Up until now, you could only get a diesel engine in a luxury vehicle in select states at your Mercedes-Benz dealer. But according to the company’s recent announcement, you’ll be able to get a diesel Mercedes-Benz in all 50 states.
Mercedes is continuing its diesel production in the United States with brand new models, including the 2009 GL320 Bluetec, the ML320 Bluetec and the R320 Bluetec. This coming autumn, you’ll be able to choose among these three models at your local dealer and start enjoying the eco-friendliness that only Mercedes can provide.
The announcement comes as the result of the German automaker’s AdBlue technology, which involves a urea injection that makes the engines compliant to the emissions standards in all 50 states. Previously, Mercedes had CDI models of its SUVs, and these only met the standards of 42 different states in 2007. But now that the cars have Bluetec engines, Mercedes can sell them in all 50 states. And the great part is that the Bluetec diesel engines will be as fuel-efficient (if not more efficient) than their CDI predecessors.
The new models include a reservoir of fluid located in the trunk. The fluid mixes with the emitting exhaust to create a chemical reaction. This reaction cleans up the emissions. The technology is so effective that it is even EPA-certified. That’s how you know it’s safe.
The new engines won’t be sacrificing horsepower, either. The trio of new models has more than 210 horsepower each. Mercedes engineers and officials say the cars will get about 17 mpg in the city and nearly 25 mpg on the highway.
