The BlueTEC diesel engines in the three respected SUVs is a 211 HP 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel. The BlueTEC gives 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway and the three will be available later this Fall.

The cleanest solution - Mercedes-Benz brings the world's first diesel SUVs with AdBlue injection to the U.S.

• Liquid urea injection ensures the cleanest exhaust emissions ever
• Fulfills stringent U.S. BIN5 standard
• High performance, fuel economy and comfort for a great driving experience

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to begin a BlueTEC offensive within the U.S. passenger vehicle segment to coincide with the introduction of ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel. The E320 BlueTEC was a huge success right from the beginning and was voted "2007 World Green Car of the Year". Mercedes-Benz is now pushing forward with this initiative with the R, ML and GL320 BlueTEC - the world's first three diesel SUVs which not only meet the particularly demanding targets specified in the U.S. BIN5 standard, but are also positioned to fulfill forthcoming stringent EU6 emissions legislation. This puts them well within all current emissions standards for diesel passenger vehicles worldwide.

With characteristics such as enormous pulling power, fuel economy and high performance, the diesel engine has proven itself as an attractive alternative to gasoline engines even in the U.S., during times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity towards CO2 emissions. In the land of large minivans, pickups and SUV's, where driving habits generally feature consistent highway speeds and long distances cross-country, the benefits of diesel present an attractive solution. At the same time, U.S. lawmakers have set extremely stringent emissions legislation for diesel drivetrains. This is why Mercedes-Benz chose the U.S. for the worldwide debut of its in-house developed BlueTEC technology in the E320 BlueTEC, as well as for the launch of its latest BlueTEC system with AdBlue injection (technical name - Urea SCR System). This innovative driveline technology enables large, high-performance SUVs to meet the limits set by the U.S. BIN5 standard.

Impressive performance, excellent fuel economy and the lowest emissions

The powerful V6 turbodiesel engine under the hood of the new GL, M and R-Class BlueTEC models demonstrates that excellent fuel economy and the lowest emissions are within the grasp of large SUVs. It has an output of 210 bhp and 398 lb.ft. of torque, while boasting outstanding fuel economy. The GL320 BlueTEC achieves an estimated 24 mpg, which represents a fuel consumption benefit of approximately 20 to 40 percent over a comparable gasoline engine, and makes the Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC by far the most fuel efficient full size SUV in the U.S.

The six-cylinder diesel required a few modifications for its application in the new ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC with AdBlue injection. The piston cavity profile was reworked for an improved fuel/air mix, while its compression ratio was reduced from 17.7 to 16.5. The VNT turbocharger was also optimized and reconfigured, as was the ECU. All three new SUVs are equipped exclusively with the seven speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

BlueTEC leads to drastic reductions in NOx emissions

As a modular concept for the effective reduction of fuel consumption and emissions in diesel vehicles, BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz encompasses a range of complementary technical initiatives designed to minimize engine emissions, as well as to provide effective exhaust gas after-treatment. A systematic, step-by-step approach reduced all relevant emission factors to an absolute minimum, with the application of technologies such as oxidization catalysts and particulate filters. An important goal, however, is the drastic reduction of NOx emissions - the single exhaust component of a diesel engine that remains, by its very nature, higher than that of a gasoline engine.

In order to address this issue, Mercedes-Benz has developed two versions. In the E320 BlueTEC sold in the U.S. and its European variant, the E300 BlueTEC, oxidization catalysts and particulate filters are combined with a long-life NOx storage catalyst and an additional SCR catalyst (Selective Catalytic Reduction). The second BlueTEC version is used in the new GL320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC. In these new models, AdBlue - a harmless, liquid urea solution - is injected into the exhaust. This releases ammonia, which, in the SCR catalyst downstream, converts up to 80 percent of NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen gas and water.

