Canadian Driver - Test Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec

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"The world's cleanest diesel engine," has made its Canadian debut in a car that many also view as "the world's classiest luxury sedan." The E-Class is the classic Mercedes-Benz sedan, combining style, luxury, safety, handling and performance with a sumptuous ride.

Bluetec is the first (and currently only) passenger car diesel engine to meet California's super-strict emission requirements. Winner of the AJAC "Best New Technology" award and the "World Green Car" award, this engine sets a new benchmark for diesel engines.

While the E-Class styling changes are subtle for 2007, major action has been going on under-hood and the E now comes in five versions. Starting prices are considerably lower (by about $10,000) than last year, and other than Bluetec and the E63 AMG, all versions come with 4Matic all-wheel-drive.

Looking at the rest of the line-up there's a new E280 4-Matic that comes with a new 3.0-litre V6. The E-350 4-Matic still has a 3.5-litre V6, and a new E550 4-Matic comes with a new double overhead cam 5.5-litre V8 that generates 382-horsepower.

Diesel engines inherently produce less carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide than gasoline engines, however they do produce hydrocarbon emissions in the form of soot, and the higher combustion pressures and temperatures also generate more nitrogen oxides.

The new E320 Bluetec, which replaces last year's E320 CDI, is a common-rail direct-injection V6 turbo-diesel which has a more complete combustion process and after-treatment devices in the exhaust system. A particulate filter traps soot and an oxidation catalyst deals with leftover hydrocarbons. The system automatically does a (stove-style) self-clean periodically - this generally takes place when the vehicle is cruising on the highway. A third device in the exhaust stream is an advanced-technology NOx storage catalyst.

Although not in this year's E320, the Bluetec system can also be equipped with an AdBlue injection module that makes it as clean as a state-of-the-art gasoline engine. Already in use in Europe, it uses a water-based urea solution that's metered into the exhaust. Carried in a separate small tank, AdBlue is refilled during routine scheduled maintenance.

The 2007 E 320 is one of the most streamlined sedans on the market, with a low 0.27 coefficient of drag, and its distinctive twin oval headlamps make it instantly recognizable. The '07 is slightly longer and wider than the '06 model and it has some minor styling changes. The front bumper and grille now have a pronounced V-shape and the headlamps have transparent louvers in the top sections. More pronounced side skirts and restyled side mirrors, rear bumper and taillights complete the minor makeover.

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