Mercedes Launches New GL-Class, ML-Class and R-Class BlueTEC Diesel Models in Europe

Beginning in autumn 2009, Mercedes-Benz will offer its trio of crossover models in Europe with its 'clean' V6 diesel engine featuring BlueTEC technology. Besides the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, European customers will have the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC models to choose from. Already available in the U.S., all three models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel producing 211HP at 3,000 rpm and 540Nm of peak torque from 1,600 to 3,400 rpm.

Mercedes-Benz developed the BlueTEC technology that focuses particularly on nitrogen oxides in order to reduce the emissions of diesel vehicles. The tech involves injecting a non-toxic aqueous carbamide solution called "AdBlueÓ" into the exhaust gas flow that then releases ammonia. In the downstream SCRcatalyst system the ammonia then converts up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into the harmless products nitrogen and water.

According to the German automaker, the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC already fulfill the emissions limits of the EU 6 standard, which won't go into effect until 2014.

As for the BlueTEC models' combined fuel consumption, the ML-Class and R-Class variants both return an average of 8.7 lt/100km (27mpg US) while the larger and heavier GL-Class has been rated at 9.0lt / 100km (26.1mpg US).

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Mercedes Launches New GL-Class, ML-Class and R-Class BlueTEC Diesel Models in Europe

Cobra Technology & Lifestyle Gears Up the Mercedes-Benz M-Class

It's been a while since we last heard of 'Cobra Technology & Lifestyle', a tuning house that focuses on products for SUV models. Their latest project concerns the Mercedes-Benz M-Class for which Cobra has released a series of accessories that include a front guard made from high-gloss stainless steel that incorporates LED daytime running lights and stainless-steel rocker panel guards that have a tube diameter of 80mm and feature an integrated step for easier entering and exiting of the vehicle.

The list also includes a stainless-steel front guard with a tube diameter of 60 millimeters, scuff plate covers with illuminated Cobra Technology & Lifestyle logo and an extensive lineup of custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations with diameters ranging from 17 to 23 inches. The 23-inch alloy wheels feature eight double spokes and are available painted silver or black, with a high-gloss polished stainless-steel drop center and are fitted with high-performance tires in size 315/25 R 23.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Cobra Technology & Lifestyle Gears Up the Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Video: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID

The latest carmaker to jump into the Hybrid-SUV bandwagon is Mercedes-Benz which chose the New York Auto Show to perform the world debut of the ML450 HYBIRD. The Lexus RX450h challenging Merc is powered by a two-mode hybrid system mating a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson cycle engine with two electric motors for a total output of 335 horsepower and a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg which is around 47 percent lower than that of the 382HP ML550, but still lags behind its Japanese rival which returns 29mpg. Hit the jump to watch the ML450 HYBRID in motion.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Video: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID

Fuel Filter Leak Prompts Mercedes-Benz Diesel Model Recall in the States

A total of 2,297 diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz models are being recalled in the U.S. to fix a potential problem that could lead to fuel leaks. The recall affects certain diesel versions of the 2011MY E-Class, GL-Class, R-Class and M-Class vehicle range.

Read more »

READ MORE - Fuel Filter Leak Prompts Mercedes-Benz Diesel Model Recall in the States

New 24MPG Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID Unveiled at NY Show, Still Pawned by Lexus

Created essentially for the 'wanna feel politically correct', hybrid-hungry consumers of the North American market, the ML450 HYBRID made its world premiere at the New York Auto Show. The luxury SUV is powered by a twin-mode hybrid drivetrain that combines a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson cycle engine with two electric motors for an output of 335 horsepower and 381 lb-ft (517Nm) of peak torque.

As any hybrid that respects itself, the depending on conditions, the ML 450 HYBRID can operate entirely on electric power or on the gasoline engine alone or on a combination of both drives. The overall result in terms of consumption is a highway gas mileage of 24 mpg and a city fuel economy of 21 mpg, while its combined economy of 22 mpg is around 47 percent lower than that of the ML550.

And no, Mercedes-Benz has not managed to better Lexus when it comes to fuel economy as the 295HP RX450h AWD model returns an estimated 30 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on highway and a combined figure of 29 mpg.

As for performance, the ML450 HYBRID goes from zero to 60mph (96 km/h) in 7.8 sec and has a top speed of 131mph or 210 km/h. Lexus has yet to announce performance figures for its new hybrid RX, but for the record, the previous-gen 268HP RX400h accelerated from standstill to 60mph (96 km/h) in 7.3 seconds and had an electronically limited top speed of 112mph or 180 km/h.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - New 24MPG Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID Unveiled at NY Show, Still Pawned by Lexus