Labels: Demo Specials, Diesel, GL-Class, Internet Specials

There was a huge rush last month to buy 2009 E350s because Mercedes-Benz had given us a large rebate. However, the diesels were not included. Well...now they are! If you have been thinking about the E320 BlueTEC this is the time to act! I have 3 well-equipped cars in stock and would love to sell them immediately!

2009 E320 BlueTEC Silver/Grey Premium 1 Package
2009 E320 BlueTEC White/Black Premium 1 Package
2009 E320 BlueTEC Black/Black Premium 1 Package and Panoramic Roof

There will not be another E-Class diesel in the US until next spring so this is your chance! Hope to hear from you soon!

Labels: Current Specials, Diesel, E-Class

The Alternative Motor Vehicle credit (30b) that can be used to get a tax credit for purchasing one of our diesel SUVs has been improved by the stimulus bill. You can now claim the full credit amount regardless of your personal tax situation and income. This change applies to BlueTEC SUVs purchased after January 1st, 2009.

Important notes on the tax credit:
Must be purchased, not leased
The credit is claimed on your Income Tax Returns, not at time of sale
The upcoming ML450 and S400 hybrids will qualify for the same program, amounts to be determined.
Toyota/Lexus are no longer eligible for these credits
2009 ML320 BlueTEC qualifies for $900 credit
2009 GL320 BlueTEC qualifies for $1800 credit
2009 R320 BlueTEC qualifies for $1550 credit

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class, Owner Resources, R-Class, S400 Hybrid

"We recently took out the ML BlueTEC to the Autoclub Speedway for some performance testing and found that besides being a relatively fuel efficient and low-emissions people-mover (EPA rated at 18 city/24 highway) the new ML diesel is also a decent Bavarian performer of an SUV."

"As is the case with the new breed of 50-state legal diesels, it didn't "act" (or smell) like the dirty, black-plume-spewing cars of yesteryear."

"Sporty? Check. Luxurious? Check. Capable of actually being used in a towing/hauling/carrying situation? Check. The powertrain is always ready to unleash its smile-inducing torque, while the 3.0L six should prove plenty sturdy thanks to the vast experience its diligent engineers have amassed since pre-WWII."

Read Motor Trend's full review here

Labels: Diesel, ML-Class

In Atlanta we don't get many chances to drive in the snow but since I travel to Illinois every Christmas I can certainly vouch for how great the ML is in the snow. This year I drove a C-class up and even though it wasn't a 4matic it did really well in the snow. Mercedes' traction and stability systems allow even our 2-wheel-drive sedans to out handle most SUVs as long as the snow doesn't get too deep.

This is a great review that Motor Trend just did on winter driving in the 2009 ML320 BlueTEC.

"The big Benz powered along straight and true, while nearby several other vehicles skidded right off the highway and buried themselves until spring in mountainous snowbanks."

"Say you put on 30,000 highway miles a year. Using EPA highway figures for comparison, and assuming that L.A.'s gas/diesel prices remain fixed (though the gap is almost sure to close), with the ML320 BlueTEC's higher efficiency you'd start coming out ahead after just three years."

"The engine is that smooth and quiet. Torquey, too."

"Of particular note was the rear-glass heater, which could likely cook pancakes in Antarctica. In what seemed like seconds, any ice build-up just melted right off."

Read the full Motor Trend Review here

Labels: Diesel, ML-Class

Mercedes-Benz has sent us a 2009 ML320 BlueTEC and a 2009 GL320 BlueTEC to test drive for the next month. You might notice them on the road with their...distinctive wrapping. I went for a spin in the GL320 BlueTEC yesterday. I wanted to see how the 20" run-flat tires impacted the ride quality. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ride was as comfortable as it has ever been. I think Mercedes took great care to compensate for the run-flats with the suspension set up. Also, the 20" size is not too big. It almost feels more suited to the size of the GL that the 18" wheels did.

You can learn more at the Mercedes BlueTEC site or come in and see for yourself!

Labels: Atlanta Classic Cars, Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class

Mercedes has just annouced that the 2009 BlueTEC SUVs will qualify for the federal Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. This is the same tax credit that has been avaliable on most hybrid vehicles. One interesting thing is that because Toyota and Lexus have already sold their total of eligible vehicles none of their hybrids will qualify for this credit. Here are the details from Mercedes-Benz.

• Any qualifying vehicle (MY09 BlueTEC GL, ML & R- Class) must be purchased - Leased vehicles will not qualify for the credit.
  
• Credit is not realized at retail purchase, but must be applied for individually by the customer, and claimed on their Income Tax Return (1040). Each respective customer should contact their individual tax advisor for more details.
  
• Unfortunately, the 40 state MY09 E320 BlueTEC does not qualify for this credit.
  
• Maximum tax credit amounts: -- 2009 ML320 BlueTEC: $900 -- 2009 R320 BlueTec: $1,550 -- 2009 GL320 BlueTEC: $1,800 -- Please note: amount is based on a somewhat complicated formula, and since the ML is the lightest of the three vehicles, it is held to a higher standard for fuel economy improvement, but has the smallest improvement of the three vehicles. Therefore the maximum is relatively lower vs. the GL & R- Classes.
  
