Mercedes announces competitive pricing for E320 BlueTec

Mercedes-Benz announced the pricing for the "world's cleanest diesel." Yes, the one that narrowly missed achieving legality in all 50 states. At $52,325, the 45-state compliant vehicle is just $1,000 more than the gas-powered E350 with comparable performance. When juxtaposing stat sheets, you'll find the zero to 60 for the diesel is just one tenth of a second slower, yet it gets 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway in contrast to the E350's 19/26 mpg.

By keeping the price competitive, Mercedes hopes continues to offer an attractive option to diesel drivers as they sold 11,000 E320 CDIs since the launch of that vehicle in 2004. The E320 BlueTec is set to go on sale immediately following the deployment of the low-sulfur diesel fuel required by the BlueTec system to American pumps nationwide in October of this year.

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Agent004 - 9/22/2006 12:04:39 PM

+1 Boost

Wow, between this and their new free sport package optioning, I'd say they're aggressively going after that 5 Series market.

BMW530i - 9/22/2006 12:07:31 PM

+5 Boost

The E350 doesn't seem as appealing anymore now that the E320 Bluetec is out. You get virtually the same performance but much better fuel economy and loads of torque capable of snapping your neck (well almost).

For a mere $1,000 more over the E350. Easy choice for me, E320 Bluetec.

bigslick83 - 9/22/2006 3:44:35 PM

+1 Boost

okay im gonna go out on a limb and say that cali is one of the states where it cannot pass emmisions. what are the other 4?

BMW530i - 9/22/2006 4:25:06 PM

+1 Boost

New York is another. :(

Drew - 9/22/2006 5:22:25 PM

+1 Boost

Sadly, Maine is on the list as well.

S4cabriofox - 9/22/2006 6:53:10 PM

+1 Boost

BMW530i-

4Matic is pretty much the only reason, and the stigma of driving a diesel for those who aren't in the know. Also, diesel is nowhere near as common as gas in fillup stations like BP and Shell.

Can you get this with the Sport Package? I've seen three new Es with the Sport Package and they're a huge improvement visually.

I'm also confused about the DC Airmatic suspension. I know it's standard on the E550 and optional on the E350, but that's not what it seems like on the website. I've built RWD and AWD E350s numerous times, and there has never been an option for the Airmatic suspension. It's also neither in the sport package nor either of the premium package.

Does anyone know why this is so?

S4cabriofox - 9/22/2006 6:53:30 PM

+1 Boost

*I meant "nor either of the premium packages."

chewy - 9/22/2006 8:14:51 PM

+1 Boost

Good diesel, but even better diesels to come soon.

bigslick83 - 9/23/2006 12:22:08 PM

+1 Boost

mdalle be careful, you might want to break in the engine first then drag it. racing brand new cars is bad or so ive heard, im sure its the same diesel or not