Chrysler enters hybrid segment

From a recent Edmunds comparison of the GMC Yukon Hybrid vs. Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI diesel:


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Diesel Wins This Round

Although the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is more versatile than earlier hybrid SUVs like the Ford Escape and Lexus RX 400h and feels more normal to drive (vastly so, in fact), we prefer the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI, which feels like even less of a compromise.

The diesel GL also handles and stops better, while offering superior seat comfort and utility. **And with its combined fuel-economy average of 23.9 mpg offering a substantial margin over the Tahoe's 20.9 mpg, the Benz easily wins our fuel-economy test, too**.

Of course a comparison of fuel prices equalizes the game a little. During this test, we pay $3.579 per gallon for the Chevy's 87-octane gas, while the Benz's diesel costs us $4.179 per gallon. But because of the GL320's lower fuel consumption, we actually spent only a dollar more overall to fill its tank at the end of our test.
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http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=125645

— TurboSpyder (View Profile)

Posted on 8/23/2008 11:07:02 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Forbes magazine says that the Mercedes E320 Bluetec (diesel) is the most fuel efficient luxury car in the US.

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Seven of the top 10 most fuel-efficient luxury cars sold in the U.S. come from European manufacturers. Most are versions of models developed for Europe, where high gas prices (due to high taxes on fuel) make efficiency a higher priority than it is in the U.S., Omotoso says. Japanese luxury-car companies Acura and Lexus make the remaining three models on our list.

**The most fuel-efficient luxury car available in the U.S. at the time this article was published is heavier than most of its peers on this list, which seems counterintuitive. The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec sedan weighs nearly two tons, yet returns 23 miles per gallon in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway,** according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates. Only the Lexus GS 450h, **number four on the list**, is heavier, despite being a bit smaller than the Mercedes. That’s because the Lexus is a hybrid, which means it’s saddled with extra equipment like an electric drive motor and a heavy battery pack.
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http://www.forbesautos.com/advice/toptens/top-10-most-fuel-efficient-luxury-cars-story.html

— TurboSpyder (View Profile)

Posted on 8/23/2008 11:17:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Well, maybe you'll be more impressed by the results of Automobile magazine's comparison of the Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI vs. GMC Yukon hybrid.

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"What really surprised us, though, was that the Mercedes diesel exceeded even its EPA fuel economy ratings in both the city and highway cycles, and in the process achieved mileage that would do an ordinary family sedan proud."

Observed fuel economy:

GMC Yukon Hybrid: 14/21 mpg city/hwy
Mercedes GL320 CDI diesel: 23/27 mpg city/hwy


http://www.automobilemag.com/features/0804_hybrids_versus_diesels/index.html
















Gigglesnort

— TurboSpyder (View Profile)

Posted on 8/23/2008 12:18:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

A hybrid SUV is like drinking a diet cola with two Big Macs and a super-size fries. Not quite the answer.

— mp2dtw (View Profile)

Posted on 8/23/2008 6:05:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

What's wrong with trying to improve the gas mileage of a vehicle with bad gas mileage. How is that worse than making a vehicle with great gas mileage get even greater mileage.

— komododave (View Profile)

Posted on 8/23/2008 7:28:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

This dodge will go from 10mpg to a whopping 12mpg!

— truckmen (View Profile)

Posted on 8/24/2008 4:36:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I believe it was in a Motor Trend magazine, the one with the gt500 vs. the challenger, that they had a whole section on diesel and hybrid vehicles, and the length of time it would take to recoupe your investment.

They stated that it only took like 3 years on the Mercedes diesels, but a few hundred years on the Chevy Tahoe hybrid.

— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 8/24/2008 10:50:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1