GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec diesel

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Old 01-16-2008, 05:06 PM
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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec diesel

http://www.automobilemag.com/new_and...tec/index.html
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec diesel - Latest News, Auto Show Coverage, and Future Cars - Automobile Magazine

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec diesel
By Stuart Fowle

What is wrong with the world? Here we have the number 420 on a truck with a diesel engine, yet we won't get to make a single joke about joints or bongs or how it puts out more smoke than a VW full of high schoolers at a Phish concert. This diesel concept, the GL420 Bluetec, is simply too clean. Damn you, progress.

But not being able to make jokes might be the only downside of this GL. Because it is a concept, it gets massive twenty-one-inch wheels and a unique, in-your-face grille. Under the hood lies a 290-horsepower V-8 putting out a whopping 515 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims that the engine will allow the GL420 Bluetec to achieve a combined 24 miles per gallon and to drive as far as 600 miles on one tank of diesel fuel. We had a chance to drive a Euro-spec GL420 TDI back-to-back with the current GL320 TDI through Iceland's unforgiving back country, and while the 320 was nothing special, the 420 was an absolute rocket (a very quiet rocket) of a two-plus ton SUV. It's the one we want and the one we'd buy. It appears that Mercedes-Benz heard our cries, because it will be releasing new Bluetec models of not only the GL-class, but also the ML- and R-class for the 2008 model year. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz sets new milestones in BLUETEC initiative

Stuttgart, Jan 03, 2007

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its US diesel initiative with the presentation of another concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show. The Vision GL 420 BLUETEC demonstrates that, thanks to BLUETEC technology, even large, high-performance SUVs can offer economical fuel consumption and extremely low emissions. Boasting a powerful V8 diesel engine, which develops 216 kW (290 hp) and 700 Nm (515 lb ft) of torque, the anticipated fuel efficiency for the new SUV is just 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (24 mpg). This impressive combination of high power, torque, fuel economy and operating range ensures that Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC vehicles offer an ideal drive concept for the American market.

With its powerful V8 diesel engine, which develops 216 kW (290 hp) and a mighty 700 Nm (515 lb ft) of torque, the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC guarantees the very highest levels of performance. Yet this same compression-ignition engine complies with the stringent US BIN 5 emissions standard, makes do with just 9.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (24 mpg) and has a range of up to 1000 kilometres (600 miles) on a full tank. These impressive figures underline yet again that BLUETEC vehicles are ideally suited to the American market, where heavy customer demand - especially in the SUV segment - for vehicles with torquey, large-displacement engines is coupled with the need to comply with stringent exhaust-emission regulations. Furthermore, higher fuel prices mean that models with better fuel economy are growing in popularity.

The unique styling of the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC adds visual emphasis to the special status of this model and also addresses the Mercedes-Benz USA customers' wish for vehicles with an even greater degree of exclusivity and a strong, individual identity. The revised, distinctively sculpted front with the dominant radiator grille serves as a visual idiom for the exceptional performance of the V8 diesel engine and lends the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC a sense of dynamic forward movement - even when stationary. This assertive look is complemented by the flared wings, imposing 21 inch wheels and running boards.

Systematic expansion of the BLUETEC model range

The latest J.D. Power study "Global Outlook For Diesel" forecasts that diesels will account for more than 15 per cent of new registrations in North America by 2015. On this basis, Mercedes-Benz will systematically expand its BLUETEC range. The company has announced that it intends to offer three new BLUETEC models (the R, ML and GL Class) - meeting the even more stringent BIN 5 standard - in all 50 US states by as early as 2008. But BLUETEC vehicles are more than just the cleanest diesel models in the world. They also consume 20 to 40 per cent less fuel than comparable vehicles with spark-ignition engines. For example, the E 320 BLUETEC, which is already on the market, consumes just 35 mpg or 6.7 l/100 km, making it by far the most economical vehicle in its class in the USA.