The individual components of this innovative exhaust technology include:
• Optimization of engine combustion processes in order to reduce internal emissions as much as possible. This includes electronic engine management, four-valve technology, third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors, variable geometry turbocharger with exhaust gas recirculation.
• Oxidization catalysts minimize emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbons (HC).
• The particulate filter, which has been standard in all diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles in many countries since summer 2005, reduces particulate emissions to a virtually undetectable level that is significantly below current EU4 particulate limits (0.025 gram/kilometer). This also fulfills applicable U.S. requirements.
• Nitrogen Oxides are reduced via a NOx storage catalyst in combination with an SCR catalyst, or via AdBlue injection in combination with an SCR catalyst. These highly effective methods of exhaust gas after-treatment enable a reduction in NOx emissions in BlueTEC vehicles of up to 80 percent.

AdBlue injection is particularly beneficial for large vehicles

The choice between a NOx storage catalyst or AdBlue injection for effective reduction of NOx emissions is dependent upon the individual vehicle design, as well as the respective market conditions. AdBlue technology is beneficial for large sedans, pickups and SUVs because it means that the engine no longer needs to run periodically on a rich combustion cycle in order to purge the NOx storage catalyst, which removes harmful nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas. Large vehicles with higher fuel consumption would require frequent purging, which would ultimately lead to more fuel consumption.

The urea SCR process requires the injection of AdBlue reducing agent into the exhaust line. AdBlue is an aqueous urea solution, which is stored in a small, separate tank. Upon injection into the hot, pre-treated exhaust gas, the AdBlue solution breaks down into its component parts, water and urea. Above temperatures of around 338 degrees Fahrenheit, the urea is converted into Ammonia (NH3) - the active agent in this process. The ammonia is stored within the catalyst and reduces the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen gas as soon as NOx-bearing exhaust gases pass through the catalyst.

The ECU manages the AdBlue injection to ensure that there is always sufficient ammonia stored in the SCR catalyst without flooding it. This is monitored by a NOx sensor.

One small AdBlue tank is all it takes

The urea solution is stored in a dedicated tank on-board the vehicle, and is carried to the charge module via a feed pump. The tank was designed such that a refill of AdBlue is necessary only at regular maintenance intervals. In the R320 BlueTEC and the ML320 BlueTEC the tank holds approximately 7 gallons, while in the GL320 BlueTEC it has a capacity of 8.5 gallons. This is sufficient to ensure that no extra trips to the dealership are required, even under more extreme operating conditions with higher AdBlue consumption, such as towing. The customer plays no direct role in refilling the AdBlue. Service intervals are 10,000 miles.

New styling and increased equipment levels

With its innovative R, M and GL-Class BlueTEC models, Mercedes-Benz is not only demonstrating the potential of diesel drivetrains, but is also offering tailor-made solutions for upscale demands with the most extensive SUV range in the premium segment. The R-Class offers exceptional comfort on long-distance journeys, and the segment's most generously proportioned and flexible interior, with seating for up to seven. The M-Class is the most successful Mercedes-Benz sports utility vehicle and started the trend towards modern premium SUVs. And, with the GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz leads the entire SUV sector in terms of first class occupant comfort under all conditions - both on and off road.

Standard equipment has been expanded substantially across the M, R and G-Class ranges. They all now come with the unique PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system and Active Front Head Restraints, as well as a new telematic system developed by Mercedes-Benz, with improved user interface, higher performance and a host of new functions.

More performance, more comfort - new generation telematics

The SUVs now come equipped with a new generation telematics system developed by Mercedes-Benz. It boasts a substantially improved user interface, high performance and a host of new functions. A hands-free system with Bluetooth technology is integrated as standard, as is an aux-in port for connecting mobile audio devices such as an iPod. A new Universal Consumer Interface is available as an option, for connecting an external music storage device with the SUV's on-board electronics and operating system. This feature allows track titles to be displayed on both the instrument cluster and on the color screen in the center console, and enables them to be selected via the keys on the multi-function steering wheel. The battery of the audio device is simultaneously charged.

Customers may choose from a range of three head units. All of them include features such as a color display, a double tuner for improved radio reception, speed-regulated volume control, a keypad for inputting phone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface that enables wireless connection to the hands-free system. Customers in the U.S. can also order an HD radio or SIRIUS satellite radio as an option. With its new generation telematics, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the optimized Voice Recognition system as an upgrade.

