R&T First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec

[PanterroR]

Slow? Hardly. This new 3.0-liter V-6 (despite what the E320 designation might have you believe) is intercooled and turbocharged, with the exhaust-stream hamster wheel made more responsive with a variable-vane arrangement similar to what's used on the Porsche 911 Turbo. This steel-sleeved, aluminum-block engine makes 208 bhp and an axle-twisting 388 lb.-ft. of torque-the last stat nearly matching Mercedes' 5.5-liter gasoline V-8-on tap from 1600 to 2400 rpm.

More @: http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=6&article_id=4181

 

[Mr. Chigga_Chan]

Good read, thanks for the post Tycoon.

 

[PanterroR]

NP!

 

[cawimmer430]

Good review. I am hoping this:

As sooty as a chimney sweep? Not a chance, benzene-breath. The Bluetec's exhaust has to pass through a phalanx of devices: an oxidation catalytic converter snugged up against the turbo's exit, the NOX storage catalyst, a ceramic particulate filter, and a third converter near the tailpipe. The particulate filter is especially interesting, as it periodically undergoes what's analogous to a self-cleaning oven cycle as it becomes clogged with soot. On cue from the engine-management computer, extra fuel is injected, dumping more unburned hydrocarbons into the first converter to increase heat; also, the timing of injections is retarded. Both result in the exhaust temperature briefly hitting 650 degrees Celsius (more than 1200 degrees Fahrenheit), enough to burn off the soot and clean the filter.

Will shut up the Lexus hybrid fanboys in their crusade to discredit diesels. Again, FANBOYS, not fans (like Bruce).

 

[GTA45E]

This car has some amazing numbers behind it!
I read about it last week in the Kansas City automotive section. Thay achieved a 6.6second 0-60mph. If I`m not mistaken thats about as fast as the 2002 275hp E430 V8 powered sedan, incredible!! It`s EPA stands at 26city
37 hiway, which is insane!! Thay also stated that these blue-tech diesels
are more efficient and the Lexus Hybreds. From autobild, "the ML320 used 11% less fuel and the Lexus RX400h".

Imagine an MB V12 Turbo-Diesel with this technology, that would be just stunning!

 

[cawimmer430]

I feel that hybrids are being mega-overrated in the US. They're efficient only within the city. That's it.

Yet, the fanboys from Toyota or Lexus are spewing out so much BS about how hybrids are going to save the world etc. and are so clean and don't pollute. When one reminds them about what to do with the old hybrid batteries in the future, they change the subject by talking about...oh I don't know...how reliable a Toyota or Lexus is? Total morons, these fanboys.

 

[Merc1]

Over on Edmunds they've come down off their high horse about hybrids every since the GS450h starting getting its teeth kicked in comparos and sales have been so restricted. 18 months ago the GS450h was going to oust the E/5/A6 and now it doesn't sell, doesn't win anything and generally is seen as an poor value.

M

 

[cawimmer430]

Over on Edmunds they've come down off their high horse about hybrids every since the GS450h starting getting its teeth kicked in comparos and sales have been so restricted. 18 months ago the GS450h was going to oust the E/5/A6 and now it doesn't sell, doesn't win anything and generally is seen as an poor value.

M

Small trunk, lousy fuel economy outside the urban environment, overpriced (for a Lexus) - yep, a bad deal. I'd rather get a GS350 and be done with it. You get the same car that get's slightly poorer fuel economy but still has enough trunk space for the family.

That said, I personally feel that the Lexus GS has nothing really over the German competition except reliability and value. That's it. These two things don't make a car class leading. Ironically, I hear the GS is not even that comfortable.

 

[Merc1]

Small trunk, lousy fuel economy outside the urban environment, overpriced (for a Lexus) - yep, a bad deal. I'd rather get a GS350 and be done with it. You get the same car that get's slightly poorer fuel economy but still has enough trunk space for the family.

That said, I personally feel that the Lexus GS has nothing really over the German competition except reliability and value. That's it. These two things don't make a car class leading. Ironically, I hear the GS is not even that comfortable.

It really isn't much of a value either anymore. The GS430 is pointless next to the GS350 as is the GS450h. If I had to get a GS, it would be a GS350 AWD, you have the best of everything. Over 300hp and AWD. Why they didn't make the GS450h AWD is beyond me.

M

 

[cawimmer430]

It really isn't much of a value either anymore. The GS430 is pointless next to the GS350 as is the GS450h. If I had to get a GS, it would be a GS350 AWD, you have the best of everything. Over 300hp and AWD. Why they didn't make the GS450h AWD is beyond me.

M

That's the problem with Lexus. They offer "too little". They lack a V8 AWD GS and they also lack an estate GS for example.

The IS lacks a coupe to compete with the BMW 3-Series Coupe / Convertible, their SUV's lack a diesel. I could go on, but that's one of the reasons they lack appeal in Europe.