• The credit begins to phase out via a rather complicated tiered structure once the manufacturer sells 60,000 eligible vehicles, (hybrids/diesels) and is then subsequently eliminated.
  
• Toyota /Lexus already reached the maximum number of hybrids sold in October 2007, so anyone purchasing a Toyota or Lexus hybrid is no longer eligible for the above mentioned tax credit.

Better fuel economy and a tax credit! Seems like a no-brainer.

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class, Newsletter, R-Class

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz models are just around the corner and we are starting to get a little information for the following model years. This information is preliminary and by no means is it set in stone. It is the best information I have available at this time.

August 2008 - Facelifted 2009 ML - Photo - Options

October 2008 - BlueTEC SUV's with 50-State emissions

January 2009 - 2010 GLK arrives in the 300 and 350 gasoline V-6's

January 2009 - SL63 Black - Only 200 for the US! 600 hp and 722 lb/ft torque

June 2009 - All new CLK Coupe

June 2009 - Facelifted GL

August 2009 - All new 2010 E-Class

Mid 2009 - ML450 Gas/Electric Hybrid

Mid 2009 - S400 Gas/Electric Hybrid

Late 2009 - Facelifted S-Class

Late 2009 - G550 MY2010

Mid 2010 - All new CLK Cabriolet

2010 - E320 Bluetec in new body style

2010 - C-Class diesel...maybe the C250

2010 - GLK diesel (maybe a diesel hybrid)

2011 - S-Class diesel

If you're interested in one of these vehicles, and plan to purchase from Atlanta Classic Cars, please let me know and I will notify you as more information becomes available.

Labels: Diesel, Future Models, Newsletter

Edmunds Inside Line just did a great comparison of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid versus the Mercedes GL320 CDI. Spoiler alert, the GL wins :-)

"Brand prejudice says we're making a big mistake comparing a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid to a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI. Maybe you're saying this, too. But with a base price of $53,295 for the hybrid Tahoe and $53,775 for the diesel GL, the cost difference is all of $480."

"Our 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI gets 26 mpg on the highway loop, which is a superb figure for a large SUV but not altogether surprising since the diesel carries a 24-mpg EPA highway estimate.

Harder to explain is the Benz's 22.1-mpg average on the city loop, a clear advantage over the Tahoe."

"Hop into the diesel GL and you realize the benefit of not only fewer pounds, but also of unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension. In fact, the Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI handles phenomenally well for a full-size SUV. Its 60.0-mph speed through our test slalom is the best number we've ever gotten out of a full-size SUV."

"...the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI is the better packaged vehicle if you're going to use all three rows. Its independent rear suspension allows a lower floor and a more comfortable, higher-mounted third-row bench. Plus, that bench can fold away into the floor, improving cargo capacity."

"The diesel GL also handles and stops better, while offering superior seat comfort and utility. And with its combined fuel-economy average of 23.9 mpg offering a substantial margin over the Tahoe's 20.9 mpg, the Benz easily wins our fuel-economy test, too."

Watch the video of this comparion test.

Read the full comparision article at Edmunds.com

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, Videos

Just in case you need one more reason to buy an E320 BlueTEC...

"Mercedes-Benz USA is excited to announce a $1,500 gas card for all eligible 2008 E320 BlueTEC new vehicles sales reported between April 1, 2008 and April 30, 2008."

This card will be mailed directly to you after purchase! (I am sure they meant to call it a fuel card.)

Labels: Current Specials, Diesel, E-Class

Besides seeing the 2009 SL for the first time today, our training included a lot of information about the 2009 ML320, GL320 and R320. For 2009 the CDI diesels that currently power these SUVs will be upgraded with BlueTEC emission systems similar to those in the current E320 BlueTEC. These vehicles will also be the first to use AdBlue to decrease emissions to levels that will allow them to be sold in all 50 states. (AdBlue isn't expected on the E-class until its redesign is released around August of 2009.)

AdBlue is a fluid that when combined with the exhaust gases results in a dramatic decrease in emissions. While diesel engines are already more efficient than gas engines, getting about 30% better fuel economy, their sales have been limited by emission standards in many states. Georgia is not one of these states but as the number of states that restrict diesels has grown it was important to find a solution. Check out the video below to learn more about how the injection of AdBlue into the exhaust reduces emissions.

The addition of the AdBlue system will result in a few changes to these vehicles. The biggest change will be the tank to store the AdBlue fluid. To elminate interior modifications this tank will occupy the space currently used for the spare tire. As a result, all 2009 BlueTEC SUVs will be equipped with run-flat tires. The non-diesel SUVs will continue to have spare tires.

