Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT: The most powerful natural-gas-driven saloon ever

E 200 NGT: environmentally friendly solution with bi-fuel drive




Stuttgart, Mar 07, 2007
With CO2 emissions reduced by more than 20 percent and a more than 50 percent reduction in operating costs, the Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT has been available since the spring of 2004. As well as making it one of the most cost-effective models in the Mercedes range, the 120-kW/163-hp four cylinder engine under the bonnet of the bi fuel E 200 NGT also makes it the most powerful natural-gas-driven saloon currently in production. Natural-gas-powered vehicles are a key element of DaimlerChrysler's overall concept for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and for safeguarding a sustainable form of mobility.

The E 200 NGT (Natural Gas Technology) was developed at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center on the platform of the E 200 KOMPRESSOR. The four-cylinder powerplant has a power rating of 120 kW/163 hp and generates a peak torque of 240 Newton metres. Thanks to the elaborate solutions which have been used to integrate the additional technical components, power delivery, comfort, quality and safety have not been compromised in any way aboard the E 200 NGT.

The E 200 NGT with its bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas power unit complies with the same stringent EU 4 emissions limits met by the petrol-powered E 200 KOMPRESSOR. In natural-gas operating mode, emissions of carbon dioxide are cut by over 20 percent compared to petrol operation.

Operating mode can be switched conveniently at the touch of a button

The E 200 NGT can be run on either natural gas or premium unleaded petrol, with the driver being free to decide which of the two drive sources should be deployed. The buttons in the multifunction steering wheel and the central display in the instrument cluster can be used to switch between natural-gas and petrol operation as required. 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. 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 refuelled with natural gas, the journey is automatically resumed in the gas operating mode.

Specific modifications to the supercharged TWINPULSE engine

The supercharged TWINPULSE 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 E 200 NGT distinguishes itself from comparable models, which often deliver poorer performance in natural-gas mode, by matching the sophisticated four cylinder power unit's exemplary power and torque characteristics even when running on natural gas. This makes the E 200 NGT the most powerful saloon with a bi-fuel drive unit currently in series production.

This environmentally friendly variant of the E-Class is available in Germany, Austria, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland among other markets, and in a right hand drive version for Thailand and Singapore.

Thanks for posting this.

I have driven the regular E200 Kompressor (estate version) and found it to be adequate in daily driving (slow on overtaking though). The NGT version was always fascinating and so was this article. Thanks again.

I hate to say this, but I am rather dying to hear more news about the hybrids Mercedes is working on. Diesel-hybrids please!!!

With adequate trunk space!

E200 NGTs are already on sale where I live. Been seeing a few around lately... Sales have been bad, because there is only one refuelling station for NGT at an offshore island.

And load capacity.

Auf Wiedersehen Lexus LS!