The future of the baby Benz is looking a little greener, which is because the German automaker will be incorporating their BlueEFFICIENCY power plants into the C-Class’s product range. The Mercedes C will benefit from added power as well as improved efficiency thanks to fuel saving technology like direct injection and modern day turbochargers and an intelligent shifting transmission.

The new diesel powered C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY will be the most fuel efficient C-Class ever. The turbo diesel 2.1 Liter engine will make 170 HP and be able to go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 8.4 seconds, all while returning an almost Prius-like 49 MPG, and that is without any electric motors to aid with the gas wasting stop and go city driving. Whereas if you are reluctant to go with the alternative fuel here in America, for fear of limited supply, or the outrageous price; then the C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY is what you are looking for. With its direct injected 1.8 Liter four cylinder engine that produces 204 HP, this saloon will take 7.4 seconds to go from 0 to 60 MPH while getting a CAFÉ friendly 32.6 MPG.

Both of these new efficient offerings from Mercedes Benz are reasonable solutions for helping out the environment while still enjoying the luxury of an upscale sedan. The new BlueEFFICIENCY power plants don’t compromise performance for fuel efficiency, and go to show that you don’t have to drive a hybrid to get 50 MPG, the one thing the little Toyota doesn’t have is 170 HP. Perhaps the combination of diesel fuel and a turbo works just as well as gas and electric.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Three newly developed engines with direct injection will make the Mercedes-Benz C-Class even more efficient. They raise performance and driving enjoyment to a new level, while demonstrating exemplary economy and environmental compatibility.

The new engines impress with a low fuel consumption, and therefore exemplary environmental compatibility, while delivering a high output and therefore outstanding driving pleasure. The new C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY saloon, the most efficient C-Class ever, generates 125 kW/170 hp and a torque of 400 Nm from a displacement of 2143 cubic centimetres. This accelerates the saloon from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, yet the combined fuel consumption is only 4.8 litres of diesel per 100 km (corresponding to CO2 emissions of 127 g/km) - the best figure in this category.

The newly developed four-cylinder in the C 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY also uses direct injection. It achieves 150 kW/204 hp and offers 310 newton metres of torque. The saloon requires 7.4 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h with the new petrol engine. The combined consumption amounts to 7.2 litres per 100 km (CO2 emissions 168 g/km).