2006 Mercedes-Benz E 320 BlueTec and Vision GL320 BlueTec

BLUETEC – the technology for the cleanest diesel in the world

Mercedes-Benz is launching a unique initiative at the NAIAS 2006 in Detroit. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer with the world’s longest diesel tradition is unveiling two vehicles that pave the way for an all-new diesel vehicle genera-tion: the E 320 BLUETEC and the Vision GL 320 BLUETEC. Mercedes-Benz has modified specific aspects of the economical, powerful and robust 320 CDI engine, adding state-of-the-art emission-control technology to make it the cleanest diesel in the world. Mercedes-Benz has thus transformed the diesel engine into a clean and future-compatible system. That system is called BLUETEC.

Offering its customers the very best has become something of a maxim at Mer-cedes Benz, not least when it comes to designing and constructing vehicles. This is especially true in the case of diesel, a drive technology which now accounts for more than 50 percent of the European market thanks mainly to the fact that it offers excellent economy, longevity and robustness without compromising on driving enjoyment. Economically state-of-the-art diesel vehicles from Mercedes-Benz are one answer to the unstoppable rise in fuel prices, including in the US. Now, the brand’s innovative BLUETEC technology makes the already economical diesel alternative cleaner than ever before.

Mercedes-Benz was the first to implement Rudolf Diesel’s combustion principle in a passenger car engine some 70 years ago. This technology is far more efficient than the gasoline engine and has been optimized over a period of many years. One innovation in particular – the common-rail direct injection system in conjunction with four valves per cylinder introduced in 1997 – has had a major impact on the development of the modern diesel engine. Since then, the abbreviation CDI has come to stand for unsurpassed fuel economy and a major boost in torque – which means it has better pulling power and is more fun to drive, meaning that diesel vehicles are often superior to similarly powered gasoline models.

If diesel models previously had any disadvantages compared to their gasoline counter-parts, then these related to specific diesel emissions, especially particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. However, since the introduction of the maintenance-free particulate filter for its diesel passenger cars in autumn 2003, Mercedes-Benz has also brought about a substantial reduction in particulate matter. And although it has succeeded in cutting nitrogen oxide emissions by some 75 percent through engine modifications alone in the past 15 years, Mercedes-Benz wants to go even further still. The objectives are clear: innovative exhaust gas after treatment methods give Mercedes Benz diesel engines the potential to comply with the world’s most stringent emission standards and to be available in all 50 US states. In other words, Mercedes Benz will be able to offer the cleanest diesel in the world in every vehicle category. BLUETEC is the name for this new generation of high-tech diesel drives that will initially be launched in the US, in autumn 2006. As well as delivering renowned economy, performance and reliability, these models comply with the world’s most stringent emission standards.

Diesel has never been cleaner – thanks to BLUETEC

The world’s most stringent nitrogen oxide limits – set by the US 50-state emissions standard – are just the type of challenge on which Mercedes-Benz thrives. The solution to this challenge is BLUETEC, a new generation of high-tech diesel systems which are the cleanest in the world in every vehicle category.

Mercedes-Benz is launching the BLUETEC initiative at the Detroit Motor Show. An E 320 BLUETEC model, which will be available in the US from autumn 2006, is to be unveiled before the public. In addition to the world premiere of the brand new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class – a full-size SUV – the company is also presenting the GL 320 BLUETEC, a further vision for the future of diesel engines. With this latest concept vehicle, the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer proves that it is possible to combine excellent fuel economy and minimal emissions in every vehicle category, including full-size SUVs. The Vision GL 320 BLUETEC has a V6 diesel engine developing 155 kW/211 hp and 540 Nm torque. With this performance the expected consumption is 9.4 l/100 km (25 mpg). It is the most economical full-size SUV in the US, offer-ing a fuel saving of between 20 and 40 percent compared to gasoline engines with equal power rating. The E 320 BLUETEC has the same V6 diesel engine under the hood, with a fuel consumption of 6,7 l/100 km (35 mpg), also making it extremely economical.

Low-sulfur diesel fuel helps to reduce emissions

By the time the BLUETEC generation is launched in the US in autumn 2006, low-sulfur diesel with a maximum sulfur content of 15 ppm will be available, thus reduc-ing the previous upper limit of 500 ppm by a factor of 33. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has therefore laid the foundations for establishing sophisticated, fuel-efficient diesel vehicles in the US. This will result in a dramatic and immediate reduction in the emissions of all diesel vehicles in the US, representing a major step towards cutting emission levels in general. Sulfur, which occurs in mineral oil to varying degrees, has a corrosive effect in the engine as well as being a major cause of particulate matter. The introduction of a low-sulfur diesel fuel will enable the use of particulate filters and efficient nitrogen oxide aftertreatment.