A few blog posts ago, I wrote about new fuel alternatives that Mercedes Benz has continued to perfect ever since the companies beginning's. Mercedes was known for its diesel engines, but if we recall, they were loud, slow, and never smelled good. Engineers at Mercedes took on a challenge, that was, perfecting the diesel engine. The Mercedes diesel engine has come a long way, and now is referenced by the words BlueTEC Clean Diesel. Currently, Mercedes-Benz offers four different BlueTEC models: E 350, ML 350, R 350, and the GL 350.
Yeah...its still a diesel!
Many people think the diesels are not fun to drive, or offer any benefits. Well to Mercedes engineers, those exact words dont exist. The Benz diesel cars are some of the best on the road today, that being in fuel efficiency, emissions standards, and an overall new diesel technology which allows the car to have less noise, more performance, and ultimately better for our environment. All BlueTEC vehicles have a 20-30% increase in fuel economy compared to their gasoline rivals, and can travel up to 600 miles on ONE tank of gas! Thats a trip from New York City to Detroit! However, those are simple benefits of driving it- the new stuff is under the hood! First off, Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel must be used in all Mercedes diesel vehicles, and the key to its success is the lower amounts of sulfur than traditional diesel fuel, which helps to also improve emissions. On the topic of emissions, how does only nitrogen and water release from the vehicle? Mercedes credits the AdBlue technology, which sprays toxic content in the catalytic converter, and converts the toxic chemicals (nitrogen oxides) into good nitrogen that reduces the amount of soot and pollution that is release in other conventional vehicles. In addition, there is an enhancement in the combustion cycle which makes for a more efficient use of the fuel.
After doing much research, prior to starting this blog, I found that diesels are a technology well worth looking at. When my family purchased our 2008 GMC Acadia, we thought it had it all; space, fuel efficiency, etc. Now, after the car has given us many problems, I suggested we look into an alternate fuel technology. My family has two hybrids, a 2010 Lexus RX450h, and a 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. My family thought about getting another RX because we like ours that we have now, but when I researched about diesel, Mercedes has a lot to offer in terms of fuel efficiency, and emissions ratings, and less time and money spent at the gas station! Now, as we are going to be looking to replace the Acadia in the coming months, German diesel's are high on our list- especially the ML 350 BlueTEC!
...up next, the BlueHYBRID!
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