Passengers can also enjoy rich, spatial surround sound courtesy of the optional newest generation harman kardon® Logic7® sound system. With increased performance and a digital signal processor (DSP), it guarantees outstanding clarity and listening pleasure.

For those in the rear, a new entertainment system is available, complete with two large 8- inch screens and a DVD player, as well as two wireless headsets for greater freedom of movement and a remote control.

Unique safety equipment as standard

When it comes to safety, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have always led the field in the SUV segment. The R, M and GL-Class now come with the PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system and Active Front Head Restraints as standard.

Mercedes-Benz is the benchmark in diesel cars and trucks

70 years ago, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to implement Rudolf Diesel's combustion principle in a passenger vehicle. This technology is significantly more efficient than the gasoline engine and has been optimized over many years. A decisive technological leap in 1997 played a significant role in the development of the modern diesel engine - the introduction of common-rail direct injection in combination with four-valve technology. Since then, the abbreviation CDI stands not only for unparalleled fuel economy, but also for a huge increase in torque.

If there were any disadvantages of a diesel versus a gasoline engine it was in certain emissions - primarily soot particulates and nitrogen oxides. However, as of fall 2003, Mercedes-Benz had also tackled the particulate issue, with the introduction of the maintenance-free particulate filter. And even though nitrogen oxide emissions have been reduced by approximately 75 percent over the past 15 years through engine-based initiatives, Mercedes-Benz was still not satisfied. With its innovative BlueTEC technology, which was launched in a passenger vehicle for the first time in 2006 in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz hi-tech diesel powertrains fulfill the world's most stringent exhaust standards. AdBlue injection now makes the new ML320 BlueTEC, R320 BlueTEC and GL320 BlueTEC the world's cleanest diesel SUVs.

Photos by Elizabeth Bordo

Design and technology inspired by nature: Mercedes-Benz bionic car at The Museum of Modern Art in New York

New York - The concept models of the Mercedes-Benz bionic car are appearing as part of the "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition at the world-famous "MoMA" showcases trailblazing innovations in the fields of design and science.
The "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York is devoted to the dramatic changes in aspects of human life witnessed in recent decades. The series of exhibits highlights the rapid pace of development - in mobility and communications, for example - with the focus on innovative design solutions that take into account life's quickly changing requirements. The exhibition will be open to the public from February 24 until May 12, 2008.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the Mercedes-Benz bionic car, which was first unveiled in June 2005 at the Innovation Symposium organized by Daimler AG in the US capital, Washington DC. As well as boasting near-perfect aerodynamics and a lightweight concept derived from nature, the car features a clean and economical high-tech diesel engine with BLUETEC technology, which plays a major part in cutting fuel consumption and reducing emissions by a substantial margin: in the EU driving cycle, the Mercedes-Benz bionic car consumes just 4.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers - making it 20 percent more economical than a comparable production model. With an output of 140 hp, it delivers state-of-the-art, hallmark Mercedes-Benz performance. If the US measuring system (FTP 75) is used, the figure comes in at around 70 miles per gallon (mpg, combined) - 30 percent better than a standard-production car. When driving at a constant speed of 90 km/h, the direct-injection model consumes a mere 2.8 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers - equivalent to 84 miles per gallon in the US test cycle.

Engineers, designers and biologists at Mercedes-Benz worked hand in hand to develop the Mercedes-Benz bionic car. Its template was a sea dweller from tropical latitudes: Ostracion Cubicus - more commonly known as the boxfish. Despite its unusual-looking shape, the fish is extremely aerodynamic and can therefore move using a minimal amount of energy. It is also able to withstand high pressures and, thanks to an outer skin consisting of hexagonal bone plates, can survive unscathed following collisions with corals or other sea dwellers. In free flow, its body has an outstandingly low cd value of 0.06. These characteristics are also ideal ingredients for a car designed to achieve the best possible levels of energy efficiency and passenger safety.

