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 December 20, 2006 First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec diesel
Discuss this story in the forum at CarTalkCanada Find this vehicle in CanadianDriver’s Classified AdsPhoto Gallery: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Las Vegas, Nevada - Two new developments, the introduction of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) fuel at filling stations across North America, and the introduction of Mercedes-Benz' Bluetec diesel technology in the 2007 E320 sedan and three other 2008 Mercedes models could provide a big boost for Mercedes' diesel car sales in North America.
The expected rise in popularity of diesel cars hinges on the new availability of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel fuel which, with the right engine and exhaust technology, allows vehicle manufacturers to meet strict emissions standards for Nitrogen Oxides, something previously unattainable. As well, the Bluetec diesel emits approximately 20% less carbon dioxide than a similar-sized gasoline engine.
Weber said there's another big reason diesel should be more popular. "It will make national economies less dependent on oil imports," he said. Citing an EPA study dating back to 2004, Weber said that if just a third of the light-duty vehicles in the USA were state-of-the-art diesel vehicles, "we would be looking at saving 1.4 million barrels a day, the equivalent quantity of oil the USA imports from Saudi Arabia every day." Mercedes has big plans for its Bluetec diesels. In addition to its own models, the technology will be used in other DaimlerChrysler vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Bluetec technology has been licensed to Audi and Volkswagen.
To put it simply, Bluetec technology is an improved way of cleaning up harmful emissions coming from the engine. There are two versions of Mercedes' Bluetec technology: in the E320, an oxidation-type catalytic converter reduces carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions, a particulate filter reduces soot particles, and a new Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) catalytic converter and an additional SCR (selective catalytic reduction converter) help reduce NOx emissions (see diagram). This is the system used in the 2007 E320 Bluetec sedan. The second Bluetec system is more efficient, and will be used in the 2008 E320 Bluetec, as well as the 2008 ML320, R320 and GL320 Bluetec models. This system is similar, but the NOx catalytic converter is replaced by an 'AdBlue' metering valve. AdBlue is a non-toxic aqueous solution that is injected into the exhaust-gas stream, causing ammonia to be released. In the SCR catalytic converter the ammonia then converts up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into the harmless nitrogen and water (see diagram). Though the AdBlue system requires AdBlue fluid to be replaced at regular intervals (it uses about one litre per 1000 km) Weber indicated this could be done during regular service intervals at the dealership.
Driving impressions
On the uncrowded and well-paved highways in the canyons and mountains surrounding Las Vegas, Nevada, my first driving impression was how quiet and smooth the new 3.0-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 diesel engine is. Even with the driver's window open while accelerating, the engine emits only a soft clatter. With the windows closed, it's eerily quiet for a diesel. Engine vibrations are almost non-existent, a real credit to a diesel car.
Though the E320 Bluetec's performance and driveability is comparable to an E350, its fuel economy certainly isn't. The E320 Bluetec offers estimated city mileage of 9.0 litres/100 km (31 mpg Imp.) and 5.9 litres/100 km (48 mpg Imp.) on the highway. Compare that to the E350 4Matic with 12.9 city (22 mpg Imp.) and 8.8 (32 mpg Imp) highway, which by the way uses expensive Premium gasoline. Some of the credit for the E320 Bluetec's excellent fuel economy must go to its seven-speed automatic transmission which has tall highway gears. On one tank of fuel, the E 320 Bluetec sedan has a potential range of over 1,100 kilometres.
What happens if an owner puts high sulphur diesel fuel into the Bluetec fuel tank? Mercedes-Benz Canada is coy on the topic, saying that "The highly sophisticated system is configured for ULSD only which is clearly indicated on the dashboard and on the fuel filler cap." "The customers who will buy these cars will definitely be more alert and fastidious to ensure they put the correct fuel in," says MB Canada Public Relations Manager, Jo Anne Caza.
Standard and optional equipment
The interior offers warm wood trim, power tilt/telescoping heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, AM/FM/single CD stereo, power windows and locks, power glass moonroof, and rain-sensing wipers.
Available options include leather upholstery ($2,500), 6-disc CD changer ($811), 17-inch alloys ($1917-$4308), navigation system ($1,500), Ipod integration kit ($371), electronic trunk closer ($750), Panoramic sunroof ($1,200), Parktronic reversing sensors ($1,200), SmartKey with Panic button ($1,400) and tire pressure monitoring system ($440).
Conclusion
A comfortable, surprisingly quiet diesel-powered luxury sedan with none of the traditional disadvantages of a diesel car (poor performance, smoky exhaust, smelly fuel, noisy engine), the E320 Bluetec is friendly to the environment and passengers alike.
Specifications
Related stories on CanadianDriver
Manufacturer's web site
Greg Wilson is a Vancouver-based automotive journalist and editor of CanadianDriver
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