FIRST LOOKS

The Mercedes E200 K offers performance comparable to the petrol-engined variant.

Refuelling points on the car are at the same spot

Rising fuel prices beginning to ‘hurt’? Wondering how to save money on motoring expenses – but don’t want to downsize from your executive sedan? Or perhaps you are used to a certain level of performance and don’t want to give it up?

DaimlerChrysler Malaysia has a solution in the form of the new Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT(Natural Gas Technology), an environment-friendly car with bi-fuel drive claimed to cut fuel costs in half while substantially reducing the burden on the environment through lower emissions — plus performance that is the same as the petrol-engined E200 K. In fact, this is said to be the most powerful natural-gas-driven saloon currently in production.

Launched in Europe early this year, the E200 NGT was developed in the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre on the platform of the E200 K. The car’s 4-cylinder powerplant has a power rating of 120 kW/163 bhp and generates peak torque of 240 Nm, figures that are similar to the standard E 200 K. Its bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas power unit is also able to comply with the same stringent EU4 emission standards met by the petrol-powered E200 K. In natural-gas operating mode, emissions of carbon dioxide are cut by over 20% compared to petrol operation.

It can run on either natural gas or unleaded petrol, with the driver being free to decide – by pressing a button - which of the two drive sources should be deployed. Ensuring a smooth, jolt-free switch between modes is the task of a special electronic control circuit, which orchestrates the changeover for each cylinder individually. This has often been an issue with engines running on both types of fuel,

A gauge in the instrument cluster's central display keeps the driver informed of the current level of gas in the reservoirs. Once the supply of gas has been exhausted, the system automatically switches back to petrol operation, so smoothly that the change is imperceptible to the vehicle's occupants. As soon as the reservoirs are refueled with natural gas, the journey is automatically resumed in the gas-operating mode.

The supercharged TWINPULSE 1796 cc engine was modified by the addition of injector nozzles on the underside of the intake manifold. A pressure regulator with sensor and electromagnetic shut-off valve is fitted near the engine to regulate the supply of natural gas and maintain the required system pressure at a constant level. The reprogrammed engine electronics ensure seamless operation in both drive modes. The E200 NGT distinguishes itself from comparable models, which often deliver poorer performance in natural-gas mode, by matching the sophisticated 4-cylinder engine’s power and torque characteristics even when running on natural gas.

This makes the E200 NGT the most powerful saloon with a bi-fuel drive unit currently in production. Factory performance figures show that the E200 NGT offers almost similar performance as the E200 K; in 0 – 100 km/h acceleration, the difference is only about a second while the claimed top speed is identical at 227 km/h.

Being a Mercedes-Benz, safety standards are naturally superlative. The two fuel sources are stored separately; petrol is in the normal tank with a capacity of 65 litres and four gas reservoirs have a total storage capacity of 18 kgs. The reservoirs are located in the spare wheel well. During a comprehensive programme of crash testing, the leak tightness of the gas reservoirs was subject to particularly rigorous scrutiny.

When its fuel reservoirs are fully replenished, the total range of the E200 NGT - based on the NEDC fuel consumption figures - is around 1000 kms, of which just under 300 kms is covered with the natural-gas drive and the remaining 700 kms with conventional petrol power. The saloon may also be equipped with an 80-litre petrol tank as an option, extending the maximum range to nearly 1200 kms.

Switching between fuels can be done from the steering wheel	The amount of gas remaining in the tank is displayed on the instrument panel

One problem with using natural gas has been the space taken up by the gas containers With the gas reservoirs fitted, the boot has a load capacity of 400 litres; in practical terms, this means sufficient stowage space for two jumbo suitcases plus two smaller travel cases. The payload capacity of the saloon with its 5-speed automatic transmission is 510 kgs – virtually the same as in the E 200 KOMPRESSOR. The additional reservoirs add just under 300 kgs to the kerb weight of a standard E200 KOMPRESSOR.

When seen from the outside, the E200 NGT with bi-fuel drive looks just the same as any other standard E-Class saloon. The only difference is that the fuel filler flap is somewhat larger, concealing as it does not only the familiar filler neck for the petrol tank but also a special filler connection for the natural gas, which has been purpose designed to ensure safe and convenient refueling

Natural gas represents a feasible alternative to petrol and diesel, both from an ecological and an economical point of view. The fact that it is a primary form of energy allows it to be used in its natural state without any conversion losses. Non-toxic and odourless, natural gas is made up primarily of methane, meaning that it contains a lower proportion of carbon than any other fossil fuel. Consequently, CO2 emissions are cut by over 20% compared to petrol.

Boot space is 400 litres, about 15% smaller than in the normal E200 K but still spacious enough

In as far as refueling is concerned, there are 37 stations around Peninsula Malaysia which have natural gas (NGV) pumps (as at June 2005). 30 of the stations are in the Klang Valley and the government has urged the petroleum companies to increase the outlets nationwide so as to help popularize NGV by making things more convenient for users. At this time, the government offers some incentives for the purchase of NGV conversion kits via exemptions on import duty and sales tax. Additionally, there are roadtax rebates offered: 50% for vehicles which run only on NGV; 25% for a mix of petrol and NGV or diesel and NGV.

The E 200 NGT can also be specified in the ELEGANCE or AVANTGARDE equipment levels as an option. At the same time, there are virtually no omissions from the extensive list of optional extras when compared to the conventional E-Class Saloon.

DaimlerChrysler Malaysia is accepting orders for the E200 NGT and can deliver within about 5 months from the date of confirmation or order. The prices indicated are around RM350,000 for an E200 NGT with ‘Fleet Specifications’ and RM400,000 – RM500,000 for an E200 NGT in Avantgarde form. According to a source at DCM, there are discussions ongoing with the relevant parties to secure some duty concessions for the E200 NGT.