NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Mercedes Benz E320 Upstages the Hybrids and Takes The 2007 World Green Car Award

NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Mercedes Benz E320 Upstages the Hybrids and Takes The 2007 World Green Car Award
The Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC was named the “2007 World Green Car” today at a breakfast awards ceremony during the 2007 New York International Auto Show.

Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC, distinguished as the world’s cleanest diesel technology, is able to meet the world’s most stringent emissions regulations. The BLUETEC concept utilizes state-of-the-art diesel technology featuring common-rail direct injection. Fuel consumption in these diesel vehicles is 20 to 40 percent lower than in cars equipped with a comparable gasoline engine, and torque, the key indicator of engine power, is 30 to 50 percent higher.

BLUETEC- A Modular Technology

BLUETEC is a modular concept that utilizes several coordinated technical measures to minimize emissions within the engine and also provide for effective exhaust gas treatment downstream. The process involves consistently reducing all relevant emission components to a minimum. The system for passenger cars includes an oxidation catalytic converter and a particulate filter in addition to new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.

BLUETEC technology is especially important for lowering nitrogen oxide emissions, which is the last type of exhaust gas that’s higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. Until recently, the only real remaining disadvantage of diesel engines as compared to gasoline engines was in the area of particulates and nitrogen oxides. However, Mercedes-Benz set the standard for modern diesel drive systems in the fall of 2003, when it introduced the maintenance-free particulate filter in Europe as part of the EU4 emission standards. Despite reducing diesel emissions by 75 percent over the past 15 years, the company is going further.

The E320 BLUETEC achieves significantly better fuel mileage and longer cruising range (up to 700 miles) than a comparable gasoline-powered luxury car, but more important, it does it without the usual tradeoffs of diesel ownership. Additionally, the E320 BLUETEC is an impressive performance car, powered by 3.0-liter V6 with 208 horsepower and 400 lb-FT. of torque accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds.

World Green Car Criteria

To be eligible for the 2007 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to be all-new or substantially revised, in production, and for sale, in at least one major market during 2006. Either the vehicle or the green technology could be experimental or a prototype with near-future application, provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of ten or more during 2006.

The World Car of the Year Awards program is initiated by, organized by, and conducted by, automotive journalists from around the globe. A non-profit association guided by a steering committee of journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America administers the awards program.



EL34EL34 - 4/5/2007 1:15:25 PM
+7 Boost
Well naturally.

Mercedes-Benz saving the planet one car at a time!


MercBasherMercBasher - 4/5/2007 9:04:34 PM
+3 Boost
This is probably one of the most influential vehicles in the world today and deserved the win:
(i.) It's a popular taxi, and in many countries it is the largest car that the population will ever ride in - it gives the locals a hint of the spoils of capitalism!
(ii.) Diesels are hugely more popular and practical than hybrids worldwide, and having the bluetec engine overcomes some of the challenges facing all diesel manufacturers is a real breakthrough
(iii.) PETA approves because many Mercedes diesels are sold with plastic not leather seats


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/5/2007 9:49:43 PM
+5 Boost
both the GS450h and camry hybrid were nominated and lost.


VinnyPVinnyP - 4/5/2007 1:35:46 PM
+8 Boost
Good for Merc., if only everyone did like Merc to take the smiles off of Toyota and their Hybrids...but for me, as long as cars keep competing to be greener, the better it is....Lexus fanboys or not...this is a step in the right direction.


