2009 Mercedes-Benz Gl320 Bluetec First Impressions

Big, powerful, athletic… and now green. The new 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 benefits from the next-generation BlueTEC diesel technology. Thusly equipped, it offers a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and emissions while delivering the same outstanding performance.

BlueTEC is basically the only significant upgrade for the 2009 GL-Class. With an enviable position in the premium SUV/CUV segment, this M-B continues to pit itself against the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and the like — only this time, it will be the cleanest of the bunch.

BlueTEC, a sustainable solution
The German automaker’s BlueTEC technology was introduced in 2006 with the E320 CDI. That car went on to receive the crown of “2007 World Green Car of the Year”.

The technology is now being applied to the GL-Class sport utility vehicle. Using all the latest filter systems out there, BlueTEC ups the ante by adding a urea-based fluid called AdBlue, which neutralizes nitrogen oxides to the extent that the GL320 now meets the stringent U.S. emission standards.

This environmentally-friendly system has little to no impact on performance and the driving experience. True, the vehicle feels a bit different and a tad noisier, like any diesel-powered SUV for that matter, but it certainly isn’t unpleasant by any stretch.

Torque to spare
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is remarkably explosive. While 210 ponies might not sound like a lot, the engine produces nearly 400 pounds-feet of torque at only 1,600 rpm. That’s the beauty of diesels.

With so much low-end torque, the vehicle is never hesitant off the line, although a bit more juice, while not necessary, would have been appreciated. Fortunately, the torque curve remains strong at most engine speeds, which allows you to exploit the GL to the fullest. I have to admit that the 7-speed automatic transmission also does a wonderful job.

Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are completed in 9.5 seconds, while fuel consumption hovers around 11.5 liters per 100 kilometers in the city — and considerably lower than that on highways and byroads.
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Peyton18 - 7/1/2008 10:12:56 AM

+2 Boost

those wheels are looking old...I don't know while I like this truck, I don't thin the design is aging well, and I am a huge MB fan.

JRobUSC - 7/1/2008 10:39:12 AM

+3 Boost

The article says they averaged 11.5L/100km in city driving. That's 20.45mpg in the U.S -- pretty impressive for a vehicle that size, especially for city-only driving. Since unlike a hybrid the highway mileage on the diesel is considerably better, that would probably put the real world combined figure somewhere in the 23-24mpg range. Edmunds.com only averaged 21.6mpg city and highway combined in an RX400h. That potential 11% difference would mostly offset the higher cost of diesel fuel, so maybe there's hope for the diesels yet...

LexusKindaGuy12 - 7/1/2008 11:35:52 AM

0 Boost

as much as i like the idea of finally being able to buy a disel in california, i must pull out the air pollution rating from fueleconomy.gov

for the E320 Bluetec, its a rating of 3/10

Htay7500 - 7/1/2008 1:45:01 PM

+1 Boost

definetly biased.

chewy - 7/2/2008 2:09:31 AM

+1 Boost

All 50 state diesels will be rated a 6. Just like the majority of other gasoline powered cars.

And the Jetta TDI (and probably all the other 50 state diesels) actually get the SULEV/PZEV emissions in all the other categories except Nox. ZERO particulates, better than any gas powered car.

chewy - 7/2/2008 2:14:17 AM

+2 Boost

wrong,

LX570: 6/10 (Bin 5), 13.1 tons of C02, 24.5 barrels of oil per yer

GL 320 Bluetec: 6/10 (Bin 5, otherwise it wouldn't be on sale in all 50 states) 10.6 tons of C02 (a lot less than LX570) 19.7 barrels of oil per yer

don't you hate when facts get in the way?

dra44 - 7/1/2008 7:06:12 PM

+1 Boost

So, Mr. Taylor, you must live where Lexus sold all 631 examples of their better, greener, more off road capable cooler looking car. Face it, Lexus completly missed the mark on this one. They had 8 years to re-design the LX and what they came up with was sub-par at best. The car is pedestrian looking at best, and other than a gimmicky camera in the grill, really brings nothing new to the table. I'm sure you'll find something trivial to add to the virtues of the LX, but Lexus definitely missed with this one.