AutoblogGreen

Now that ultra low sulfur diesel fuel has finally gone on sale in the United States, Mercedes-Benz has released the previously announced E320 BlueTec as well as new diesel versions of the R-class and the ML-class. All three vehicles use the same 3.0L V-6 common rail diesel engine. The E320 is the only one using the BlueTec system. The two SUVs along with the GL-class will get the BlueTec system with Urea injection next year. For now, the two trucks are rated at 215 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque.

The E320 is rated at 27/37 mpg, the ML320 at 21/27 and the R320 at 21/28. These numbers are 40 percent, 26 percent and 32 percent better than the similar gas engined models respectively. The E320 has a 700-mile cruising range on the highway while the trucks can go 600 miles, all figures well beyond any normal human bladder endurance. All three vehicles are available in 45 states (not California and the north-east states). The Mercedes-Benz press release is after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

MERCEDES-BENZ launches three new diesel-powered models

Quiet, Strong Diesels Power Mercedes-Benz Sedan and Sport Utilities

MONTVALE, N.J. – Today Mercedes-Benz is launching three new models powered by new-generation diesel engines that are impressively quiet, clean and fast. As earlier-technology diesels are disappearing from the U.S. market, Mercedes-Benz is announcing the availability of the ML320 CDI, a mid-size sport utility with a suggested retail price of $ 44,455; the R320 CDI, a six-passenger luxury vehicle priced at $ 44,775; and the E320 BLUTEC, a full-size luxury sedan that begins at $ 52,325 (all three prices include a destination charge of $775).

The new diesel vehicles are powered by an innovative three-liter V6 diesel engine that combines the impressive torque of a V8 engine with the great fuel economy of four-cylinder engines. The new R320 CDI and ML320 CDI make 215 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque, while the E320 BLUETEC produces 208 and torque of 400 lb.-ft. All three models are fitted with the latest CDI electronic fuel injection, and the E320 BLUETEC features new emission control technology that holds the potential to meet the world's toughest clean air standards.

Aided by its aerodynamic styling, the E320 BLUETEC boasts a whopping 40 percent better fuel mileage than a comparable gasoline-powered model, and its EPA city/highway rating of 27/37 miles per gallon means the luxury sedan can cruise more than 700 miles on a single tank of fuel. With a city/highway rating of 21/28 mpg, the R320 CDI gets 32 percent better fuel economy, while the ML320 CDI sport utility (rated at 21/27 mpg) provides a 26 percent improvement. Both CDI models have a cruising range of well over 600 miles before refueling.

About Mercedes-Benz

Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2005, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 224,421 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 12 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.