The Mercedes-Benz E-Class T-modell (S212) E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, produced from August 2011 to January 2013, represented a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and luxury within the E-Class range. Positioned as a mid-range offering in the T-modell (estate) body style, this variant catered to buyers seeking a spacious and refined vehicle with reasonable running costs. It was part of the W212 series, the eighth generation of the E-Class, known for its technological advancements and comfortable ride. The E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY utilized a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, aiming to deliver a balance between performance and fuel economy.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-Class |
| Generation | E-Class T-modell (S212) |
| Type | E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY (204 Hp) 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production | August, 2011 |
| End of production | January, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.9-9.1 l/100 km (26.4 – 25.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5-5.7 l/100 km (42.8 – 41.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8-7 l/100 km (34.6 – 33.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 159-163 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (142.92 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 204 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 2000-4300 rpm (228.64 lb.-ft. @ 2000-4300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 271.860 |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.8 l (8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1660 kg (3659.67 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2335 kg (5147.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 675 kg (1488.12 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 695 l (24.54 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1950 l (68.86 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 (12%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 84 kg (185.19 lbs.) |
| Length | 4895 mm (192.72 in.) |
| Width | 1854 mm (72.99 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2071 mm (81.54 in.) |
| Height | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2874 mm (113.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1583 mm (62.32 in.) |
| Rear track | 1604 mm (63.15 in.) |
| Front overhang | 841 mm (33.11 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1180 mm (46.46 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.25 m (36.91 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY was the M 271.860 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine featured direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler, technologies aimed at maximizing power output while improving fuel efficiency. The engine produced 204 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 310 Nm (228.64 lb-ft) of torque between 2000 and 4300 rpm. The engine utilized a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission was a key component, offering smooth and efficient gear changes. This transmission was known for its wide gear ratio spread, contributing to both fuel economy and responsive acceleration. The Start & Stop system, standard on this model, further enhanced fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle was stationary.
Driving Characteristics
The E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission offered a comfortable and refined driving experience. While not as overtly sporty as some of its higher-powered siblings, the 204 hp engine provided adequate performance for everyday driving and highway cruising. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 7.7 seconds. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission was programmed for smooth shifts and prioritized fuel economy, sometimes at the expense of immediate responsiveness. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the E 250, the automatic offered greater convenience but slightly reduced acceleration. The engine’s torque curve provided good low-end grunt, making it easy to navigate city traffic.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY T-modell typically came standard with a generous array of features, including automatic climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and a high-quality audio system. Interior upholstery was typically a combination of fabric and leatherette, with full leather options available as an upgrade. Optional extras included a sunroof, navigation system, premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems like lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. The dashboard layout was typical of the W212 E-Class, characterized by a clean and elegant design with a central display screen.
Chassis & Braking
The S212 E-Class T-modell featured a sophisticated suspension system designed to provide a comfortable ride and stable handling. The front suspension utilized coil springs and an independent multi-link setup, while the rear suspension employed an independent multi-link design with optional air suspension for enhanced ride quality. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, along with electronic brakeforce distribution. The E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY’s weight of around 1660 kg (3659.67 lbs) was managed effectively by the suspension, providing a balanced and predictable driving experience.
Market Reception & Comparison
The E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY T-modell was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the outright performance of the larger, six-cylinder E-Class models. Compared to the E 350, the E 250 offered significantly better fuel economy but less power. The E 250 CDI (diesel) variant provided similar fuel economy with more torque, making it a popular alternative for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and low-end power. The E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY represented a sensible choice for buyers seeking a practical and refined estate car with reasonable running costs.
Legacy
The M 271.860 engine, while not without its occasional issues (such as potential for timing chain wear), proved to be a relatively reliable powerplant when properly maintained. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission also demonstrated good long-term durability. Today, the E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY T-modell can be found on the used car market at relatively affordable prices. It remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a well-equipped and comfortable estate car with a good reputation for reliability. Its blend of practicality, efficiency, and Mercedes-Benz refinement continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
