BlueTEC is the keyword for the future of diesel engine technology. Thanks to the highly- efficient exhaust treatment system developed by Mercedes-Benz, BlueTEC vehicles fulfill the strictest global emissions standards to make them the cleanest diesels in the world. With the E250 BlueTEC concept, which was created specifically for the North American market, Mercedes-Benz is now demonstrating how BlueTEC technology in the E-Class can be combined with a four-cylinder engine with optimized fuel consumption. When fitted to the seven-speed automatic transmission, the E250 BlueTEC boasts fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway (estimated). The E250 BlueTEC concept fulfills the strictest emissions standards, including Bin 5, and would even meet the considerably toughened limits laid down in European EU6 legislation not due for implementation until September 1, 2014. The EU6 standard specifies maximum nitrogen oxide emissions that are less than half of those permitted by the current EU5 standard. The following is an overview of the current and future limits for diesel vehicles in the EU*:
EU 5 All new vehicles after 09/01/2009 EU 6 / All new vehicles after 09/01/2014
CO (g/km): 0.50 / 0.50
NOx (g/km): 0.18 / 0.08
HC + NOx (g/km): 0.23 / 0.17
Particulate emissions (g/km): 0.005 / 0.005
Group M1 - passenger vehicles with no more than eight seats plus driver. Max. total permissible weight 3,500kg. Test procedure NEDC 2000.
For the E250 BlueTEC, the modern 2.2 liter four-cylinder CDI engine underwent a detailed redevelopment program in order to further reduce the internal raw emissions generated by the engine and to fulfill the legislative requirements for on-board diagnostics (OBD), as well as other factors. The power unit hardware incorporates features from the series production engines, such as four-valve technology, fourth-generation common-rail piezo direct injection, 2-stage turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation. A highly sensitive electronic engine control system reacts precisely across the full range of operating conditions to optimize the combustion process. The exhaust gas treatment system incorporates an oxidation catalytic converter mounted close to the engine, as well as a diesel particulate filter, which is located at the rear bulkhead in order to shorten its regeneration time.
At the heart of the BlueTEC system are two SCR catalytic converters (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with an "AdBlue®" injector positioned upstream. "AdBlue®" is a synthetic, aqueous urea solution that enables the nitrogen oxide (NOx) to be converted into harmless nitrogen gas in the SCR catalytic converters. The monitoring and diagnosis of the sophisticated exhaust gas treatment process is handled by several sensors, including a differential pressure sensor, a Lambda probe plus NOx and temperature sensors.
For on-board storage of the "AdBlue®" solution, the E250 BlueTEC has a 25 liter tank equipped with a membrane pump, valve, pressure and temperature sensors. The tank volume is sufficient for the duration of a full service interval and is refilled as part of the regular maintenance schedule. The "AdBlue®" tank is integrated into the spare wheel well in the trunk.
E250 BlueTEC combines environmental awareness, driving fun and comfort The combination of the powerful four-cylinder engine with SCR technology makes a convincing argument not only in terms of fuel economy and emissions, but also with impressive performance and the associated fun factor. Thanks to a pair of Lanchester balancing shafts, the concept vehicle's powertrain boasts the exceptionally smooth characteristics expected of a Mercedes-Benz.
Summary technical data for the E250 BlueTEC:
Engine/cylinders - Diesel/I4
Transmission - 7-speed automatic
Displacement - 2143 cm³
Nominal power output - 204 hp
Nominal torque - 369 lb-ft at 1600-1800 r/min
U.S. fuel economy* City Highway - 28 mpg 39 mpg
U.S. emissions compliance - Bin 5
*preliminary figures
In Europe, this BlueTEC technology is available in a series production model starting fall 2009 with the E350 BlueTEC. Under its hood is a V6 diesel engine with 211 hp and 540 Nm of torque. This means that Mercedes-Benz will very soon offer a series production passenger vehicle that complies with the EU6 emissions standard not scheduled for implementation until 2014.
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