Mercedes-Benz has become the first manufacturer to offer diesel-powered vehicles in California after a lull lasting nearly a decade. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec diesel is being made available to a limited number of customers through a special two-year/24,000 mile lease program. Pricing is expected to be around $600 a month -- comparable to that of a gasoline-powered E320 sedan.
The Bluetec engine powering the vehicle is a 3.0-liter V-6 with 208 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, moving the diesel E from 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds, according to the automaker. Bluetec consists of a number of technologies deployed in the engine and exhaust systems that combine to reduce nitrous oxide and other particulate emissions enough to meet California's exacting Bin 5 standards. Mercedes claims a near-700 mile range on a single tank of fuel and 20-40 percent better fuel efficiency than a comparable gasoline engine.
Mercedes -- who has been selling diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. market for some 40 years -- says the special California lease offer is the first step in a broader plan to sell Bluetec diesels in all 50 states next year, including versions of its M, GL, and R-Class SUV models. In an effort to further lower emissions on the SUVs especially, the automaker will be adding its AdBlue injection to the Bluetec mix. AdBlue is a system that injects a urea-based solution into the exhaust, helping to further reduce the NOX and particulate levels.
Similar E320 Bluetec lease programs will be set up in other states employing the same Bin 5 standards after the initial California launch.
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2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec in California
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