 Nm is delivered through the nine-speed automatic transmission from 1,600 rpm to 2,800 rpm. In E 220d guise, it will sprint to the century mark from standstill in 7.3 seconds before topping out at 240 kmph.

Mercedes-Benz plans to offer several output variants based on the same architecture, accommodating both longitudinal and transverse installations for front-, rear- or all-wheel drive vehicles. The E220d is scheduled to arrive in showrooms sometime this spring, however the German carmaker has not yet detailed market-specific launch plans or pricing.