Mercedes

Rivals will be left feeling blue when they see Mercedes’ green innovations.

The German firm’s answer to increasing demands for eco-friendly vehicles has been the creation of its BlueEfficiency brand.

Unlike some manufacturers, the badge isn’t attached to a stand-alone model, but is instead used to indicate vehicles that feature any number of energy-saving additions. Technology found in the BlueEfficiency line-up includes stop-start, weight reduction, low-rolling-resistance tyres, reworked engines, aerodynamic improvements and chassis modifications.

Some cars incorporate lots of this kit; others have only a few of the features.

Greenest goodies are reserved for the smallest Mercedes. A-Class models – including the A160 and A180 – are the only machines to get stop-start, although bosses claim larger cars in the range will benefit soon.

The C-Class saloon and estate both feature BlueEFFICIENCY tweaks, with one of the highlights being an efficient 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that emits 149g/km of CO2 and returns 44.8mpg. The oil-burning C220 CDI delivers an even more impressive set of statistics, with a CO2 output of 127g/km and combined fuel economy of 58.9mpg.

Further up the range, you’ll find the blue badge features on all versions of the new E-Class saloon and coupé, with the exception of the V8-engined E500 and hot E63 AMG.

At the heart of the newcomer’s eco-friendly credentials are Mercedes’ direct-injection CGI petrol and CDI diesel powerplants, which are cleaner and more efficient than the units they replace.

Even the M-Class and GL-Class off-roaders have been given the green treatment, although it’s only variants fitted with the V6 oil-burner that get the BlueEFFICIENCY tag.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that even the cleanest models – the ML300 CDI and ML350 CDI – pump out 236g/km of CO2, which results in an annual tax bill of £405.

So although the eco features are largely reserved for smaller cars in the range, the maker’s drive towards a greener future is looking impressive.