“Vote for BlueTEC” - Mercedes-Benz at the 2008 New York Auto Show 2008

Under the heading “Vote for BlueTEC”, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its diesel offensive in the U.S. with a vengeance. At the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), the three-pointed star is presenting three new, exceptionally clean diesel SUVs with the latest AdBlue injection technology. The ML 320 BlueTEC, the R 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC boast such low emissions that they comply with even the strictest exhaust limits such as the Bin 5 and ULEV standards in the U.S. They are also poised to fulfill the future EU6 standard in Europe. The focal point of today’s Mercedes-Benz NYIAS press conference was the facelifted M-Class, which celebrated its world premiere as the ML 320 BlueTEC.

“The BlueTEC campaign expresses our ambitious targets for the U.S. We want to make diesel driving popular here again – especially for SUVs,” comments Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Management Board Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “The prospects for this are now even better,” Weber continues, “because, just in time for the world premiere in New York, we have become the first manufacturer ever to receive certification enabling registration of Bin 5 and ULEV compliant diesel SUVs, thus qualifying them for registration in all 50 states.”
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EL34 - 3/21/2008 3:24:31 PM

-2 Boost

House of BlueTEC :-D

Monk - 3/21/2008 6:00:44 PM

-1 Boost

Great for the ML320, but why wait? We got our GL320 already b/c we didn't want to wait for an extra Bluetec system. It's only so Mercedes can sell it in all the US, but I can get it now.

Bmw8ter - 3/21/2008 6:25:38 PM

0 Boost

Why buy the ML320CDI, when you can spend thousands less for the Jeep CRD which is a much prettier package, with the same exact engine, mpgs, lighter, quicker, tows the same amount, and actually has a competent 4WD system.

Bmw8ter - 3/21/2008 9:03:02 PM

0 Boost

Spellchecker001, I've provided a link with a fantastic overview of the various 4wd systems employed in todays cars....less the Porsche 959. It would appear that 4matic is nothing more than a failsafe on Mercedes' cars.

http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/traction/tech_traction_4wd_2.htm

1970toyotamarc - 3/21/2008 6:00:08 PM

+3 Boost

I vote No.

investor27 - 3/21/2008 7:36:48 PM

-1 Boost

I vote NO on looks, and YES on BlueTEC.

autopro - 3/22/2008 10:32:15 AM

+3 Boost

No diesel for me.I'll wait on the next gen. hybrid.

1970toyotamarc - 3/22/2008 9:11:33 PM

+2 Boost

At the risk of sounding like a broken record (yeah like I care), the current hybrids already best the bluetecs in mpg, emissions and performance. HSD4 will blow them away.

BTW in the real world, my Prius averaged 55 in mixed city/hwy today. I guess I left those bricks out of the hatch.

gregsfc - 3/28/2008 5:56:53 PM

+1 Boost

Funny 1970toyotamarc. I didn't notice any hybrids passing the Audi R10 TDI or the Peugeot diesel at any of the LeMans series races, but since you have stated that our few hybrids out perform all diesels, in every way, then the ten or so hybrid models we have here in the states must outperform all three-hundred models of diesels sold all of the world, so we shall henceforth ban all regular gas cars and diesels, so that only hybrid owners can drive to work.

Must be good to live in such a simplified world that leaves your purchasing choices so much better than everyone else's.

Besides, since we're touting numbers around, my Jetta TDI gets me three-hundred, fifty miles per gallon running on pure vegetable oil, at 150 mph. loaded with bricks, but if we could meet in the real world, I would challenge you to a high way run for fuel economy. I'll run my Jetta TDI on B20, B30, or B100 (which ever you prefer). You can run your hybrid on 10% ethanol. I would say it would be much closer in fuel economy and emission results than most Americans would ever believe.