The tank for the AdBlue will be between 7 and 9 gallons. The tank will be topped off at the regular 10,000 mile service intervals and completely flushed and refilled about every third time. You will get a service indicator alert if your AdBlue tank reaches 25% capacity. Then, if your tank runs empty, you will have 20 starts to either visit the dealership or top off the AdBlue tank yourself. The AdBlue fluid is supposed to be available in 1 liter bottles at many retailers by the time that you're ready to refill.

I would be happy to talk diesels if you have any questions or would like to pre-order. We expect these vehicles to be released for sale on October 1st, 2008. As with all pre-release information this is subject to change, and change without notice.

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, Videos

There was a great article at AOL Autos today about the advances that have been made in diesel technology. Maybe with enough good publicity everyone will come to understand diesel and love it as much as I do!

Highlights from the article...

"One automaker at the forefront of the clean-diesel movement is Mercedes-Benz. The E320 BLUETEC boasts 40 percent better fuel mileage than a comparable gasoline-powered model, and its EPA city/highway rating of 27/37 mpg means it can cruise more than 700 miles on a single tank of fuel, said Patrik Borenius, manager of advanced product planning for Mercedes.

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 over 600 miles before refueling."The new clean-diesel engines provide three key benefits," Borenius said. "It's a more fuel-efficient technology, so the customer gets better gas mileage; it offers environmental benefits by producing less carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses, and it's one of the answers to the energy issue, in terms of reducing our dependence on foreign oil."

In April, the E320 BLUETEC was named the "2007 World Green Car" at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.

Labels: Diesel, E-Class, Mercedes Technology, R-Class

At the Geneva auto show Mercedes-Benz showed off their new Vision GLK BLUETEC Hybrid. Based on the upcoming GLK-Class this concept combines a 2.2 liter BLUETEC diesel with a mild hybrid system to result in a stunning 40 mpg. The 2.2 liter diesel by itself is a great package with an output of 224 hp & 413 lb-ft of torque.

I'm a huge fan of diesels and I would love to see this motor with or without the hybrid in the GLK and next years C-Class for the US market. Based on Mercedes past launches I would expect to see the GLK BLUETEC available a few months after the gasoline powered GLK350 comes out this summer. The hybrid GLK will probably launch in 2009 or 2010 along with hybrid versions of several other Mercedes models.

Get in touch with me today to get on the list for the new GLK.

Labels: Diesel, Future Models, GLK-Class, Mercedes Technology

Wow! That was a whirlwind!

I drove my 2008 ML320 CDI demo to Pennsylvania and New York to visit friends and family for a few days last week. I put just over 2000 miles on the ML in 5 days and it performed like a champ! Average fuel economy was 25 mpg at 75 mph and an astonishing 28 mpg at 65 mph! I got about 600 miles per tank!

It can hold a lot too. It's amazing how much two people can pack for 5 days! And we'll pack up to do it again for Christmas in 3 weeks!

Labels: Diesel, ML-Class

"We averaged 24 mpg over a 160-mile mix of city and highway roads, and even with frequent excursions to the 4600-rpm redline it seemed hard to ever dip below 20 mpg"

Is it time for you to buy a Mercedes diesel? Check out Car&Driver's First Drive Review of the GL320 CDI

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class

"Our lead feet averaged 34 mpg on our trip, which included some city driving, and we were able to make the entire 650-mile journey on one tank."

"The quiet and smooth Benz diesel got 31 mpg on my commute, an impressive number I've never achieved in a hybrid. "

From Car and Driver's full road test of the 2007 E320 BLUETEC

Labels: Diesel, E-Class

The World Car of the Year Awards has named the new E320 BLUETEC Diesel as the 2007 World Green Car of the Year. You can read the full press release here. Below are some portions of that release.

"Jurors felt that the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec, which the company calls the
world’s cleanest diesel, deserves the award for its role in enabling a diesel
re-entry to the North American market, as well as for paving the way for
super-clean diesel technology around the world. BLUETEC is a modular concept
that utilizes several coordinated technical measures to minimize emissions
within the engine and also provide for effective exhaust gas treatment
downstream. The process involves consistently reducing all relevant emission
components to a minimum. The system includes an oxidation catalytic converter
and a particulate filter in addition to new techniques for reducing nitrogen
oxide emissions.

The top three contenders for the third annual
World Green Car in addition to the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec were the BMW
Hydrogen 7 and the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion."

Labels: Diesel, E-Class, Mercedes Technology

Labels: Diesel, Mercedes Technology

Labels: Diesel, E-Class, Mercedes Technology, Videos

Automotive News published an article in July that says E320 CDI's are bringing significantly more than their gas counterparts.

"Buyers are bidding up prices of used vehicles with fuel-saving diesel engines, industry analysts say. A diesel engine added about $1,000 to the roughly $50,000 sticker price of a new 2005 Mercedes E320 CDI sedan. Two years later, that option fetches $2,500 more at wholesale auctions than the gasoline-powered engine on the same model, the Black Book used-vehicle price guide reports."

I have the full article available if you would like to read it. The demand for pre-owned diesels is also very strong. I have quite a few clients waiting for the right one to be traded in!

Labels: Diesel, E-Class