The result is a two-door vehicle with four comfortable, individual seats and a drop-shaped design that is 4.24 meters long, 1.82 meters wide and 1.59 meters high. With a drag coefficient (cd figure) of 0.19, the Mercedes-Benz bionic car is one of the world's most aerodynamic compact cars in its class. Today, this figure still stands as a benchmark for the aerodynamic optimization of car bodies.

The concept vehicle also played a pioneering role for Mercedes-Benz when it came to emission control. It was the first test car to be fitted with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology. The emission-control technology, which Mercedes‑Benz calls BLUETEC, has been available for commercial vehicles since 2005 and in the E-Class 320 BLUETEC since October 2006. Another three vehicles featuring the world's cleanest diesel will be launched before the end of this year.

In consultation with bionics experts, a process was developed to transfer the growth principle used by nature to automobile engineering. Based on the Soft Kill Option (SKO), computer simulation is used to configure body and suspension components in such a way that the material in areas subject to lower loads can be made thinner, and perhaps even be eliminated ("killed"), while highly stressed areas are specifically reinforced. This process enables an optimal component geometry to be identified that meets the requirements of lightweight construction, safety and durability in equal measure. The bone-plate skeleton of the boxfish demonstrates how nature is able to achieve maximum strength with a lightweight design. In the case of a car door, for example, this honeycomb-design method increases stiffness by up to 40 percent, while the weight is reduced by around 30 percent, based on calculations using the SKO method. The SKO method has since been used for producing components such as the engine support arms that are fitted on some rural-service buses.

The "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition at New York's MoMA acknowledges the work of the Mercedes-Benz designers and honors the powers of innovation, based on extremely flexible trains of thought, displayed by the research and development departments. The collection of individual exhibits aims to give visitors an overview of the latest developments from practically every discipline of science, research and design.

Clean Power with EURO V:
BRABUS PowerXtra D6 BLUE Power Kit for the E 300 BLUETEC
A powerful engine and exemplary environmental friendliness are not mutually exclusive: The motor engineers of BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) have developed the BRABUS PowerXtra D6 BLUE performance kit for the new Mercedes E 300 BLUETEC. It boosts power output of the cleanest diesel car on the market by 47 hp / 35 kW. The new BRABUS tuning technology makes BRABUS the first automobile tuner to meet ultra-stringent EURO V exhaust limits which won't go into effect until 2011. The Mercedes E 300 BLUETEC with BRABUS PowerXtra D6 BLUE tuning stayed below permissible exhaust limits of EURO V by up to 65 percent.

Powerful and clean tuning for diesel engines is a long BRABUS tradition. The BRABUS E V8 Diesel from 2001 was the first diesel car ever to be equipped with a particulate filter. It met today's EURO IV emission limits even long before they became law.

Using state-of-the-art test-bench technology in the company-own R&D center the BRABUS development team has developed a special auxiliary module for the electronic engine management system of the E 300 BLUETEC. BRABUS mapping is specifically calibrated to the environmentally friendly BLUETEC concept that features an oxidation catalyst, particulate filter and BLUETEC SCR catalyst.

After the conversion operation, which any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer can perform, the engine produces 258 hp (255 hp SAE net) / 190 kW at 3,700 rpm. The engine's torque grows by a healthy amount as well: Between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm the torque curve reaches a new high of 610 Nm (450 lb-ft), up from standard 540 Nm (398 lb-ft). Thus powered the BRABUS-tuned car sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.8 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

In everyday driving the 3-liter V6 engine with BRABUS D6 BLUE kit harmonizes perfectly with the seven-speed automatic gearbox. The engine delivers excellent performance with even further improved pulling power from low engine speeds, which benefits overall fuel economy. Despite the improved performance fuel consumption remains on the low level of the production car.

The BRABUS PowerXtra D6 BLUE power kit for the E 300 BLUETEC is available for 1,790 Euros MSRP. Like all BRABUS components the kit is backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers or 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006). BRABUS also offers a power kit for the E320 BLUETEC model available in the USA and Canada.

An efficient complement to the BRABUS D6 BLUE power kit is the BRABUS sport exhaust system with four polished tailpipes. The fully stainless-steel exhaust system lends the common-rail diesel engine a throatier exhaust note and optimizes power yield.

