jebroni

It's good to see someone is getting them, but I really wish we could get them here, and not in the C-Class. What's wrong with a four-cylinder E? Nothing - just ask the Germans.

http://www.motorauthority.com/merced...er-models.html

sosh

You will most likely never see them here. I for one would never consider a 4 CYL Benz

polarbexar

Nice.... We need more small engine Mercs. V8 are nice but I need better economy and I hate FWD tin cans....

fortlaudsummer

0-60 in 10.2 seconds...yikes

Truthfully, I've always been kinda interested in these smaller engine versions. Do they REALLY prefer the smaller engines across the pond, or are they the only attainable model due to taxes, etc.? Not sure I can say with 100% accuracy given that I am thinking with an american bias towards "bigger is better".

Thanks for sharing the article!

Vik888

The reason why these sell in Europe is because of COST of not just the car, but the cost of GASOLINE.

As long as we don't have $6/gal gas, we won't see these and Americans won't want to drive them because of the poor acceleration, etc.

I for one want MBs to get more expensive and exclusive like they used to be, not flood the market with 12 different model types from $25k-$200k (not including the SLR).

220S

BMW is doing it too. But with 3ers. The E is a little too heavy, imho. Would make more sense in the US with smaller models, me thinks.

fyi, here's a fun review of a 2008 4 banger C Class: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/200...-c180k-review/

lkchris

Every drivetrain sold in USA must be EPA certified.

It's a long, expensive process.

If MBUSA thinks a model won't sell VERY well here, it doesn't bother.

This is reason, for example, we don't get diesel station wagon. Station wagon has different rear axle ratio than sedan, meaning it's a different drivetrain.

chokaay

I think this is also the reason why MB discontinued the C230 Kompressor 2-Door Coupe (4-cylinder engine) here after 2004 as well. Maybe the demand wasn't that great in the U.S. at the time, but once gas prices rise (like they did a year ago), I'm sure the demand for 4-cylinder engines would rise as well!

Diesel Benz

The 200CDI is more like a taxi car. The same four cylinder engine (with a different dual turbo) in the E250CDI makes 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, not a rocket but pretty reasonable for a four cylinder diesel and this size car with highway/rural fuel consumption less than 5 litres per 100 km (more than 47 miles per US gallon).

Ronaldk

0-60 mph is easily done under 9 seconds by the higher output four cylinder engines of the e-class. Seriously how often do you actually accelerate faster than 9 second to 60 MPh? In peak traffic and normal driving this will hardly ever be necessary. The top speed is in excess of 230 km/h therefore fast cruising is also hardly any issue too - let alone illegal! Cost of purchase, repair, maintenance and fuel makes up for any "shortcomming" in the performance stakes. If you calculate the parformance (or power) per displacement then you have to admit these engines are the best.

I can highly recommend the fantastic 4 cylinder engine derivatives of the e-class, which easily completes 300 000 kms of service.

sosh

The performance you outlined is horrible. Here in the US what is important is the acceleration for passing and merging with traffic. These sedans with underpowered engines just won't cut it. They will not sell in any quantity to justify its being imported. Maybe a few cheapskates will spring for one but thats about it.

gaazmon

The C230 4 cyl supercharged engines had a lot of problems. I actually don't see many on the road anymore and the ones you see mostly are 05s (updated head lights and exterior).

MB doesn't bring any 4 cyl anymore into the US. These are heavy cars, unlike civics and corollas. It's cause gas is so expensive in Europe that they have those cars. I think Greece is the country with the most expensive gas in the world. Also, the V12s might be phased out as well from the rumors going around on the internet.

I agree with Vik888 about the exclusivity. There are already too many models and some need to be cut out. They have to slow down with the whole AMG thing. I mean an R, ML, and G AMG? What's the point. Who needs 500+ hp in an R-class? What really surprises me is that BMW hasn't come out with an M7 to compete against the S63 (I know they had a B7, but it's not the same). From the looks of it, the S63 is a big seller. Actually, I can say that I see more S63s and CL63s than 550s. And I've also noticed I barely see any new SL's and even CLS's. The market for those must have plummeted, but Idk why.

sosh

A agree re the exclusitivity, They make far too many models and far too many of each one. Thats one reason for the so so resale value. I remember my first Benz, a new 1974 450SL. Wonderful car, drove it for over 4 years and sold it for 3000 more than I paid for it new. Had 65000 miles on it and I had people waiting in line to buy it. That car had a 12000 mile 1 year warranty as I recall and never heard of anyone crying about the fact that it actually cost money to repair or maintain.