Posted on Thursday 13 March 2008
In order to boost the image of its diesel range in the U.S. Mercedes-Benz will be adding three new models to its lineup in August, all of which are equipped with the latest in Bluetec-diesel technology. The new vehicles include the ML and GL-Class (pictured) SUVs and the R-Class luxury MPV.
All three models will feature a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel with 210hp and 540Nm of torque. Thanks to the latest in exhaust filtering technology, the new diesel lineup meets California’s strict Bin 5 emissions standards as well as the future Euro 6 regulations.
Bluetec is the name given to Mercedes’ diesel exhaust filtering system and combines ‘AdBlue’ urea-based filtering as well as a ‘DeNOx’ oxidizing catalytic converter and particulate filter to remove harmful nitrogen oxide.
The heaviest of the new models, the GL 320 CDI, returns a fuel consumption figure 24.75mpg (9.5L/100km) and can cover a range of 1,600 miles before the AdBlue supply needs to be topped up.
Good news for you Americans man!!!
The AdBlue has a range of only 1,600 miles? That’s lame. Nobody is going to keep their tank filled. What a joke.
That is lame, I agree.
Add to that the price of diesel in California at $4.19 a gallon when regular is $3.39, and you have a recipe for no sales (here at least)…
Wait. I see a chance for Big Brother to start creeping in here. Who monitors whether or not my “piss tank” has any urea left in it? Like Ben pointed out, who is really going to go in to get the tank filled every 1600 miles. Will states want some report showing that we are compliant with this maintenance schedule? If we are not, we will not be meeting the reduced emissions standards. I doubt too many states will be willing to leave it to the consumer to monitor this without some penalty for non-compliance.
Another web site claims the 7 Gallon tank of AdYellow would not have to be refilled until 15,000 miles are driven. Hmm, that seems much more reasonable.