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2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC Diesel
Who hasn't driven behind a bus or big rig and complained about the noxious odor and fumes from its engine. It can be the bane of travel for the unlucky driver bringing up the rear. So it might sound odd to talk about clean diesel technology and its potential impact on going green. And the designation of a Mercedes-Benz turbo-charged, diesel-powered auto as earth-friendly might seem equally improbable, but the Mercedes-Benz diesel-powered E320 BLUETEC sedan was named "2007 World Green Car" just last year.
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Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC Interior |
Key to that news is the word BLUETEC. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC diesel stands for a way of treating diesel exhaust with a carefully administered fine mist designed to neutralize the harmful and offensive emissions normally there. And more competitors are expected to jump on the diesel bandwagon with diesel vehicles using similar technologies later this year as federal diesel fuel standards go into place.
The E320 for 2008, that launched a year ago, is the first diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. It's to be followed this year by three diesel-powered M-B sport utility models. Foundation of the E320 is a specially-treated 210-horsepower V-6 diesel engine that gives the power and performance of a V-8 while delivering the 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway fuel consumption of a four-cylinder auto. It also was able to pass rigorous clean air requirements in California, one of the strictest states for emissions controls.
While such technology is the heart of a Mercedes-Benz, it's not what most consumers are aware of at first. Rather, it is an added bonus for a luxury and performance auto in the $52,675 price range. Restyled for 2007, the E320 BLUETEC sports a more aerodynamic look with restyled rear and tail lamps.
Comfort/convenience, performance/handling and safety/security areas all provide a wide variety of standard equipment and amenities ranging from remote central locking with Smart key and burl walnut trim to PRE-SAFE system and touch-shift seven-speed automatic. With clean diesel underscoring it all, it could make blue on the color palate almost synonymous with green. |
