Inside Line Drives the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec

Inside Line drove the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec and was very impressed. Here is a quote that just about tells it all

"In some respects the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec renders the company's E350 redundant. It offers a similar driving experience at a similar price, and in the bargain you get the Bluetec's bladder-busting 700-plus-mile range, and much better fuel economy. Neither one is a hard-core back-road burner, so if you've got a $50-grand craving for an E-Class and live in the right state, we say skip the E350 altogether in favor of the Bluetec. By nearly any measure, the Bluetec acquits itself as the entry-level E-Class of choice."

Here is another interesting tidbit

"The comparison of the gasoline E350 to the diesel Bluetec draws similar parallels among hybrids, but with a startlingly different outcome. For example, the $55,615 hybrid Lexus GS 450h is rated at 25/28 city/hwy mpg. It shares its V6 engine with the $44,865 GS 350, rated at 21/29 mpg. Adjusted for differences in standard equipment, the hybrid commands a premium of $8,565 over the GS 350. But since the hybrid only saves $150 per year in fuel costs, it will take 57 years to recoup the purchase price difference. Use real-world fuel economy numbers, and a solely economic argument for opting for the hybrid gets even feebler."

Click the link for the complete review and more photos.

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chewy - 11/30/2006 2:19:54 AM

+3 Boost

Here is another

"The Bluetec carries a preliminary EPA rating of 26/37 city/hwy mpg, which beats out the E350's 19/26 by a huge margin and even out-economizes hybrids like the Lexus GS 450h. Base price for the Bluetec is $52,325 with destination, which is only $1,000 more than a similarly equipped E350. Factor in the Bluetec's fuel savings and this premium will be offset in about two and a half years at today's (low) fuel prices. Not bad, and when fuel prices climb, the investment pays off sooner. "

1970toyotamarc - 11/30/2006 3:39:18 PM

-2 Boost

The article inevitably compares the Bluetec to the GS450h, without pointing out that the GS easily outperforms it, and can be purchased in all 50 states because it exceeds even the most stringent emissions standards.
It is too early to congratulate MBZ on their clean diesel technology, because it is not clean enough yet. So while it may get better fuel economy than the E350, is it worth the better mpg, knowing you are paying a higher price, and contributing to dirtier air, while getting slightly slower 0-60 times. The GS450h requires no such compromises over its 350 counterpart. For the (admittedly much) higher price, you get more peformance, better mpg and cleaner air. Hands down the better choice.

(Yes, I am biased, it's obvious from my name)

chewy - 11/30/2006 3:45:12 PM

+4 Boost

The EPA is at fault for the Blutec not being 50 state, not Blutec technology.

BMW530i - 11/30/2006 10:26:29 PM

+3 Boost

The article inevitably compares the Bluetec to the GS450h, without pointing out that the GS easily outperforms it...
==================================

E320 CDI 0-60 = 6.6 seconds
GS450h 0-60 = 5.2 seconds

Difference = 1.4 seconds

Wow, the GS is totally "outperforms" this car. Do you think people who shop for an E320 CDI care about raw performance? I'd say 0-60 in 6.6 seconds is pretty damn impressive for a heavy diesel.

Loose the fanboy attitude please.

H_Charles - 12/1/2006 8:06:19 AM

+3 Boost

The Gs4450 is quite a bit pricier than the E320. IT is a different class of car. A fair comparison is the GS350, not the GS450h.