New Mercedes-Benz E-Class improves its green quotient

Mercedes-Benz’s new E-Class has a number of technical innovations that make it the most intelligent executive saloon. Over and above this, neutral testers from the South German Technical Inspection Authority confirm that it has an exemplary LCA, based on an extensive analysis. The new E-Class has now received the Environmental Certificate in accordance with the ISO Directive 14062.

Anke Kleinschmit, Chief of Research and Chief Environmental Officer of the Daimler Group, says: "We analyse the environmental compatibility of our models throughout their entire lifecycle – from production, through their long years of service, to recycling at the end of their useful lives. That analysis goes far beyond the legal requirements. Our aim is products which are particularly environmentally friendly in their market segment. As a result, the E-Class has received the Environmental Certificate from the South German Technical Inspection Authority."

This is based on facts: the E220d has an NEDC consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres (102 grams of CO₂ per kilometre) – a value which only a few much smaller vehicles have been able to boast until now. The cause for the high efficiency is an intelligent package of measures. These include a completely newly developed four-cylinder diesel engine, need-dependent energy management, the nine-stage automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC, the best aerodynamics in the segment plus reduced weight.

15 tonnes less CO₂
In a holistic analysis the experts additionally calculate into the equation the CO₂ emissions from the manufacturing and recovery phase. According to this, during its lifecycle (material manufacturing, production, driving 250,000 kilometres and recycling) it produces a total of 36 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, compared with 51 tonnes produced by its predecessor. Thus it reduces its CO₂ output by 29 percent.

There is a similar picture when it comes to calculating the energy. Over all the life phases 27 percent less primary energy is consumed for the E220d, and when converted this corresponds to the energy content of around 6,000 litres of diesel fuel.

High percentage of natural materials
Not only does the new E-Class achieve the recycling rate of 95 percent by weight; it also closes many material loops. In total, 72 components with a combined proportionate weight of 54.4 kilograms are made from high-quality recycled plastics. This means that the mass of components made from secondary raw materials has been increased by 30 percent compared to the outgoing model.

What's more, 90 components with a combined weight of 33.1 kilograms are produced using natural materials. The total weight of components manufactured with the use of renewable raw materials has thus increased by 59 percent compared with the preceding model.