“…all staffers who drove it made note not only of the car’s amazing return on the gallon but also how much they enjoyed the performance along the way.”

“If you need further proof that a turbodiesel is the ideal powerplant for a big luxury car, look no further than the E350 Bluetec”

“Still, one might question whether that real-world mpg is good enough to eclipse a $1,200 price premium and, arguably, the incrementally higher maintenance fees associated with keeping the diesel-combustion process relatively clean…If you consistently achieved as high an average as we did during our time in the diesel E-class, the break-even point shrinks to just 3.2 years.”

“When two tons of luxury sedan can get more than 30 mpg indicated in mixed driving with no extension cords, weird clunks or CVTs needed,” one editor explained, “I have to ask why so many manufacturers (and so many Americans) are wedded to the idea of hybrid/electric propulsion.”

Read the full review at Autoweek.com.

“The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 4MATIC BlueTEC is the best long-distance cruiser money can buy in America. Period.”

“So why is the S350 4MATIC BlueTEC such a compelling car? Because it feels so much like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class used to feel — effortlessly relaxed and comfortable, and utterly bulletproof. It has the languid majesty that’s been missing from some of the more frenetically powerful S-Class models of recent years.”

“We averaged 72 mph for a 500-mile stint out of L.A. and got 29.2 mpg, and over a total of 913 miles that included about 120 miles of urban running and a fast 50-mile blast along one of our favorite backroads, where at times we cruised at 100 mph, the big Benz returned 26.1 mpg.”

“While an AMG S-class would be all sturm und drang through the twisties, staccato bursts of brute thrust and savage braking accompanied by a bellowing V-8 soundtrack, the S-class diesel flows down the tarmac with studied nonchalance. Which, when you think about it, is exactly what a large luxury limousine should do.”

Read the full article at Motor Trend Online and learn more about the S350 at Mercedes-Benz Online.

Mercedes-Benz USA officially released the 2012 Bluetec versions of the R350 and GL350 over the weekend. 400 lb/ft of torque and great fuel economy…a winning combination!

My 2007 ML320 CDI did a fantastic job getting me home for the holidays! Stuffed with two end tables, a mixer, a ladder, a workbench and other assorted gifts, the ML cruised through a light blizzard on the way to Illinois. And while my other out of town relatives were camped at the airport, hoping to get a flight back east, we headed home – averaging 22 miles per gallon at slightly less than 80 mph. Almost made it a no-stopper on the way home but had to fuel up in Marietta. I love traveling in my Mercedes-Benz!

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The first 2011 E350 BlueTECs arrived at Atlanta Classic Cars yesterday. 2 were ordered and are already home with their new owners but we still have one for sale! It is Iridium Silver with the Grey/Black interior, Premium 1 Package and Sport Package. This is the first time we have been able to order a Sport Package for the diesel! Also, the AdBlue fluid has been added to make it an even cleaner burning diesel. Both the luxury and sport models ride on 17″ runflat tires.

I went for a long test drive this morning and the car is stunning. The ride is smooth and quiet with just a tiny bit of diesel rumble. It is powerful! You can feel the engine wanting to go fast!

Please come in for a test drive soon!

Last week I drove my 2007 ML320 CDI to Illinois for a family visit. It was a great trip and I thought I would share the achievements of the ML.

Fuel Economy: 24.2 mpg cruising at 75 mph on the way there. I filled up in Atlanta and could have made it all the way to Champaign on a single tank! I did fill up in Tennessee when I stopped for lunch…just because the prices were pretty good.

Cargo Capacity: The ML is officially listed at 72.4 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. For the return trip that turned out to be just enough room for 2 suitcases and a baby pool full of hostas!

As always, I highly recommend our diesels for their outstanding fuel economy, passenger comfort and environmental friendliness!

The options list for the 2011 E350 BlueTEC is now available. I still have no release date or pricing but we are a little closer now!

2011 E350 BlueTEC Colors:
Obsidian Black
Jade Green
Capri Blue
Steel Grey
Iridium Silver
Palladium Silver
Pearl Beige
Diamond White
Indium Grey
Black
Quartz Blue
Cuprite Brown (special order)
Arctic White

2011 E350 BlueTEC Interiors:
Black MB-Tex
Almond MB-Tex
Ash MB-Tex
Black Leather
Almond Leather
Ash Leather
Chestnut Brown Leather (special order)
Natural Beige Leather

2011 E350 BlueTEC Option Packages:

Premium 1 Package: Rear View Monitor, COMAND with Navigation and Voice Control, iPod/MP3 Interface, Power Rear-Window Sunshade, harman/kardon Sound System, Heated Front Seats

Premium 2 Package: All of Premium 1 Package plus Lighting Package, 115V outlet, Electronic Trunk Closer, KEYLESS-GO

(Finally!) AMG Sport Package: 17″ 5-Twin Spoke Alloy Wheels, Black Roof Liner, Sport Suspension, Sport Trim

Standard Non-Sport Package: 17″ 5-Split Spoke Wheel, Comfort Suspension

Driver Assistance Package: Distronic Plus, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist

2011 E350 BlueTEC Stand Alone Options:
Illuminated Door Sills
Chrome Door Handle Inserts
Rear Deck Spoiler
Accessory Styling Package (Rear Deck and Roof Spoilers)
PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance
Split Folding Rear Seats
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel (Luxury Only)
Side Airbags in Rear
Panorama Sunroof
Driving Dynamic Front Seats
Night View Assist
Rear Seat Entertainment
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats (special order)
Heated Steering Wheel (special order)

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!

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