MERCEDES-BENZ Launches Three New Diesel-Powered Models

Today Mercedes-Benz is launching three new models powered by new-generation diesel engines that are impressively quiet, clean and fast. As earlier-technology diesels are disappearing from the U.S. market, Mercedes-Benz is announcing the availability of the ML320 CDI, a mid-size sport utility with a suggested retail price of $ 44,455; the R320 CDI, a six-passenger luxury vehicle priced at $ 44,775; and the E320 BLUTEC, a full-size luxury sedan that begins at $ 52,325 (all three prices include a destination charge of $775).

The new diesel vehicles are powered by an innovative three-liter V6 diesel engine that combines the impressive torque of a V8 engine with the great fuel economy of four-cylinder engines. The new R320 CDI and ML320 CDI make 215 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque, while the E320 BLUETEC produces 208 and torque of 400 lb.-ft. All three models are fitted with the latest CDI electronic fuel injection, and the E320 BLUETEC features new emission control technology that holds the potential to meet the world’s toughest clean air standards.

Aided by its aerodynamic styling, the E320 BLUETEC boasts a whopping 40 percent better fuel mileage than a comparable gasoline-powered model, and its EPA city/highway rating of 27/37 miles per gallon means the luxury sedan can cruise more than 700 miles on a single tank of fuel. With a city/highway rating of 21/28 mpg, the R320 CDI gets 32 percent better fuel economy, while the ML320 CDI sport utility (rated at 21/27 mpg) provides a 26 percent improvement. Both CDI models have a cruising range of well over 600 miles before refueling.

BMW530i - 10/17/2006 2:09:35 PM

+1 Boost

Good news indeed. I just others will follow suit. I'd love to have a 535d - even though I don't like the styling of the E60 5-series much.

lewissalem - 10/17/2006 2:43:27 PM

+1 Boost

A day after low sulfur diesel fuel is offered in the US. Coincidence?

<obvious>
I think that the torque of these vehicles can be a strong selling point in addition to the fuel economy.
</obvious>

S4cabriofox - 10/17/2006 3:10:50 PM

+1 Boost

ML320 CDI is cheaper than an RX400h.

Eat your hearts out, Lexus boys.

Rupert - 10/17/2006 6:01:47 PM

+1 Boost

in the uk, the base rx 400h is cheaper than the ml 320cdi, but the most expensive and the midrange trim levels are more expensive.
the most expensive is the RX400h SE-L, at 90000 dollars.
interestingly the same is true for the RX 350 and ml 350.
lexus has weirdly priced the rx, the 400h SE-L is cheaper than the RX 350 SE-L, yet the base RX350 is 8000 dollars less than the base RX 400h.

quizz - 10/17/2006 7:11:34 PM

+1 Boost

Will,

If you can find a dealer that will sell you a RX400h for $41,180, let me know. The demand on those things is crazy, and good luck finding a model that's under $46,000 (after any discount).

To be fair, I don't think MBs come stripped either, but you're more likely to find a low optioned diesel than a low optioned RX400h. After discounts and incentives, most likely, you'll be paying $46,000 for either car with "possibly" a few more options on the RX included for the price.

S4cabriofox - 10/17/2006 3:11:10 PM

+1 Boost

Oh and, my dream diesel is an Audi A8L 4.2 TDI quattro, loaded with the 19s.

Rupert - 10/17/2006 5:55:28 PM

+1 Boost

cool car.
i want one, damn you.

urbansouljah - 10/17/2006 6:20:36 PM

+1 Boost

The E320 is only $1000 more than the E350 gas model. You'll earn that money back in no time. Hybrids are on average $2000-$4000 more expensive than their gas only models.

urbansouljah - 10/17/2006 6:43:55 PM

+1 Boost

Will, in the other thread I said the wrong car. It wasn't the Prius but a Honda model. But as I did state before, hybrid premiums are higher than diesel premiums.

urbansouljah - 10/17/2006 11:15:45 PM

+2 Boost

huu76, what are you talking about?

urbansouljah - 10/17/2006 11:19:03 PM

+2 Boost

The added torque alone is worth going diesel for. Keep in mind that bluetec diesels will polute less than gasoline engined cars. That's before the special particulate filters are added.

urbansouljah - 10/17/2006 11:24:48 PM

+2 Boost

Most of the anti-diesel comments seem to come from America's hatred for diesel. People here in the states won't even give diesel a try. They are just automatically bad.