BigShow50BigShow50 - 4/5/2007 1:42:32 PM
+10 Boost
Congrats to MB for their award!!! ...Mercedes dominates Diesel Technology, Toyota dominates hybrid technology. And congrats to both for their level of innovation of specialty...Hydrid is old innovative news, where as Blu-Tec Diesel is a new leap forward compared to the raw burning diesel we have lived to know about...but in the long run Hybrid-Tech will over take diesel tech. And keep in mind diesel tech is much easier in the R&D dept compared to Hybrid. Look how many auto corporations have to come together just to figure out Hybrid technology? It's only a matter of time when they realize that Hybrid is the better one, and at this point they don't need an award to prove that...they already did...lol!!! No bashing here, personal opinion based on facts as I own and love best of both worlds(Lexus and MB)


d1sinfod1sinfo - 4/5/2007 2:06:55 PM
+1 Boost
Do you also work for MB, and Toyota RD departments?


david999david999 - 4/5/2007 1:52:49 PM
-4 Boost
Good for Mercedes with the Bluetec. Lets hope they can eventually perfect a hybrid engine.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/9/2007 11:22:02 AM
+1 Boost
and let's hope toyota can catch up on the diesel front david. maybe then lexus could sell some cars outside of the US.


Will_Will_ - 4/5/2007 2:51:53 PM
-6 Boost
That car isn't even legal in all parts of the U.S.


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 4/5/2007 2:59:55 PM
+7 Boost
The Bluetec is 50 state legal. The CDI was not...


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 4/5/2007 3:09:32 PM
-5 Boost
will is right. this is not going to be selling in california.

i dont think it won because of how much cleaner it is than a hybrid car. I think it won because of the technology behind it and i praise that.


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 4/5/2007 7:34:06 PM
+6 Boost
The car passes emissions in California and the four other states which have adopted California's emissions standards with urea injections. Mercedes is not selling it in California until the EPA gives their approval on the method of filling the "adBlue." This car will sell in California, no doubt about it.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/5/2007 9:48:50 PM
+5 Boost
you are partly correct.

the car isn't sold in california or 4 other states YET.
the E-class bluetec (along with GL, S, C and ML) will be available in all 50 states in 2008.

mercedes made it publicly clear that they would not increase diesel imports into the states unless they would be available in all 50 states.


chewychewy - 4/5/2007 3:15:36 PM
+4 Boost
Car and Driver just recently tested the E320. They averaged 29 mpg average. The EPA city rating is 26. Usually Car and Driver gets fuel economy 1-2 mpg below the EPA city rating.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/5/2007 7:30:41 PM
+1 Boost
Nice!

Except... "They averaged 29mpg average."


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 4/5/2007 4:00:00 PM
-9 Boost
The 45 state Bluetec did not upstage any hybrids, as there was nothing new on the hybrid technology front this year. So give the award to a "clean" diesel. What is the competition, an old tech VW diesel and a hypothetical hydrogen car that's not really for sale at all? When the next gen hybrid comes out, I think it will be pretty clear who will win green car awards. Meantime, Californians and the other 4 states await a Bluetec that is actually clean enough to be considered AS CLEAN as a gasoline engine (tho nowhere near a hybrid).


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 4/5/2007 7:49:28 PM
+7 Boost
Dont kid yourself, gasoline produces quite a bit more CO and CO2 exhaust emissions than diesel. It's certainly no more cleaner. The reason why diesels cannot pass emissions is because of California's extremely tight particulate regulations. Californians in general and residents of LA in particular equate seeing exhaust to making exhaust. Because naturally, if you can't see it, then it doesn't exist. In my opinion, gas cars have had a free pass in California for the past several years while the people attempt to kill diesels.


Terminal10Terminal10 - 4/5/2007 4:39:26 PM
+5 Boost
Mercedes to other car companies up for this award " Eat it Losers."


atomicbriatomicbri - 4/5/2007 5:33:25 PM
+6 Boost
One great thing diesel technology has over hybrids is the upkeep factor. A Toyota Prius will be hella expensive to fix when there is no more warranty, making most hybrids in the future to go to the recycling pile. Plus hybrid batteries are not environmentally friendly. They have to be disposed of properly or they will pollute. Mercedes diesels are still rolling on the road today. Easy to fix because it still is a normal motor. Now I am not saying hybrids are bad. I think they are a step in a right direction, but they are not the answer. Now a diesel and hybrid hooked up? Perhaps... we will see. I just hope as hybrid tech progresses it becomes cheaper to maintain.


