With the E 320 BLUETEC, Mercedes-Benz is launching a new era in diesel technology the USA

Spiralling fuel prices have also increased the demand for economical, clean cars in the USA. Mercedes-Benz is launching the new E 320 BLUETEC on October 15, timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur diesel fuel in the USA. This model is also one of the most economical vehicles in its class and is regarded by experts as the pioneer of a new diesel era.

“The introduction of clean diesel fuel in the USA represents an opportunity we have been battling for long and hard, the sort of opportunity we intend to utilise fully from day one”, explained Dr Thomas Weber, head of Development at DaimlerChrysler AG and at the Mercedes Car Group, during the E 320 BLUETEC presentation in Las Vegas, Nevada. Background: state-of-the-art diesel vehicles, which already account for more than half of annual new registrations in Western Europe, have not yet realised their full potential in the USA due to excessive sulphur levels in existing fuel. All that is about to change with the nationwide introduction of clean diesel fuel with a sulphur content of just 15 ppm. “Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel” (ULSD) will be on sale at up to 76,000 US filling stations during the initial stage and will help promote the adoption of BLUETEC. This innovative diesel technology will also enable Mercedes-Benz to meet the world's most stringent emission limits for nitrogen oxides, providing the right conditions for state-of-the art diesel technology to make its mark in the USA.

“BLUETEC power is about to win many friends in North America as soon as US customers get behind the wheel of a car like the E 320 BLUETEC”, says Dr Thomas Weber. “Our 208 hp three-litre V6 develops eight-cylinder-like torque of 400 pounds feet (540 Nm) combined with the sort of economy you get from a four-cylinder engine in everyday use.” The combined consumption of just 6.7 l/ 100 km (35 miles per US gallon) provides a range of 700 miles (around 1200 km) without having to refuel.

Ultra-modern diesel vehicles provide their owners with assured, clean and economical driving pleasure and can potentially – given a sufficiently large uptake – make national economies less dependent on oil imports. An EPA study dating back to 2004 confirmed the enormous potential savings inherent in diesel. Margo Oge, Director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, came up with the following calculation: if just a third of the light-duty vehicles in the USA were state-of-the-art diesel vehicles, we would be looking at saving 1.4 million barrels a day, the equivalent quantity of oil the USA imports from Saudi Arabia every day.

With no end in sight to soaring fuel prices, experts predict a greater uptake of diesel around the globe. The recent J.D. Power study “Global Outlook For Diesel” forecasts that the current global diesel market share of 18 percent is set to reach around 30 percent in 2015: diesel vehicles are expected to account for over 15 percent of new registrations in North America.

Additional BLUETEC models in the USA and Europe by 2008

Against this background, Mercedes-Benz intends to systematically broaden its BLUETEC portfolio. Dr Weber: “In addition to the E 320 BLUETEC we aim to have another three BLUETEC models in the line-up as early as 2008 that meet the 50-state BIN 5 standard in the R-Class, ML-Class and the GL Class.” Following its launch in the USA, Mercedes-Benz intends to successively roll out BLUETEC in other markets. At present the technology is being adapted to European market requirements and other Mercedes Benz models. The company’s European customers should have the option of BLUETEC in a passenger car by 2008 at the very latest. Meanwhile the Jeep Grand Cherokee BLUETEC concept is a perfect example of how other DaimlerChrysler brands can also leverage BLUETEC.

BLUETEC is a modular emission control system that reduces nitrogen oxides. Diesel engine design means nitrogen oxide is currently the only emissions constituent that exceeds the equivalent figure for a petrol unit. Mercedes-Benz has developed BLUETEC in two versions: in the E-Class an oxidation-type catalytic converter and particulate filter are combined with an improved, extremely durable NOx trap system and an additional SCR catalytic converter. The second BLUETEC version is even more efficient. Here, AdBlue, a non-toxic aqueous solution, is injected into the exhaust-gas stream, causing ammonia to be released. In the downstream SCR catalytic converter the ammonia then converts up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into the harmless natural products of nitrogen and water. The specific vehicle concept and weight as well as the deNOx requirements determine which BLUETEC system is used. In principle, BLUETEC is capable of meeting the world’s most stringent exhaust emission standards.

mstangpny07 - 9/6/2006 6:01:31 PM

+2 Boost

Wait, so, is this E320 Bluetec 50-state certified or not?

Agent004 - 9/6/2006 6:03:01 PM

+2 Boost

No, not without the urea(sp?) option, but it will be. I believe California is the last one left.

Chip-

Rupert - 9/6/2006 6:05:36 PM

+3 Boost

YAY DIESEL

huu76, you'll have something to say so:
"if just a third of the light-duty vehicles in the USA were state-of-the-art diesel vehicles, we would be looking at saving 1.4 million barrels a day, the equivalent quantity of oil the USA imports from Saudi Arabia every day."

now that is saving oil.

