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Mercedes Goes Green With Bluetec
Aug 08 2008 by Emily Hansen
8/8/08
SUVs, Crossover Get Clean-Burning Diesel Engines
By: Emily Hansen
Launching a line of SUVs in these days of panic-inducing gas prices seems crazy to me. Mercedes-Benz is doing just that, but its crossover and SUVs are armed with clean-burning diesel engines. When I traveled to Vermont recently to learn about Mercedes’ Bluetec diesel crossover and SUVs that will be available this fall, I was interested to hear not just about the vehicles, but also the magic that might move the 2009 ML320, GL320 and the R320 out of Mercedes showrooms.
I quickly learned that the magic is in the vehicles themselves. Bluetec diesel technology makes these the first diesel engines to meet emissions standards in all 50 states. During a very involved presentation about the complexity of state-by-state regulations, I learned that this feat is akin to juggling the activity schedules of 50 children.
Bluetec is more than just a cute name; it comes from a urea additive that Mercedes calls AdBlue, which mixes with exhaust fumes to greatly reduce emissions. Don’t worry, you don’t have to add anything to the car, as the name implies; Mercedes will take care of that at regular 10,000-mile service intervals. The video "How Bluetec Works" explains Bluetec, and the narration is so soothing you might want to play it during your next bubble bath.
Mercedes’ Bluetec cars are clean-burning, so forget about sooty diesel clouds. After driving each car, I can also tell you that other former telltale signs of diesel engines are gone: There are no glow plugs to warm, no loud rattle to the engine — only the luxurious ride you might expect from a Mercedes.
One of the best reasons to consider any diesel engine is its greatly improved fuel economy over a gasoline engine. Mercedes estimates EPA fuel economy numbers to be about 20 percent better than comparable gasoline engines. The improved fuel efficiency, coupled with lower emissions from the tailpipe, makes the Mercedes Bluetec lineup a good green choice for families that want luxury, versatility and space.
User Comments
Do I sense a new car in Lori’s future??? I love the idea of clean diesels, but what is in store for families who want a greener car but may not have the cash for a Mercedes? Or the ash to pay higher prices or diesel?
Kudos to Mercedes for all of their legwork in meeting all of our States’ requirements! That is amazing.
If only I could drive a Mercedes without worrying that my children would ruin it.
One day… one day.
geee..VW has been making a clean burning diesel for years now - Mercedes finally steps up to the plate and we are all supposed to gasp, swoon and sway? I think not. Do your homework - Vw is ahead of the curve and got no credit in this article. Blah on the author = if this was not a car related site i’d give them slack but when they are supposed to know cars they fall flat. Sherrice - you could havce bought a VW 5 years ago with a clean burning diesel - its called a TDI Diesel.
Hello Paula,
We published this article because Mercedes’ SUVs are the cleanest on the market, satisfying emissions standards in all 50 states. VW does not have a diesel SUV available yet here in the US that meets all 50 states’ emission standards, (at least not until later this year with the arrival of the Tiguan TDI). It should be noted that the new Jetta TDI, and Jetta Sportwagen TDI are compliant in all 50 states. And I’ll even note here that Volkswagen, Audi, and Mercedes are all working on BLUETEC vehicles and it’s been a joint project between them.
Emily Hansen traveled to an event hosted by Mercedes educating journalists about BLUETEC and their SUV’s and this article was written about that. The article is not meant to be a piece about the history of diesel, or diesels in America (although a column about that sounds like a good idea).
I am sorry you feel our coverage of Volkswagen’s commitment has been weak. We’re obviously hoping to test their diesel offerings when they become available to us. Ahem, Volkswagen! Wink, wink…
Sara Lacey…... Who is telling you that the Tiguan will be out in Diesel by the end of this year? I have been searching for that info for the last two months and everyone is tight lipped and not hopeful. Hope your source is correct!
how about the newest ML320 bluetec? this recently face lifted vehicle got my heads on. Got a redesigned front bumper, hella fog lights, a flashy new headlamps and a shiny 19-inch wheels…what more we could ask for?
Great info, Em! So, this is really a CA friendly diesel? Really? Like, they will sell them in CA? Actually sell diesels here? Seriously? Wow.