2008 New York Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz Diesel R-, M- and GL-Class

• Competes with: BMW X5 Diesel
• Looks like: All three look like regular models
• Drivetrain: 210-hp, 3.0-liter diesel V-6
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2008

Mercedes-Benz is jumping full-tilt into the clean diesel game. Its three newest diesel models — the R320, ML320 and GL320 Bluetecs — will be sold exclusively in the United States starting this fall and will meet the toughest emissions rules in the country.

Powering the models is a diesel V-6 putting out 210 hp and a very healthy 400 pounds-feet of torque. Mileage estimates for the GL320 (which we’d assume would be the thirstiest of the three) is a combined 25 mpg.

The only bad news about these diesels is that they require an additive called AdBlue to keep emissions clean. And yes, the AdBlue needs to be refilled. However, Mercedes says the small tank only needs to be refilled at regular service intervals. If you already service your car at a dealership, that won’t be any added headache. If you somehow miss a regular service, an alert will sound when your AdBlue level is low.   

The 320 Bluetecs will all come standard with features like surround-sound audio and rear entertainment systems. All three will also feature a choice of three new infotainment systems with Bluetooth, HD radio and voice activation. More photos are below. Let us know if you think Mercedes is making the right move with these luxury, diesel family-haulers.

Comments

When did the ML get a refreshed nose and LED tail lamps?

This is absolutely the right move by Mercedes. Hopefully, the price of diesel will drop soon.

Regular, upscale MB buyers will have NO problem having the AdBlue refilled regularly. Young ones, or those who buy these just for the fact that they are MB (but can hardly afford them, so always go to your neighborhood car maintenance shops), or those who lease the vehicle - don't bet on them replacing the AdBlue (which I assume not a "cheap" thing to replace). This will ultimately hurt the "used car" sales too, when one must do smog check (and find out how expensive this AdBlue will become).

Just my 3 cents :)

Pennstate,
for 2009. we'll have more on it in a few with a full gallery of the regular M lineup.

expensive, big diesels are fine and dandy but I don't know why Benz isnt offering diesel on every model? C300 Diesel anyone?

That GL is a gorgeous SUV. I'd consider the diesel version, but it would be a lot more attractive if it got 30 mpg. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is about the same size and gets 27 mpg, using good old regular gasoline, which is 50 cents per gallon cheaper than Diesel. It's hard to justify not buying the Highlander Hybrid over any of these diesel Benzes, especially in light of Toyota's unrivaled reliability.

How come no diesel wagon?I imagine one might actually get closer to 30mpg.My current gas wagon one gets up to 23 mpg on the highway so the SUV is hardly worth the money especially as diesel fuel is well up there.

I've written letters to MB about all the conversations I've had with people asking for a diesel E class seven-8 passenger wagon. My wagon is 8 years old and I will switch to diesel or hybrid technology - nothing MB now offers.

Auto makers are approaching the problem from the wrong direction. We can transport 1 person with 30 Kilos of carbon fiber, but we require 2000 pounds to move four people. Seems to me a 1500 pound four passenger car is technically feasible.

No reply from MB.

Will there be a Bluetec diesel wagon in the near future by MB?