Rupert - 9/6/2006 6:21:18 PM

+2 Boost

those wheels were on the last gen cl...i have the brochure.
north sea oil has just got cheaper, so our fuel price is now $1.70 per litre.
so cheap.....

Neverfollow - 9/6/2006 6:23:11 PM

+1 Boost

Don't forget folks. There is still no distribution for clean diesel set up in the US yet. Even if you could buy one today, you couldn't fill it up anywhere. Shell, I believe, will be the first starting in October of 2006 nationwide.

lexusis350 - 9/6/2006 6:23:58 PM

-2 Boost

This car won't sell. It isn't powerful enough and it is way to expensive. You can get a performance hybrid for the same price.

1970toyotamarc - 9/6/2006 6:25:46 PM

0 Boost

Bluetec is currently only 45 state certified, CA standards are applicable in 4 other states. MBZ ddeclared originally that Bluetec would be certified in all 50, mow they say by 2008. Its the same story every time a diesel is introduced. Right now, diesel is not up to the BASIC standards of air quality, while, hybrids EXCEED the standards. Diesel is AN answer to oil dependency (due to its relatively high MPG), it is not THE answer (due to too many other negatives).

mstangpny07 - 9/6/2006 6:27:51 PM

+1 Boost

Thanks Agent 004 and 1970toyotamarc

chewy - 9/6/2006 9:25:51 PM

+2 Boost

huu76, I am sure modern refineries can make whatever fuel that they want. In America most are geared for gasoline probably, why don't you prove that diesel takes 25% more oil. The new diesels when they come here will be just as clean as most gasoline cars. Also, diesels make much less CO2, the type of emmision that seems to be forgotten here.

BMW530i - 9/6/2006 9:28:37 PM

+1 Boost

LexusIS350,

This car won't sell. It isn't powerful enough and it is way to expensive. You can get a performance hybrid for the same price.
--------------------------------------------------

What crap are you talking about?

When Mercedes launched the original E320 CDI here, they projected demand to be at around 2,000 cars: well, in a few months they had sold over 3,000 E320 CDI's with demand still strong. That should TELL YOU SOMETHING.

Not powerful enough? Horsepower might not be mind-boggling, but it's the torque which aids acceleration. A car enthusiast would know this, but you're a TROLL. Your post puts down this new diesel technology while promoting hybrids.

My advice: shut up if you don't have anything important to say.

lexusis350 - 9/6/2006 11:41:10 PM

-1 Boost

But still, gas is way too expensive right now (especially diesel). It won't sell very well, I'm telling you now.

chewy - 9/6/2006 11:42:55 PM

+2 Boost

Well, lexuis350, with expensive fuel, dont ya think that a more fuel efficient vehicle will sell more easily than before. Especially one that gets up to 37 mpg on the highway.

lexusis350 - 9/6/2006 11:50:00 PM

-1 Boost

Um, no, because diesel is so much more expensive than regular unleaded gas so even with good gas mileage, you wouldn't be saving any money on gas. That is why hybrids are better suited for the U.S. right now. Gas is just too expensive.

chewy - 9/7/2006 12:10:27 AM

0 Boost

lexuis350

Wrong once again. Diesel is less than 10% more expensive than gasoline. The difference between premium and gaoline is even more laughable @ about 2%. However diesel engines will get you milage up to 40% better.

chewy - 9/7/2006 12:11:04 AM

+2 Boost

I meant premium and diesel.

BMW530i - 9/7/2006 4:59:26 AM

+2 Boost

Typical LexusIS350. Trying to promote his hybrids while finding a way to bash other carmakers...

BMW530i - 9/7/2006 5:14:32 AM

+1 Boost

LexusIS350, I am waiting for your response in this thread: http://www.autospies.com/news/Which-luxury-car-won-the-Popular-Mechanics-excellence-award-8218/

Rupert - 9/7/2006 10:56:57 AM

+2 Boost

mdalle, its more than a 3rd. in france, try 80%.

they love it, it is much cheaper than petrol, and more economical.
and in europe, people don't commute into cites in cars, they take trains (uk, germany and france esp) or buses.
when people use their cars to go to work they are using them on the motorway, where diesel shines.

also, is CO2 in america not the major environmental concern? it is THE number 1 cause of global warming.
diesels emit less of it.
more particles, maybe, but on highways...there's no one to cough.

Rupert - 9/7/2006 1:01:36 PM

+1 Boost

i went to france like a week ago, at the traffic lights (as a pedestrian), cars go past, every single one diesel.

azimport - 9/7/2006 2:31:11 PM

+3 Boost

As markets change, expectations and priorites become more fluid in peoples' decision making about vehicle choice.

