First Test: 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec

[Merc1]

Non-Smoker: The high-tech 50-state diesel has arrived

As I steamed up an on-ramp in the newest E320 Bluetec, my friend asked, "Wow-this thing got a turbo?" There were four aboard, and he was impressed by the tug at his insides. "Yup," I replied, "bolted to a six-cylinder diesel engine." Such was his disbelief that he got out and checked the badge on the car at the first stoplight. "How come it doesn't smoke, then?" Welcome to 2008 diesel technology. And 1978 diesel perception.

Motor Trend


M

 

[cawimmer430]

"Its 208 horsepower won't impress anyone..."


Silly journalists.

 

[Merc1]

Well he does have a point here in the U.S. market. Big hp and badge numbers are everything, hence we have a S550 instead of a S500. Then gain diesels aren't about hp numbers, but the torque...which is what I'm betting you're meaning????

M

 

[cawimmer430]

Well he does have a point here in the U.S. market. Big hp and badge numbers are everything, hence we have a S550 instead of a S500. Then gain diesels aren't about hp numbers, but the torque...which is what I'm betting you're meaning????

M

I have a feeling some customers think horsepower is everything and ignore torque.

Obviously modern diesels with a moderate horsepower rating make up for that with gobs of torque reserves.