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2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Model Overview

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Big Boy Blue

The Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec is part of a new generation of clean diesels that provide markedly improved fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

by Michael Bettencourt, ForbesAutos.com

2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec
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As gas prices climb, consumers are becoming more skeptical about large sport utility vehicles, which have a reputation for guzzling gas. As a result, automakers have been forced to modify their SUV lineups in order to maintain relevance. Common alterations include creating smaller crossover utility vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan and adding hybrid powertrains to large truck-based SUVs, as in the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz’s technique is to use an ultra-clean diesel engine known as Bluetec.

Bluetec technology has been around for a few years now, but the ML320 Bluetec, which debuts this fall, is among the first diesel Mercedes SUVs to be available in all 50 states.

With an exhaust-cleaning system called AdBlue, the Bluetecs are the first diesel SUVs to pass California's strict emissions standards, Mercedes says.

Mercedes calls its Bluetec system the cleanest diesel in the world, and says that its trio of diesel SUVs — in addition to the ML-Class, the engine will also be available in the GL-Class and R-Class — will be the first to meet Europe's upcoming tougher emissions standards.

The AdBlue system uses a liquid known as urea to cleanse exhaust fumes. The urea reservoir is located under the rear cargo area and must be topped off periodically. This can be done by the dealer, an independent garage or by the car's owner, using a small bottle of urea that is good for 10,000 miles to 12,000 miles.

Soon there will be four Bluetec diesel products available: three SUVs and the E-Class sedan, all of which will use a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This combination promises fuel economy that is 20 percent to 40 percent better than their gasoline counterparts, plus enough torque to make low-speed driving fun.

The only thing standing in the way of Bluetec’s success is the high price of diesel fuel, which tends to be slightly more expensive than premium. Even if it provides better fuel economy, customers may be reluctant to buy a vehicle that is more expensive to fill up.

Check back for a full review.

  Published on 2008-08-28

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