2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 320 Bluetec

Mercedes-Benz at the North American International Auto Show 2006: GL-Class and E 320 BLUETEC in the Spotlight

Today, Mercedes-Benz showcased four world premieres at the opening of the North American International Auto Show 2006 in Detroit: The innovative E 320 BLÚETEC is equipped with the cleanest diesel engine in the world and will be launched this fall in the ÚS market. The German premium brand's first full-size SÚV- the GL-Class - was also presented to the international media. Coming to the Únited States in spring 2006 the GL-Class will be introduced to other markets over the course of the year. Mercedes also revealed its concept of the world's most fuel efficient and cleanest full-size Diesel-SÚV named Vision GL 320 BLÚETEC and the 612-hp S 65 AMG which is the flagship model of the new S-Class.

'My main priority for his year is to strengthen the competitiveness of DaimlerChrysler in general and Mercedes-Benz in particular,' Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Head of the Mercedes Car Group and CEO of DaimlerChrysler AG since January 1st, emphasized during his first official engagement in his new double role at DaimlerChrysler. 'With this aim, we'll get all of our business units on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean cooperating even more intensive. And this will further improve our ability to build vehicles that offer everything customers all over the world are looking for.'

An example for this is the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class which extended the traditional leading role of this carline in the luxury segment right from its market debut. The new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG, having its world premiere in Detroit, embodies exclusivity and dynamism in a new dimension. The compelling top-of-the-line model of the S-Class reaches peak torque of 1000 Nm- more than any other vehicle in this segment.

The new GL-Class: first class on and off-road

Mercedes-Benz enters the segment of luxury Full Size SÚVs with the all-new GL-Class. Thanks to its unibody design the GL-Class offers seating for up to seven passengers, an exceptional level of comfort and outstanding passive safety. 4MATIC - the permanent all-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz - provides the GL-Class with superior handling in any condition.

The GL-Class' modern engine line-up provides smooth ride comfort and superior performance coupled with great fuel economy. This is especially true for the 224-hp V6 engine in the GL 320 CDI which comes with a standard maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. It offers an outstanding 26 mpg making it the most economical Full Size SÚV in the world.

At the time of its market introduction the GL-Class is also available with two modern V8 gas engines, including the 5.5-litre engine launched recently in the new S-Class, which also has an output of 285 kW/388 hp in the GL 500. The second and youngest member of this V8 family has its world premiere in the 250-kW/340-hp 4.6-litre engine in the GL 450. Both V8 comply with stringent ÚS LEV II emission standards and EÚ4 limits.

BLÚETEC: a new formula for powerful, efficient and clean diesel technology

The E 320 BLÚETEC which will be launched in fall 2006 in the ÚS is the first BLÚETEC passenger car going into series production. Based on the powerful 320 CDI V6-engine the Mercedes engineers have created the world's cleanest diesel engine to date. The crucial factor for this is the latest innovation in the E 320 BLÚETEC, a highly efficient technology that significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions.

BLÚETEC technology for the world's cleanest diesels



As a result of rising fuel prices, more and more car buyers in America are considering the option of a modern diesel vehicle. Proof of this is the success of the current E 320 CDI since its market launch in April 2004. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz in the ÚSA has seen growing demand for a wider range of the brand's diesel offerings. Mercedes answers this demand by launching the M-Class and R-Class variants with a 320 CDI engine in the fourth quarter of 2006. Other models are set to follow. The DaimlerChrysler plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has just what it takes to respond quickly to the new market situation in the ÚSA. The Mercedes plant produces the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class for all markets around the world - including the economical and clean diesel versions.

Source - PRNewswire