To add sporty emphasis to the elegant lines of the W 211-series E-Class the BRABUS designers have developed a sporty aerodynamic-enhancement kit, manufactured from Pur-R-Rim in OEM quality.

BRABUS one-piece and multi-piece light-alloy wheels for the E 300 BLUETEC are available in four different designs and in sizes ranging from 8.5Jx17 to 10.5Jx20. The optimal tires in any size come from technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA, up to the largest possible tire sizes for the E-Class, size 245/30 ZR 20 in front and 295/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

Also available for the E-Class sedan are custom-tailored BRABUS suspension solutions such as lowering modules, sporty yet comfortable complete suspensions, a special control module for the optional air suspension, and sport stabilizers that reduce body roll during cornering.

BRABUS high-performance brake systems for the Mercedes E-Class are available in three different versions.

Another BRABUS specialty is the creation of luxurious customized interiors. The range of products includes stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, various types of ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels, and even an exclusive BRABUS interior crafted from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

http://jalopnik.com/cars/notag/jetta-to-get-bluetec-tdi-for-08-229687.php

"It's a safe bet that our first move into hybrids will come with the M-Class, using a 3.2-litre V6 Bluetec diesel."

Hybrid M-Class on way [Autoexpress.co.uk]

Related:
Mercedes Planning Mild-Hybrid S-Class for 2008?; Ad Watch: The Peyton Manning Meatloaf Mercedes 550 [internal]

Related:
North America Is Not Enough: New York Throws Down The World Car Of The Year Cock-Block; More Car of the Year Awards [Internal]

Besides Thomas Weber's "Wee-Eight" comment, Mark Fields' description of Mercury as "Not Ford" and the apparent "I am going to cum all over you" line from Changfeng's Chairman Li, we only had Alan Mulally's "Ford blands" bit to keep us giggling. Let's just say Detroit didn't leave us with anything quite as golden as "ALUMINUM UND SHTEEL!" or "Your wife, my wife..." Regardless, there were a few gems that came to us away from the show floor. Transcribed verbal snapshots after the jump.

"The cars need to stay on the track."
-A scowling VW employee who didn't much care for the way Los Jalops were playing with the Rabbit slot cars.

"I'm wasting my life in the back of a brand-new Winnebago."
-Antonio Alvendia bemoaning the laggardliness of his hotel's staff

"Were the Northwest people at the show good to you?"
-Two NWA employees smoking cigarettes outside the terminal at the airport. MC Ren was nowhere in sight.

"Oh, can't you give us a break?"
-Audi Communications operative after hearing we'd entitled our post on the Q7 reveal "ALUMINUM UND SEAL!"

"Some days, I wanna put a bullet in my head. Other days, it's great."
-A DCX employee who shall remain nameless on working for the German-American Hybrid

"Every model comes with a free finger!"
-Dan Neil on the working conditions in Chinese factories

"You remember the Corvair? When I was 19, I got a job at the body shop. This was back when they used lead. I had a 36-grit grinder that ran at 36.000 RPM. My job was to smooth the cars out. I wore a hood pressurized to 5 psi with a hose running out the back. Every two weeks, they'd take a blood sample. After six months, they found a small trace of lead. That's when I quit. That's my experience in the auto industry."
-The shuttle bus driver on the way to the airport

– Davey G. Johnson

More from Detroit [Internal]

Herr Doktor Thomas Weber von Mercedes-Benz hat einen absichtlichen Witz gemacht! Is this yet another indicator that the Germans may not be quite as precise as previously thought? – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Bluetec, 4Matic, Ocean Drive and Emmitt Smith: Mercedes-Benz Detroit Press Intro [Internal]

See! Zetsche on Ice! Before he sauntered across the street to slake the thirst of a teeming mass of boozehound autojournos and sycophants at the Firehouse, Dr. Zed took to the ice rink after a rather inexplicable intro involving a man on a sled pulled by some ripe-smelling dogs. What followed was an orgy of winter sport including ice dancing, hockey and other whatsits while 4Matic-equipped Benzos cruised the frozen H20 on Bridgestone Blizzak tires.

