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“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.”
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.”
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!
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.
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.
“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.”
Read the full comparision article at Edmunds.com
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.)
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.
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.