Mercedes has unveiled the new E320 Bluetec diesel sedan in California. It is the first diesel powered vehicle to meet the California's strict diesel emissions standards.
There will only be a very small number of the cars initially available (100) and they can only be leased for about $600 a month. Starting in January 2008 other states that have adopted the same standards as California will also receive the new diesel sedan (New York, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania).
In August of 2008, Mercedes is going to release diesel powered versions of its M, R and GL-class models.
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Comments (8)
Applause for Mercedes, bringing high mileage Diesels that do not need urea injection into the market.
Posted by Allen | October 16, 2007 11:57 AM
Posted on October 16, 2007 11:57
That great and all, but where's the entry-level/economy diesels?
Posted by Noya | October 16, 2007 12:04 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 12:04
Am I the only one that thinks the word "Blue Tec" on the rear of this car is tacky?
Posted by Jim | October 16, 2007 12:39 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 12:39
@Jim:
Yes.
Posted by Allen | October 16, 2007 12:55 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 12:55
No I agree Jim the bluetec looks cheap, and Mercedes is making a lot of noise about something they didn't do on their own, and doesn't mean that much in the scheme of things.
I also don't see what the big deal is about 100 $40000 cars that can only be leased.
This crap is just as bad as the hydrogen cars that are being given out to "stars".
I will be much more impressed with VWs offerings that are more for the masses, and will make a bigger difference in peoples lives than the car above. If you can afford a $600 car lease, then the $100 a month it might save you is not going to be nearly as big as the person who can only afford $300 a month.
The Cheaper models will also make a bigger difference in fuel consumption and emissions.
Posted by mf | October 16, 2007 3:37 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 15:37
I applaud Mercedes for bringing a Diesel to meet California's strict guidelines. But I agree with the previous post. This technology needs to be implemented into less expensive models (i.e. VW's) Then the potential fuel savings can be spread acroos a larger buying audience. I am one of a large group of people who want to have a reasonable car payment by looking at the $15k-$20k market. A diesel within that market would sway my buying decision.
Posted by longdxcommuter | October 16, 2007 3:58 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 15:58
so how much is diesel gas in cali, its 10 cents more expensive than premium in TX
Posted by zzz | October 16, 2007 5:11 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 17:11
@ Jim: you can peel the letters off and give them to you local rap-artist,
@ zzz: yes, but you use less of it. Dont forget to cost-in the Bluetec stuff. You will save, but not too much.
Heey ZZZ, we would go Diesel anyway for the environment, now wouldnt we?
@longdxcommuter: probably 100/lease-only gives MB control over the rolling-stock. Can you imagine that the roll-out of BT additive lags behind that of the car, and people start filling-up the BT with wiper fluid?
MB did a pretty good job 110 years ago when it rolled-out fuel for its Benzes (Benzine)....
Posted by Rene | October 16, 2007 10:00 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 22:00