After the celebration of Merc's 100 years of 4WD, Herr Doktor Thomas Weber took the stage to explain the joys of Bluetec, referring to the company's new eight-pot clean diesel featuring urea-injection to scrub emissions as a "Wee-8." He did this unintentionally. We giggled ourselves silly.

Dieter returned to center ice to introduce the new four-door droptop Ocean Drive concept, which reminded us a bit of a cross between an S-Class/Roller/Audi/Chrysler Imperial Concept. We're not necessarily sure that Mercedes pulled it off with this one, unless, of course, vaguely ungainly is the new stately. But hey, Emmitt Smith showed up, so that's something, we guess. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Ragtop Riche: Mercedes-Benz Reveals Ocean Drive Concept [Internal]

Hey, here's one that's not on embargo — it's the Bluetec diesel concept GL 420 Vision, or is that Vision GL 420 Bluetec Concept diesel? Either way, Mercedes is continuing its cleaner-diesel strategy for the US by showing a version of its largest SUV, fitted with aqueous urea-spraying, emissions-scrubbing whatnots, in Detroit. The oil-burning proto-ute is a torque monster, producing enough foot-pounds to pull a grizzly bear out of hibernation, and with a stated miles-per-guzzle number of 24, it appears to be an answer to the conundrum of large living in a gas-dear world. Mercedes says its new line of diesels will be 50-state compatible when they arrive in 2008. Now if only diesel would fall back under three bucks a gallon. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz sets new milestones in BLUETEC initiative

Stuttgart, Jan 03, 2007

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its US diesel initiative with the presentation of another concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show. The Vision GL 420 BLUETEC demonstrates that, thanks to BLUETEC technology, even large, high-performance SUVs can offer economical fuel consumption and extremely low emissions. Boasting a powerful V8 diesel engine, which develops 216 kW (290 hp) and 700 Nm (515 lb ft) of torque, the anticipated fuel efficiency for the new SUV is just 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (24 mpg). This impressive combination of high power, torque, fuel economy and operating range ensures that Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC vehicles offer an ideal drive concept for the American market.

With its powerful V8 diesel engine, which develops 216 kW (290 hp) and a mighty 700 Nm (515 lb ft) of torque, the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC guarantees the very highest levels of performance. Yet this same compression-ignition engine complies with the stringent US BIN 5 emissions standard, makes do with just 9.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (24 mpg) and has a range of up to 1000 kilometres (600 miles) on a full tank. These impressive figures underline yet again that BLUETEC vehicles are ideally suited to the American market, where heavy customer demand - especially in the SUV segment - for vehicles with torquey, large-displacement engines is coupled with the need to comply with stringent exhaust-emission regulations. Furthermore, higher fuel prices mean that models with better fuel economy are growing in popularity.

The unique styling of the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC adds visual emphasis to the special status of this model and also addresses the Mercedes-Benz USA customers' wish for vehicles with an even greater degree of exclusivity and a strong, individual identity. The revised, distinctively sculpted front with the dominant radiator grille serves as a visual idiom for the exceptional performance of the V8 diesel engine and lends the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC a sense of dynamic forward movement - even when stationary. This assertive look is complemented by the flared wings, imposing 21 inch wheels and running boards.

Systematic expansion of the BLUETEC model range

The latest J.D. Power study "Global Outlook For Diesel" forecasts that diesels will account for more than 15 per cent of new registrations in North America by 2015. On this basis, Mercedes-Benz will systematically expand its BLUETEC range. The company has announced that it intends to offer three new BLUETEC models (the R, ML and GL Class) - meeting the even more stringent BIN 5 standard - in all 50 US states by as early as 2008. But BLUETEC vehicles are more than just the cleanest diesel models in the world. They also consume 20 to 40 per cent less fuel than comparable vehicles with spark-ignition engines. For example, the E 320 BLUETEC, which is already on the market, consumes just 35 mpg or 6.7 l/100 km, making it by far the most economical vehicle in its class in the USA.