atomicbriatomicbri - 4/5/2007 7:04:03 PM
+5 Boost
huu76, what are you talking about?? you say "Japanese hybrids = don't create it to begin with." Are you refering that Japanese Hybrids do not pollute? LOL! Seriously you must be kidding! Hybrids still pollute everytime you put the pedal to the metal and their batteries are known to have dangerous chemicals in them, which is why Toyota carries a "bounty" on them to a charge of $200 to try and get them back so they don't pollute. Nickel Cadmium is very toxic. So your comment is very biased. The diesel burns cleaner and less emmissions than a gas motor. So when that hybrid is running its motor, it is not as clean, now when it is electric only, sure it is clean. Now imagine when this low CO emmitting motor will be coupled to a Blu-Tech Diesel, that will be a good thing!


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/5/2007 9:45:11 PM
+2 Boost
then there's that nagging problem of mediocre mileage in the luxury hybrids. from what i understand, gasoline is refined from OIL. so much for burning less oil.


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 4/5/2007 7:54:26 PM
+7 Boost
80% of pumps running today use ULSD. Most of the ones that dont are truck stops.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/5/2007 9:42:55 PM
+4 Boost
it's a great car that actually gives a certain group of people what they want: great mileage in a luxury car. mileage that far exceeds it's direct hybrid competitors.

the E class blutec will be available in all 50 states by 2008 (soon to be followed C, ML, GL and S class versions).

my bet: these cars (like there CDI predecessors) will far outsell their direct hybrid competitors.




atomicbriatomicbri - 4/5/2007 11:34:47 PM
+3 Boost
Missing my point.... I was saying that couple this high milage, high tech diesel to a hybrid, and you have ultimate fuel savings. I heard Toyota is looking into tacking the hybrid with a diesel.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/6/2007 12:29:52 AM
+5 Boost
what would you like proof of huu? i haven't made any marketshare claims.

bluetec gets great mileage..far better than hybids. in testing E320 got 29 overall. GS450h got 20 overall. that's nearly 50% better.

bluetec will be available in fifty states.

and i believe it will far outsell the lexus hybrid sedan volume of 2,000 units. fyi--mercedes sold 11,000 CDI E-class last year.


david999david999 - 4/6/2007 6:36:14 AM
-3 Boost
You are the only guy on this thread to point out the true facts. Keep it up.


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 4/6/2007 2:04:27 PM
+4 Boost
A simple google search or EPA regulatory search would have proven it enough for you.. 2006 was the year in which all refiners and downstream production in the nation were required to produce 80% ULSD. If you look at demand and shelf-life of diesel fuel, you'll quickly find that there are no "reserves" of 2005 or early 2006 fuel sitting around. Diesel simply doesn't last more than a few months after being produced. Once the stations begin pumping ULSD, they're not allowed to go back under civil penalty. Hence, nearly 80% of pumps in 2007 would be compliant. But to add, California was mentioned specifically in the EPA regulations as requiring ALL pumps in the state to carry ULSD by 2006. I could understand your misunderstanding though. After all, you are correct. By 2010 ALL pumps in the nation are required to have ULSD. What I dont understand is where you got your "40% of service stations" figure. Care to prove that? Actually, I dont care because every station I go to has diesel. It's at the end pump where some lady is holding up the show filling her minivan. Most times it's simply not advertised but if I were to guess, I would say upwards of 90% of pumps I know of have diesel. The noted exceptions are store brand gas stations.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/6/2007 7:15:50 PM
+2 Boost
huu points out true facts david?
he constantly distorts things. and claims that the source is "biased" if facts are used to support any other brand but lexus.

i share plenty of facts. you just don't like to hear them.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/6/2007 12:22:19 AM
+5 Boost
huu76, YOU'RE WRONG. Stop trying to fight everyone, and just admit defeat. You try too hard. Is it really worth it?


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/6/2007 12:31:16 AM
+4 Boost
he's blind to any other brand's success except lexus and other japanese brands.


pepitodpepitod - 4/6/2007 11:18:45 AM
+2 Boost
I am excited to see the next generation of diesel from MB Audi and specially the BMW 335d & 535d coming to America soon, finally some justice has been made for the diesel community

Pepito


Agent63Agent63 - 4/6/2007 6:07:51 PM
+3 Boost
Go Mercedes-Benz! That's all I got to say about that.


