German Car Zone

With gas prices holding steady at $3.00 plus per gallon, for many, the time to switch to a more fuel-efficient vehicle has arrived.

Although consumers have a number of fuel-saving options to choose from, such as opting for a smaller vehicle, a number of Japanese hybrids, etc., few options allow drivers to maintain the spaciousness and drive quality found in traditional gasoline-powered automobiles.

One option - the option widely adopted throughout Europe - is to make the switch to a diesel-powered vehicle. Thanks to the latest in diesel technology, the switch, which for many seems insurmountable, is a painless one.

Take, for example, the Mercedes E320 CDI. When speaking of the benefits diesel power possesses, no vehicle more clearly demonstrates the advantages better than the less-traditional E-Class CDI. Powered by a 201 horsepower six-cylinder diesel powerplant, the luxury four-door sedan has an EPA rating of 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, enough to carry it from New York to Detroit (780 miles) on a single tank of fuel. As if that wasn't enough, the E320 CDI can accelerate from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, comparable to its gas-powered E350 brother.

On average, diesel engines offer between 20-40% better fuel mileage when compared to gasoline engines.

I know what you're thinking: "What if I don't want an E-Class? What if I want an SUV instead?" To appease the American public and their affinity for larger vehicles, the Mercedes M-Class and R-Class are both scheduled to received diesel powerplants this fall. In addition, a diesel variant of the all-new GL-Class will hit the U.S. market in early 2007, just in time for gas prices to hit the $4-$5 range.

It seems like just yesterday I was filling gas at 99¢ a gallon... oh how quickly times change.

For more info on MBUSA's diesel lineup, you can find additional details in the full press release below.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz Diesel May Cure Sticker Shock at the Pump


MONTVALE, NJ – Do you get sticker shock at every gas pump, but don’t want to sacrifice your people- and cargo-carrying space? Are you now resigned to ever-higher fuel prices, but not ready to take the hybrid plunge? Mercedes-Benz, the company that invented the diesel passenger car, suggests that the time is right to consider a switch to new clean diesel technology.
Here’s what still seems to be a well-kept secret – the latest CDI (Common-rail Direct Injection) diesel engines offer 20-40 percent better fuel mileage as well as long range between fill-ups and powerful acceleration. Most of today’s diesels utilize state-of-the-art engine technologies making them among the cleanest, quietest and most powerful engines on the road.
V8 Power and Four-Cylinder Fuel Economy for SUVs and Large Vehicles
While it’s no secret that SUVs satisfy the American consumer’s demand for large, powerful vehicles, diesel technology offers a fuel-efficient way to enjoy the benefits of these larger vehicles without sacrificing space or performance. In fact, a diesel-powered SUV can yield an estimated 30 percent increase in fuel economy in these larger vehicles.
Diesels inherently produce high engine torque, delivering four-cylinder fuel economy with V8 pulling power. Starting this fall, Mercedes-Benz will offer a new V6 CDI engine in its popular M-Class sport utility vehicle and in the six-passenger R-Class sport tourer with the launch of the ML320 and R320 CDI diesels. A diesel version of the all-new seven-passenger GL-Class will launch in early 2007.
New York to Detroit on a Tank of Fuel – and Then Some
The Federal EPA rates the current Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI – a full-sized four-door luxury sedan – at 27 miles per gallon around town and 37 mpg in highway driving. Additionally, it can cruise up to 780 miles (New York to Detroit with miles to spare) on a single tank of fuel. Perhaps most impressive, the 201-hp six-cylinder diesel engine can accelerate this luxury four-door sedan from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds – comparable to the gasoline-powered E350 V6.
BLUETEC – Diesel for the Future

Also scheduled to make its world retail debut in Fall 2006, Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC technology combines sophisticated engine design with a special exhaust after-treatment system to offer the cleanest diesel technology in the world. The E320 BLUETEC incorporates an oxidizing catalytic converter, a particulate filter, an advanced “denox” storage converter and a SCR catalytic converter.
To meet even more stringent emission requirements, the BLUETEC system could also be equipped with another innovation -- AdBlue injection. When AdBlue, a water-based urea solution, is injected into pre-cleaned exhaust gas, ammonia is released, converting nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen in a downstream SCR catalytic converter. Called SCR for Selective Catalyst Reduction, this process creates the most effective method of exhaust gas after-treatment currently available.

Copyright © 2006, MBUSA

bluetec V6.., cleanest engine in the world? I think so

You know what's sad? Despite all these advances in diesel technology, you still have total retards on other forums complaining about them. For example...

"My Suburban can barely do a 7 second 0-60 time and that's still slow. I can only imagine that a Benz diesel must be even slower, stinkier and louder. No thanks..."

^Incredibly stupid responses like that just piss me off...^

Worse, there are still people who believe this whole hybrid hype (*ahem* Toyota / Lexus fans). Hybrids seem to have their place in the city, where they achieve amazing fuel economy. But in mixed driving, including highways, a modern diesel seems to be even more fuel efficient - and more exciting in my experience.

BTW, by me diesel is $2.99 per gallon. Premium is $3.19.

I can't wait to see what the sales numbers are for MB diesels this time next year after the ML,R,GL and E diesel models have been on sale for a while. The key for Mercedes is to get 50 state certification for their Bluetec models then there is no stopping them. A S320 diesel would be a brilliant car for the New York and L.A. crowd alike as would the GL320, a large SUV with huge torque and great fuel economy. The E320 and ML320 would be the volume models while the R320 is for the those who want something differents, the introverts.

M

^And hopefully, people will see that Hybrids are totally OVERRATED when not within the city because of those diesels.^

Chris, that is true, until diesel hybrid come on sale, best of both worlds!

Does anyone know if MB are going to offer their 4 cylinder or V8 diesels?