Green, Greener, Greenest: Mercedes the Mileage King?
German magazine auto, motor und sport reports that DaimlerChrysler (at the moment Chrysler is still part of the company, if only legally) plans to demonstrate the steps it is taking towards improving fuel consumption at September’s Frankfurt show.
The three principal Mercedes-Benz model lines will be shown equipped with an engine combination of Bluetec diesel and what is called a “mild
Comments
Don
47 mpg for the C-class, 39 for the E-class, and 34 for the S-class?
Is that Imperial? 'Cause I'll believe it when I see it.
André
I don't believe that. The Mercedes-Benz diesel models produce fine mileage figures (EPA-wise), but nothing like the numbers boasted here. The E320 BLUETEC has a combined average 30.5 mpg. That is an impressive number for a large-size luxury sedan. The GL320 CDI has a rating of 22.5 mpg; the ML320 CDI has 24; and the R320 CDI has 24.5.
I don't think diesel is the future, but I do think it's a good avenue for some. Why is it that the only companies releasing diesel-powered cars and trucks are ones with terrible quality? Volkswagen, Mercedes, and Jeep are not the brands that should be on the face of diesel.
Tom A.
André: Honda's bringing a pair of diesels (an I4 and a V6) to the North American Market.
Scott H.
Andre -
Possibly you mis-read the magazine article. The fuel consumption figures given were for hybrid (Diesel/electric) powerplants, not straight Diesel engines.
You're comparing a 2007 E320 Bluetec Diesel (30.5 MPG)with a 2009 E??? Bluetec Diesel/electric hybrid (est 39 MPG).
André
I wasn't referring to the diesel-electrics, I was speaking about diesel in general. I'm aware of the Accord diesels, as well.
Johnny Rocket
I'd hate to see the price of a diesel-electric Benz. I'd hate to experience all the problems that come with owning one.
P.-A.
"All this from the same company that builds AMG versions, which will pass everything"
Ermmm... the company that builds the AMG versions is... AMG (Aufrecht Melcher Grossaspach) which is part of Mercedes Benz since 1999
BTW, Thanks for the conversion tip.
fantasyfreddy
would be simpler mechanically to just convert their diesel engines to run on vegetable oil.. if the bluetec system would not work with veggie they should just drop it. the emissions will probably be equal to diesel and blutec combo. and mileage would be equal to the hybrid system, without hybrid, as veggie oil is cheaper to about the same degree as the mileage benefits they are getting. and the car would have no computerized engine management or batteries!
their system sounds great if they don't go with my idea... but my idea will saave them, and consumers, billions of dollars in development costs, creation and disposal of batteries, and best of all, employing farmers!! not foreign oil producers!! yes all diesel pumps could pump bio-d instead, but they haven't done so yet!! veggie oil is simplest way to reduce emissions i would think.. best to avoid the hybrid system if possible. and it is possible i believe!!
the only problem to my solution is that the epa ratings of mpg would be lower for veggie than hybrid, but in reality, it would not matter, as they would really be burning ZERO petrol!! and as mentioned, the cost differential should make the actual running costs equal. and far less, really, as no batteries will ever have to be replaced!! ever! go veggie!!
fantasyfreddy
still, i am very impressed with their accomplishment!! outstanding work!! however, it is time to think outside the box, or should i say , outside the gas station!! another benefit of vegetable oil over diesel is that the price will not fluctuate with the weather, as diesel will due to its similarity to home heating oil!!
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