Mercedes-Benz is lowering the average fuel consumption and CO2 emission across the E-Class range by adding two new models: the E 200 Natural Gas Drive and E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. These models have very high prices, balanced-out with excellent economy.

The gas-powered E200 is powered by a converted BlueDIRECT Mercedes?Benz petrol engine, delivering an output of 115 kW (156 hp) and maximum torque of 270 newton metres. It takes 10.4 second to reach 100 km/h from zero, and has a a top speed of 220 km/h. Visually, the only difference between the E200 NGD and normal models is a rather sizable badge on the boot.

The car comes with three gas containers – one behind the rear backrest and two under the floor of the boot – with combined capacity of 121.5 litres (19.5 kg). The car uses uses 4.3 kg of natural gas per 100 kilometres, and 6.3 litres of unleaded petrol. That means you have a range of 1600 kilometres (with the optional 80 litre petrol tank included).

Available from December 2013, the E200 NGD starts from 47,808.25 EUR.

As for the E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, it offers 125 kW (170 hp) and 400 Nm of torque, while averaging 4.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. Performance-wise, the car goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 227 km/h. Prices for the E220 starts at 47,272.75 EUR.