2007 Mercedes-Benz Vision GL 420 BLUETEC

Mercedes-Benz Vision GL 420 Bluetec

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its ÚS diesel initiative with the presentation of another concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show. The Vision GL 420 BLÚETEC demonstrates that, thanks to BLÚETEC® technology, even large, high-performance SÚVs can offer economical fuel consumption and extremely low emissions. Boasting a powerful V8 diesel engine, which develops 216 kW (290 hp) and 700 Nm (515 lb ft) of torque, the anticipated fuel efficiency for the new SÚV is just 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (24 mpg). This impressive combination of high power, torque, fuel economy and operating range ensures that Mercedes-Benz BLÚETEC® vehicles offer an ideal drive concept for the American market.

With its powerful V8 diesel engine, which develops 216 kW (290 hp) and a mighty 700 Nm (515 lb ft) of torque, the Vision GL 420 BLÚETEC guarantees the very highest levels of performance. Yet this same compression-ignition engine complies with the stringent ÚS BIN 5 emissions standard, makes do with just 9.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (24 mpg) and has a range of up to 1000 kilometres (600 miles) on a full tank. These impressive figures underline yet again that BLÚETEC® vehicles are ideally suited to the American market, where heavy customer demand – especially in the SÚV segment – for vehicles with torquey, large-displacement engines is coupled with the need to comply with stringent exhaust-emission regulations. Furthermore, higher fuel prices mean that models with better fuel economy are growing in popularity.

The unique styling of the Vision GL 420 BLÚETEC adds visual emphasis to the special status of this model and also addresses the Mercedes-Benz ÚSA customers' wish for vehicles with an even greater degree of exclusivity and a strong, individual identity. The revised, distinctively sculpted front with the dominant radiator grille serves as a visual idiom for the exceptional performance of the V8 diesel engine and lends the Vision GL 420 BLÚETEC a sense of dynamic forward movement – even when stationary. This assertive look is complemented by the flared wings, imposing 21 inch wheels and running boards.

Systematic expansion of the BLÚETEC® model rangeThe latest J.D. Power study 'Global Outlook For Diesel' forecasts that diesels will account for more than 15 per cent of new registrations in North America by 2015. On this basis, Mercedes-Benz will systematically expand its BLÚETEC® range. The company has announced that it intends to offer three new BLÚETEC® models (the R, ML and GL Class) – meeting the even more stringent BIN 5 standard – in all 50 ÚS states by as early as 2008. But BLÚETEC® vehicles are more than just the cleanest diesel models in the world. They also consume 20 to 40 per cent less fuel than comparable vehicles with spark-ignition engines. For example, the E 320 BLÚETEC, which is already on the market, consumes just 35 mpg or 6.7 l/100 km, making it by far the most economical vehicle in its class in the ÚSA.

BLÚETEC® – technology for the cleanest diesels in the world

Available at last in ÚSA: low-sulphur diesel fuel

In order to be completely effective, BLÚETEC® technology for passenger cars and light trucks requires low-sulphur diesel with a sulphur content of less than 15 ppm. This clean fuel, which became available in ÚSA in the autumn of 2006, also reduces the emissions from all diesel engines currently on the market and therefore plays a key role in cutting emission levels in general.

BLÚETEC® technology was subjected to a particularly challenging endurance test in the autumn of 2006 when a total of 33 E Class models, including three E 320 BLÚETEC vehicles, drove from Paris to Beijing in 26 days. In an impressive demonstration of the robustness and quality of this technology, the vehicles performed outstandingly well under extreme conditions on the 13,600 km trip.

Recognition for BLÚETEC®

Die BLÚETEC has met with an extremely positive response in ÚSA: respected American science and technology magazines recognised the Mercedes-Benz-developed BLÚETEC® technology at the end of 2006. Scientific American selected BLÚETEC as one of the top 50 scientific and technological innovations of 2006. Popular Science, the oldest and best-known American science magazine included BLÚETEC in its annual 'Best of What's New' list. And Ward's Automotive Group, a leading publisher of a number of media and trade magazines for the automotive industry, has nominated the E 320 BLÚETEC engine for its list of ten best drive systems in 2007.

Source - Mercedes-Benz