BLUETEC - technology for the cleanest diesels in the world

BLUETEC is a modular emissions control system that reduces nitrogen oxides in particular. These are exhaust components from diesel engines, which, as a result of the constraints inherent in the diesel combustion process, exceed the levels generated by petrol engines. Mercedes-Benz has developed two versions of BLUETEC . In the E Class, an oxidation-type catalytic converter and particulate filter are combined with an improved, extremely durable NOx storage catalytic converter and an additional SCR catalytic converter. The second BLUETEC version is even more efficient: AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution, is injected into the exhaust gas flow, a process that releases ammonia, which converts up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR unit.

Available at last in USA: low-sulphur diesel fuel

In order to be completely effective, BLUETEC technology for passenger cars and light trucks requires low-sulphur diesel with a sulphur content of less than 15 ppm. This clean fuel, which became available in USA in the autumn of 2006, also reduces the emissions from all diesel engines currently on the market and therefore plays a key role in cutting emission levels in general.

BLUETEC technology was subjected to a particularly challenging endurance test in the autumn of 2006 when a total of 33 E Class models, including three E 320 BLUETEC vehicles, drove from Paris to Beijing in 26 days. In an impressive demonstration of the robustness and quality of this technology, the vehicles performed outstandingly well under extreme conditions on the 13,600 km trip.

Recognition for BLUETEC

Die BLUETEC has met with an extremely positive response in USA: respected American science and technology magazines recognised the Mercedes-Benz-developed BLUETEC technology at the end of 2006. Scientific American selected BLUETEC as one of the top 50 scientific and technological innovations of 2006. Popular Science, the oldest and best-known American science magazine included BLUETEC in its annual "Best of What's New" list. And Ward's Automotive Group, a leading publisher of a number of media and trade magazines for the automotive industry, has nominated the E 320 BLUETEC engine for its list of ten best drive systems in 2007.

Related:
Edumunds Can't Find Clean Diesel in Fontucky: E-Class Bluetec Test [internal]

While the urea-injection system won't come online until the 2009 model year, the kids over at Inside Line managed to smuggle an E320 diesel into the Golden State for testing. The seemed to like it quite well, calling it a better value than the E350, even with the $1K price premium over the gasoline model. But they were shocked — shocked — that they couldn't get low-sulfur diesel in Fontana, CA. Unless they were at California Speedway, or on their way somewhere else there is no reason to go to Fontucky, ever. The poor mid-sized Merc must've been traumatized. – Davey G. Johnson

Follow-Up Test: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec [Inside Line]

Related:
Five US States to Mercedes: Bluetec Not Green Enough [Internal]

The engine was developed through the friends-with-benefits trifecta of VW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.

VW Tiguan Design Study Slide Show [NYT]

Related:
Breaking! Ford's Way Forward 2.0: The Markets And The New York Times Wait For No Man Or Mulally; Tom Friedman Will Be On Every User's Page: New York Times Building A MySpace For Cars [internal]

Word came down last month that rival German automakers would horn in on Mercedes-Benz's Bluetec clean diesel program. Today, Audi made it official that such a hookup with DaimlerChrysler is forthcoming, with the first Bluetec engines arriving at Audi dealerships in 2008. Audi will still refer to its diesel powerplants under the TDI moniker. And yes, the new engines will satisfy emissions regulations in all 50 states, via Audi's own emissions control technology. Thanks for asking. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Five US States to Mercedes: Bluetec Not Green Enough [internal]

Ze volks at Auto Motor und Sport report Mercedes wants to bring a mild-hybrid version of its S-Class to market by 2008 (see Reuters story here). The production model would be an offshoot of the S 350 DIRECT HYBRID and BLUTEC HYBRID concepts the company presented at the Frankfurt motor show in 2005. Those cars employed a compact, high-torque electric motor integrated into the drivetrain of a direct-injection V6, though the market variants will likely involve additional fruits of a hybrid partnership with GM and BMW. No word on the diesel version.

Mercedes S-Class: Mild Hybrid Starting From 2008 (translated) [Auto Motor und Sport]

Related:
Hybrid Mercedes Prototypes to Be Shown in Frankfurt [internal]