More on the Mercedes Bluetec Clean Diesels

The ML320 Bluetec clean diesel displayed here is no different inside than a normal ML, except for the necessary lower-rpm tachometer and blue-illuminated sill plates (which Mercedes says aren't a definite for the final product). This model is one of three 2009 Mercedes SUVs billed as the cleanest diesels in the world — clean enough for sale in all 50 states. The other two are the R- and GL-Class, and all three debuted here in New York today.

Roughly 20% of Mercedes SUVs sold in the U.S. — including the M-, GL- and R-Classes — are diesels; these CDI versions have been sold in 45 states, excluding Mercedes' biggest markets of California and New York. With the addition of these markets – and given the emphasis on conservation in these parts of the country — Mercedes’ diesel sales are likely to make a healthy jump. No production limits are expected for the Bluetecs.

The new ML will come out this summer, with Bluetec versions to follow in fall. Prices haven't been announced, but Mercedes says the regular ML will have more standard features, and the Bluetec will cost roughly $1,000 more than the ML350, which currently costs $44,000. (Credit to Mercedes for making the V-6 diesel version more affordable than the V-8 gas-powered ML550, which starts close to $53,000.) EPA fuel-economy estimates aren't available yet, but the typical diesel advantage should hold true for these models. The current ML350's rating is 15/20 mpg city/highway, and the CDI diesel version is rated at 18/24 mpg.

Bluetec achieves its clean operation through the addition of urea injection in the form of a fluid called AdBlue. Mercedes says it's refilled at the regular 10,000-mile service interval, which is when oil changes are due.

Comments

[Red]

Kudos to Mercedes for taming the diesel emissions monster. Unfortunately, today Diesel fuel is selling for 92 cents more per gallon than unleaded regular where I live. And only 10 percent of service stations in the U.S. carry Diesel fuel. Mercedes charges an extra $1,000 for its bluetec diesels, so don't all these factors erase the four mile per gallon advantage of a diesel ML over the gas version?

[DodgeFan]

I think a more lite package like a large midsize car would give you a better milleage saved ratio to make diseal a more better value.

[Amuro Ray]

Kudos? I think not, Red. Unless MB is releasing info on the price range of replacing those AdBlue (and whether or not emission warranty covers it), you may be looking at way more than you first thought when owning 1 of these diesel MB.

[Red]

AR,
I don't dispute the Adblue will be expensive, and at this point the new diesels are not my preference. However, anything that improves emissions is praiseworthy.