While vehicle use is quite different in the US than Europe, it's more than reasonable to expect broadly simmilar responses to (a) increasing fuel costs (b) great improvements in technology.

While hybrids are now starting to make their mark as a more mainstream technology, US drivers will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of modern diesel technology.

To dismiss diesels out of hand as some have done is nothing more than ill-informed narrow mindedness. 25 years ago, you heard the same comments in Europe. BMW, make a diesel - people laughed, openly and loudly.

The proof is abundant in the European market, which has more in common with the US market than any other (except, possibly, for Australia). I would contend that the biggest single difference is the long term cost of fuel.

Compared to the adaptation peopel make to drive Hybrids, smaller vehicles, on power for efficiency, the "compromise" needed to be swayed to purchase a modern diesel is relatively trivial.

quizz - 9/7/2006 5:21:43 PM

+1 Boost

lexusis350,

The entire inventory of E320 bluetec will be spoken for. So if you mean to say that the diesel is too expensive compared to a hybrid Camry, then yes you are right. However, MB does not care about the hybrid buyers, they are selling to people willing to pay $50,000 for a diesel MB instead of a gasoline alternative in that same price range. As evidence of this demand, as others have mentioned, the last supply of E320 diesels were sold quickly and easily.

No, MB won't be setting records with its E320 bluetec, but it will easily sell its inventory, and that's the point.

1970toyotamarc - 9/7/2006 10:38:37 PM

-1 Boost

huu, I too hace been wondering where the actual CO2 data is that people keep referring to. Its not on MBZ's website. And has anyone been in a European city where diesels rule. Air quality is abysmal. Bluetec is an improvement, but diesel still has too many negatives- higher price, slower, dirtier. Nice effort, but hybrids still rule!!!

lexusis350 - 9/7/2006 11:23:50 PM

+1 Boost

I am just saying that I THINK that diesels won't do well in this country. Does that make me right, no. But I have reasons to believe that they won't take on to the U.S. market right away. I'm not saying they won't sell, because I think that a few will, I'm just saying, they won't be as popular as hybrids. The hybrid market is huge compared to the diesel market. And by the rumors of Toyota/Lexus, they're expanding the hybrid market a lot, not to mention GM and Ford's addition to it as well. Could the diesel market make it in the U.S.? Sure, but not now. It will take a while if it even can at all.

BMW530i - 9/8/2006 8:38:13 AM

0 Boost

1970Toyota...

And has anyone been in a European city where diesels rule. Air quality is abysmal.
-----------------------------------------

This statement proves that you've never been to Europe. I am required to go to Europe at least 6-8 times a year for business purposes and the air quality in most European cities is excellent. Eastern Europe is another issue, but even there, there are cities with air quality that is still clean. Perhaps you were in Europe - and an old diesel taxi from the '80s drove past you and this incident made up your mind that all European cities have bad air. Sorry, that statement of yours is BS. I am sure our European members here will back me up on this.


Bluetec is an improvement, but diesel still has too many negatives- higher price, slower, dirtier. Nice effort, but hybrids still rule!!!
-----------------------------------

Again, you have no idea what you're talking about. Hybrids aren't perfect either. And FYI, diesels are far from "slow". The regular E320 CDI has been clocked by Edmunds to do 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. How is that slow? Plus, with the newer E320 CDI Bluetec coming out, I am sure MB has done a few tweaks here and there to make it faster.

Rupert - 9/8/2006 2:14:44 PM

+2 Boost

HUU
LISTEN TO ME

DIESELS EMIT LESS CO2 THAN PETROLS!
proof?
bmw 320i: 178 grams of CO2 per kilometre, 150 hp, 148 lb-ft
bmw 320d: 153 grams of CO2 per kilometre, 163 hp, 251 lb-ft
and the diesel is 1.2 seconds quicker to 62 mph.
if that isn't proof....i don't know what is.

air quality is fine here.
and diesels are far from slow.
doesn't LA have like the worst smog of any developed city?
and it's not like detroit is the cleanest city in the world.
1970toyota, visit m-bs uk website, it tells you CO2 there.

1970toyotamarc - 9/9/2006 2:02:59 AM

0 Boost

Yes, I too am comparing diesels to hybrids, not coventional ICE's. Where are the C02 comparisons there. It was not I who (in this post) claimed the CO2 superiority, because I don't have the data. I am merely asking someone who might have it to prove the point that all the diesel lovers keep bringing up. How exactly does the diesel compare to the hybrid. And BMW530, European environmental agencies are actively cleaning up the air, and should be applauded for it. They would have much less work to do if there werent so many damn diesels.

Rupert - 9/9/2006 6:01:02 AM

+1 Boost

fine, hyrbids are good.
the rx400h especially. very clean engine.