Diesel And Hybrid Technology In 3210-Mile Endurance Test

[Alx]

Mercedes-Benz CDI diesel engine consumes some 11 per cent less fuel in Auto Bild’s U.S. coast-to-coast comparison.

Although many may think hybrid technology is the only answer to rising fuel costs, a real alternative is actually the diesel engine, as the German car magazine Auto Bild reported in its latest issue. The magazine conducted a comparative test drive from the east coast to the west coast of the USA with two new Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI vehicles and a Lexus RX 400h with a petrol hybrid system. The test result showed that the advanced diesel engine is far more fuel efficient than the hybrid.

In Auto Bild’s coast-to-coast marathon, the cars were driven about 3210 miles (around 5200 km), from New York to San Francisco. The results showed that while the ML 320 CDI (165 kW/224 hp) returned an average fuel consumption of 31.04 miles per gallon, the hybrid SUV (155 kW/211 hp) averaged 27.69 mpg.

The difference of 3.35 mpg (10.8 per cent) underscores the superiority of state-of-the-art diesel engines compared to hybrid drives. The endurance test also showed that hybrid technology is only marginally more fuel efficient in urban traffic, where it is most effective in reducing consumption. At 24.14 mpg, the diesel car returned only 0.42 mpg greater fuel consumption in city driving than the hybrid vehicle.

"The M-Class performed admirably under diverse conditions during the entire 5,200-kilometre trek," says editor Jörg Malzahn of Auto Bild. "I hadn’t expected such a big advantage in fuel efficiency."

Underneath the bonnet of the ML 320 CDI is an all-new six-cylinder engine with third-generation common-rail technology, which enables further improvements in fuel consumption, emissions and performance. At 510 Nm, the V6 has one of the highest torque outputs of any engine in its displacement class, and this performance begins at only 1600 rpm.

The Mercedes-Benz coast-to-coast test cars were also equipped with diesel particulate traps, helping to further reduce the M-Class’s emissions. The 320 CDI engine meets Euro IV regulations even without the trap.

Coutresy of... http://www.carpages.co.uk/mercedes_benz/mercedes-benz-m-class-25-08-05.asp

 

[wltsm]

I heard about this, but never read any article on it!

Thanks for the link Alex!

 

[Alx]

No problem, really cool article! Enjoy!

It should answer alot of Diesel Vs. Hybrid questions!

 

[Yaz]

Interesting! I didn't think the ML320 CDI were allowed to be driven in New York.
Actually, I didn't even know they were available in the US already. Maybe it was only for the test.

 

[Alx]

Interesting! I didn't think the ML320 CDI were allowed to be driven in New York.
Actually, I didn't even know they were available in the US already. Maybe it was only for the test.

Dont see why it shouldn't be "allowed" to drive in NY, as far as availability im sure this was just a test car anyway.

 

[cawimmer430]

If the Lexus had been a diesel-hybrid, I'm sure it would have gotten better mileage. Impressive performance however from the ML320 CDI. I drove it too and the engine blew me away!

 

[Yaz]

Dont see why it shouldn't be "allowed" to drive in NY, as far as availability im sure this was just a test car anyway.

I don't know if you know this, but the E320 CDI does not meet the emissions requirements in New York and I believe this M-Class has the same engine?

**The E320 CDI Sedan does not meet the emissions requirements of California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York or Vermont and is not available in these states

Wimmer has driven the ML320 CDI and I'm sure he has driven the E320 CDI, so maybe he can tell us if it's the same engine

 

[tennmb]

The reason the 320 CDI engine does not meet requirements is because of the way diesel fuel is refined in the US. The sulfur content is much higher, but those standards will be changed in 2006 and the engine will become 50 state compliant. Also, SUVs and trucks have different requirements than passenger cars. So, just because the engine is the same, doesn't mean the acceptable levels on emissions is the same.

 

[Alx]

YAZ... I didnt know that thanks for carifying!

The reason the 320 CDI engine does not meet requirements is because of the way diesel fuel is refined in the US. The sulfur content is much higher, but those standards will be changed in 2006 and the engine will become 50 state compliant. Also, SUVs and trucks have different requirements than passenger cars. So, just because the engine is the same, doesn't mean the acceptable levels on emissions is the same.

Well looks like we will be good this year at least, it would be nce to see these cars in the states finally. I think they are an asset.

 

[Merc1]

Once the cleaner diesel is mandatory (sept 2006) I expect to see a R320 CDI, ML320 CDI and of course a facelifted E320 CDI all with the new V6 in the U.S.....possibly even in the states in which MB current isn't able to sell a diesel.

M

 

[warot]

As much as I love diesels, we still have to realize that it isn't as clean as hybrids. It might not get the same mileage as the diesel but it is a lot cleaner. It's just up to you if you want to help save the world or save some $$$.

 

[Yaz]

As rising fuel costs continued to be an issue for consumers in October, sales of the E320 CDI diesel have continued to increase over the past several months with 3,486 units sold year-to-date. To meet this strong demand Mercedes-Benz will expand its diesel offering with the introduction of the ML320 CDI diesel in 2006, followed by a new V6 E320 CDI.

The ML320 CDI is coming to the US
http://www.mbusa.com/brand/aboutus/news/newsFrame2005.jsp

 

[cawimmer430]

Wimmer has driven the ML320 CDI and I'm sure he has driven the E320 CDI, so maybe he can tell us if it's the same engine

The E320 CDI America and Canada get still uses the "old" 3.2-l inline-6. Us Europeans get the "new" E320 CDI with the 3.0 V6 CDI diesel. It's much cleaner than the 3.2-l inline-6.

 

[Merc1]

The ML320 CDI is coming to the US
http://www.mbusa.com/brand/aboutus/news/newsFrame2005.jsp

Yes and isn't that wonderful! I'm sure that MBUSA will bring over the R320 CDI also to pick up R-Class sales, which haven't been so hot in these first initial weeks.

Now if diesels really gain some popularity I'd like to see a E420 and S420 CDI in the U.S. I know a pipe dream.

M

 

[Alx]

Once the cleaner diesel is mandatory (sept 2006) I expect to see a R320 CDI, ML320 CDI and of course a facelifted E320 CDI all with the new V6 in the U.S.....possibly even in the states in which MB current isn't able to sell a diesel.

M

i think its well needed, and will be welcomed wiht open arms.

Though by my house, deisel is $2.75, where Reg. starts at $2.28, and goes up in ten cent incremements till premium.

I preffer Hbrid for the cleanliness, but both are sort of great!

 

[gustavo]

As much as I love diesels, we still have to realize that it isn't as clean as hybrids. It might not get the same mileage as the diesel but it is a lot cleaner. It's just up to you if you want to help save the world or save some $$$.

AFAIK, that's not true anymore when diesels with blue tec will be available (less NO-x emissions)