The Bluetec poster child: Mercedes Vision GL420 concept

Mercedes has been banging the diesel drum for some time now and is keen to showcase its latest Bluetec technology to the American market. It's even teamed up with rival automakers Volkswagen and Audi to bring Bluetec to the market. To help boost recognition, Mercedes will be showing a modified GL-class SUV at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. Under the hood is a powerful V8 diesel engine that develops 216 kW (290hp) and a whopping 700Nm of torque, but still manages to get a fuel economy rating of only 9.8L/100km (24 mpg). With a full tank, the Vision GL420 can travel almost 1000km.

The revised, distinctively sculpted front with the dominant radiator grille sets this GL apart from the others, and is complemented by the flared wings, imposing 21 inch wheels and running boards.

As far as concepts go, the Vision GL420 is as weak as they come. Mercedes has already announced that we'll see a Bluetec SUV in the near future, and the styling cues may be put into production for a GL-class facelift.