Agent63Agent63 - 4/6/2007 6:54:44 PM
+3 Boost
A 208hp engine that goes from 0-60 in 7 seconds. That's impressive


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/6/2007 11:35:03 PM
+2 Boost
I'll tell you this: if I could buy a diesel S4 Cabriolet, I would. Or any other vehicle similar to that. There's no reason not to. They burn cleanly, they have terrific torque, and the gas mileage is a huge improvement over gasolline-powered cars.


AudiLexusAudiLexus - 4/6/2007 9:17:36 PM
+3 Boost
Diesels and hybrids can coexist you know. Why are the two fuel-saving methods always pitted against each other.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/6/2007 11:36:01 PM
+1 Boost
Please, I'd like to hear an argument for that.

I ask again... don't you own a diesel? A Jeep CRD?


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/9/2007 11:29:14 AM
+1 Boost
another comment grouded in a world occupied by one.


BillBill - 4/8/2007 7:37:25 AM
+3 Boost
You really go to any length to discredit other brands while promoting Toyota and Lexus, do you?




enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/9/2007 11:27:24 AM
+1 Boost
can anyone really be this rabid?
somebody didn't take his meds today.


Matthew1Matthew1 - 4/9/2007 4:33:32 AM
+2 Boost
I think huu34 has devoted the latter part of his life to tireless research on the superiority of Hybrid technology and the total LACK of benefits derived from Diesel powerplants.

Well I always knew Canadians were boring people.


Matthew1Matthew1 - 4/9/2007 5:30:39 AM
+2 Boost
If huu34 was SO f***en concerned about the environment like he beats on about in every f'in post, answer us this:

Why do you drive an SUV? Shouldn't you be riding a f'n bike?

Yet we let this out-dated Jeep driver lecture us day-in day-out on issues regarding cars and the environment, when most of us here probably drive a more efficient car than he does!

Of course huu is lecturing us from the standpoint of someone who isn't a car enthusiast, so convincing himself to buy a car powered with a fridge motor is an easy task.

For those who like manual transmissions and internal combustion (shock horror! Burn us at the stake O Wise One!), petrol or diesel are the only options.

huu, go waste more of your precious breath at FamilyCar.com or A-Bvehicle.com, that way, those who care about an extra 20 less grams of C02 can buy up all the hybrids, and those that don't wont have to listen to your broken f'n record!

Now THERE'S a REAL solution.


Matthew1Matthew1 - 4/9/2007 8:01:15 PM
+1 Boost
I'm glad you are living day-to-day with sickening regret.

One can only hope your next Hybrid purchase will give you a smug sense of satisfaction that you are saving the world.

Too bad that its silent electric motor and increased weight will make it incredibly dull to drive. But who cares? Oh that's right, because its Japanese, saviour of the f'in world.




jsorrentijsorrenti - 4/13/2007 12:06:26 PM
+1 Boost
I am an avid Autospies reader, and owned the '98 MB Turbodiesel and now the '05 MB CDI--I'm anxious to drive the new Bluetec, since my lease is up in a few months---
Doesnt anyone find it a bit ironic that the "green" award was given to the Bluetec in NY, where the car currently cannot be sold (its one of THOSE five states)???
My wife has a lexus hybrid, and I have the MB diesel--I certainly enjoy the diesel more--the low end torque wins out over one "gear"...
thanks


993Turbo993Turbo - 4/17/2007 6:16:41 AM
+1 Boost
I have leased the 320 Bluetec for 6 months now and love it. For anyone used to a more upscale car, it is by far the best "green" choice. The only advantage to hybrids over cars like this is the electric only at low speeds. The diesel is wonderful in every way but the mileage suffers greatly (like all regular cars) while sitting in traffic.

How about that hybrid diesel? Or at least an ignition shut off for traffic?
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