Mercedes-Benz was the first to take the bold step, in February this year, of launching a BS-VI-compliant diesel engine – in the S 350d limousine, with its 3.0-litre straight-six motor – that would run on BS-IV fuel. Now, just a few months later, it will launch its next BS-VI diesel engine in the E-class All-Terrain.

The engine in question is the OM654 – a 2.0-litre (1,950cc), four-cylinder engine that made its Indian debut in the long-wheelbase E 220d sedan in 2017. However, while in the sedan it is only BS-IV compliant, in the E 220d All-Terrain, and all new launches henceforth, it has been re-engineered to be BS-VI compliant, while being able to run on BS-IV diesel. Much like in the S 350d’s six-cylinder engine (OM656), there will be a number of changes made to achieve this compatibility, likely including a diesel particulate filter, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) unit and an AdBlue dosing tank. The result is significantly-reduced, BS-VI-compliant emissions levels, while still running on BS-IV fuel. And it will do this while producing the same 194hp/400Nm outputs as the E 220d sedan.  

The All-Terrain is the third body style for the E-class in India, following the long-wheelbase sedan, and the short-wheelbase sedan in AMG 63 S guise. It is the estate or station-wagon version that’s been made a bit more appealing thanks to off-road cladding, all-wheel drive and ride-height-adjustable air suspension. And if that formula sounds a bit familiar, it’s because rival Volvo already offers something quite similar in the form of its V90 Cross Country.

The E-class All-Terrain is expected to be launched sometime in late August, debuting this updated engine, and the C-class facelift, which will follow about a month later, will be the next car to get it. The E-class sedan, however, will, for the time being, continue with its BS-IV-compliant motor and will be given the updated OM654 engine at a later stage.

Also see:

2018 Mercedes-Benz E 220d 4Matic All-Terrain review, test drive

Mercedes-Benz E 220d All-Terrain image gallery