The Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec today was named 2007 World Green Car. The E320 beat out the BMW Hydrogen 7 and the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion for the honor. The initial entry list had 14 contenders, including the Saab 9-5 BioPower flex-fuel, Fiat Panda, Citroen C2 Stop & Start and Subaru R1e. The Green Car honor was part of the World Car of the Year award ceremonies held at the New York Auto Show in which the the Lexus LS 460 was given the top honor.
To be eligible for the World Green Car award, the vehicle must be all new or substantially revised and be available for sale in at least one major market during the last calendar year. It must also meet or more of the following "green" criteria:
- Tailpipe emissions equal or better than California SULEV or US EPA Tier 2, Bin 2, or Euro V.
- Fuel consumption equal or lower than 47.6mpg combined
- Use of an advanced power plant technology aimed a specifically increasing environmentally responsibility.
According to the voters made up of journalists from 22 countries, the E320 Bluetec won the award for diesel re-entry into North America and paving the way for super-clean diesel technology.
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