2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTec - Even though the fuel savings are significant, it’s hard to ignore the E320’s torque, especially since it peaks at 1600 rpm. The source of this power is an all-new DOHC 3.0-liter aluminum V-6 that’s fed by an intercooled Garrett turbocharger nestled between the cylinder banks that produces a maximum boost of 29 psi.To see how well the E320—which costs $1000 more than a comparable E350—matches up against its gasoline counterpart, we drove one and an E350 Sport from New York City to our offices in Ann Arbor. Apart from the engine, the only differences on the diesel car are smaller front brakes, 16-inch wheels, and a softer suspension; 17-inch wheels are standard on the E350, and Sport models ride on 18s.
The bad ne
ws is that the E320 BlueTec is slower than the E350 in every respect. Our E320’s 0-to-60 time of 6.8 seconds trails the E350 Sport’s by 0.9 second, and the E320 is also slower than the 6.6 seconds claimed by Mercedes-Benz. The diesel might feel faster, but the numbers don’t lie.The BlueTec isn’t lacking; it’s just that the E350 is terrific. And even with the fuel-economy figures from our experience, you would have to drive 49,000 miles to recoup the cost of the diesel over the gasoline, considering average fuel costs at the time of this writing of $2.43 a gallon for diesel and $2.39 for premium gasoline.
What’s ‘BlueTec’?
For 2007 and beyond, diesel-engined cars have to meet the same emissions standards as gasoline-engined cars. The problem for automakers is that diesel compli
ance is more difficult.Complicating the issue in the past has been the high sulfur content of the diesel fuel sold in the U.S., which contaminated diesel-specific catalytic converters and particulate traps. Starting in October 2006, however, the EPA mandated that 80 percent of diesel production be of the ultra-low-sulfur variety, which allowed Mercedes to introduce its BlueTec diesel engine.
Combustion is controlled by high-pressure fuel injectors (maximum fuel pressure is about 23,000 psi) that squirt fuel in bursts to provide the amount of power demanded by the driver and also keep the typical diesel knock at bay.
1 comment:
Another good looking vehicle from Mercedes, equipped with high quality parts,including Mercedes Benz Window Switch and parts like elegant looking headlights and spoiler. It has been said that it has exceptional brake system which turns out to boost its high performance. They’ve been using amazing concepts which makes their recent models one of a kind and superior from the rest.
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