What is it?
The Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec will be the first production model to use a new generation of diesel engines that the automaker claims are the cleanest in the world. The Bluetec diesel is expected to be clean enough to be sold in all 50 states and virtually all markets worldwide. Mercedes-Benz says models equipped with Bluetec will deliver fuel economy that's about 20 to 40 percent better than their gasoline counterparts. The six-cylinder powerplant in the E320 Bluetec is estimated to deliver 35 mpg and produce the torque of a V8.
CR's take:
It's impressive that Mercedes-Benz already has a line of diesel engines that meets 2009 regulations. When available, these engines will help reinforce diesels as a viable alternative to hybrids for improving fuel economy. The Bluetec technology, however, requires the use of low-sulfur diesel fuel, which isn't now available in the U.S. The federal government has mandated a switch to low-sulfur fuel, which would allow automakers to lower the NOx emissions in all diesel engines by using special catalytic converters. The introduction of low-sulfur diesel fuel was originally expected to be available by Fall 2006, but may be delayed. This could, in turn, delay the release of the E320 Bluetec.
What's new and notable?
A new line of diesel engines, which, according to Mercedes-Benz, produce the fewest emissions of any diesels in the world.
When will it be on sale?
The fall of 2006, as a 2007 model.
