Mercedes Diesel Hustles at Top Speed on Germany’s Autobahn
Just because it isn’t an AMG doesn’t mean this E-class diesel can’t have an impressive v-max.
Stigma. It follows around diesel powered cars like no other ride on the road today. In the U.S. they were clattery, slow, and smokey. Volkswagen’s recent emission’s scandal didn’t do any favors for the fuel either. That said, it’s still a viable form of propulsion and some manufacturers have turned their diesel cars into high speed machines. This Mercedes is proof of that concept.
Diesel cars have suffered a similar misfortune in Europe as well. The oily stuff is highly shunned in the UK altogether, and impossibly expensive elsewhere. Germany’s own price for fuel steadily hovers above a converted rate of about $5.25 per US gallon. That’s a fill-up of over 100 US dollars.
It is fair to say though that diesel motors are torque machines. That means they aren’t much for rocketing off the line, but instead, are made for grunt. It takes a decent amount of grunt to punch a hole in the air at high speed. This E-class diesel is an E280, a model we did not get here in the ‘States. The output rating of 187 horsepower might not seem that impressive. Change over to torque and you are greeted with a hefty 325 lb/ft of torque. This all means the C280 diesel is a car that is ready to take on Germany’s formidable Autobahn with much aplomb. So long as you are brave enough.
Youtuber TopSpeedGermany showcases what the car is really capable of, but it’s not that easy. Traffic impedes progress for this car which gradually gains momentum, rather than accelerates. Germany’s autobahn may be unrestricted, but it doesn’t mean it is traffic free. The closing speeds on some cars becomes very dramatic, even if lane usage is highly respected. Eventually after several teases with about 220 kilometers per hour, a top speed run is finally deployed.
The speedometer climbs gradually past 220kmh, and soon almost seems like it wants to stop at 230. However, a top achieved speed of 234kmh is reached. In Yankee terms, that’s just about 145 miles per hour. Considering the E-class horsepower rating, that’s some impressive pace. And you can be sure it did so while only sipping fuel.
Join the Team Speed forums now!
