Mercedes-Benz's entry-level small cars miss out on fuel-saving tech

Mercedes-Benz Australia has corrected previous information in which it claimed four of its cheapest models would be fitted with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, resulting in increased fuel consumption for the affected vehicles.

Last year, Mercedes-Benz announced ‘200’ variants of the facelifted A-Class, CLA, GLA and GLB – which share the same turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine – would be equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, using a belt-driven starter-generator to reduce fuel usage.

However, the German marque has now said the aforementioned models delivered in Australia aren’t fitted with the mild-hybrid system, which is exclusive to the 250 and AMG 35 grades of each model.

Information previously distributed to media regarding the four models said they would each produce 120kW of power and 270Nm of torque.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz says examples of facelifted ‘200’ cars built in a certain age range instead develop 250Nm.

These lower-torque models also have claimed combined fuel consumption figures that are about 13 to 14 per cent less than the new 270Nm engine, while emitting up to 15 per cent fewer grams per kilometre of carbon dioxide.

According to Mercedes-Benz, vehicles with the 250Nm engine had the correct fuel consumption label affixed, but those with the 270Nm engine require a new label.

Mercedes-Benz Australia hasn’t confirmed how many vehicles had been delivered to local customers with the lower-torque but more economical engine.

A list of when the affected models (excluding the CLA200) were produced, as well as their old and amended fuel consumption figures and acceleration times, is displayed below.

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