BLUETEC - technology for the cleanest diesels in the world

BLUETEC is a modular emissions control system that reduces nitrogen oxides in particular. These are exhaust components from diesel engines, which, as a result of the constraints inherent in the diesel combustion process, exceed the levels generated by petrol engines. Mercedes-Benz has developed two versions of BLUETEC . In the E Class, an oxidation-type catalytic converter and particulate filter are combined with an improved, extremely durable NOx storage catalytic converter and an additional SCR catalytic converter. The second BLUETEC version is even more efficient: AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution, is injected into the exhaust gas flow, a process that releases ammonia, which converts up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR unit.

Available at last in USA: low-sulphur diesel fuel

In order to be completely effective, BLUETEC technology for passenger cars and light trucks requires low-sulphur diesel with a sulphur content of less than 15 ppm. This clean fuel, which became available in USA in the autumn of 2006, also reduces the emissions from all diesel engines currently on the market and therefore plays a key role in cutting emission levels in general.

BLUETEC technology was subjected to a particularly challenging endurance test in the autumn of 2006 when a total of 33 E Class models, including three E 320 BLUETEC vehicles, drove from Paris to Beijing in 26 days. In an impressive demonstration of the robustness and quality of this technology, the vehicles performed outstandingly well under extreme conditions on the 13,600 km trip.

Recognition for BLUETEC

Die BLUETEC has met with an extremely positive response in USA: respected American science and technology magazines recognised the Mercedes-Benz-developed BLUETEC technology at the end of 2006. Scientific American selected BLUETEC as one of the top 50 scientific and technological innovations of 2006. Popular Science, the oldest and best-known American science magazine included BLUETEC in its annual "Best of What's New" list. And Ward's Automotive Group, a leading publisher of a number of media and trade magazines for the automotive industry, has nominated the E 320 BLUETEC engine for its list of ten best drive systems in 2007.
Attached Images
Attached Thumbnails 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec diesel-2008-mercedes-benz-gl420-bluetec-diesel.jpg   2008 Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec diesel-2008-mercedes-benz-gl420-bluetec-diesel-i.jpg   2008 Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec diesel-2008-mercedes-benz-gl420-bluetec-diesel-ii.jpg   2008 Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec diesel-2008-mercedes-benz-gl420-bluetec-diesel-iii.jpg  

Last edited by Quicks; 01-16-2008 at 05:09 PM.
Old 01-16-2008, 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Quicks
http://www.automobilemag.com/new_and...tec/index.html
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec diesel - Latest News, Auto Show Coverage, and Future Cars - Automobile Magazine

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec diesel
By Stuart Fowle

What is wrong with the world? Here we have the number 420 on a truck with a diesel engine, yet we won't get to make a single joke about joints or bongs or how it puts out more smoke than a VW full of high schoolers at a Phish concert. This diesel concept, the GL420 Bluetec, is simply too clean. Damn you, progress.

But not being able to make jokes might be the only downside of this GL. Because it is a concept, it gets massive twenty-one-inch wheels and a unique, in-your-face grille. Under the hood lies a 290-horsepower V-8 putting out a whopping 515 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims that the engine will allow the GL420 Bluetec to achieve a combined 24 miles per gallon and to drive as far as 600 miles on one tank of diesel fuel. We had a chance to drive a Euro-spec GL420 TDI back-to-back with the current GL320 TDI through Iceland's unforgiving back country, and while the 320 was nothing special, the 420 was an absolute rocket (a very quiet rocket) of a two-plus ton SUV. It's the one we want and the one we'd buy. It appears that Mercedes-Benz heard our cries, because it will be releasing new Bluetec models of not only the GL-class, but also the ML- and R-class for the 2008 model year. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz sets new milestones in BLUETEC initiative

Stuttgart, Jan 03, 2007

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its US diesel initiative with the presentation of another concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show. The Vision GL 420 BLUETEC demonstrates that, thanks to BLUETEC technology, even large, high-performance SUVs can offer economical fuel consumption and extremely low emissions. Boasting a powerful V8 diesel engine, which develops 216 kW (290 hp) and 700 Nm (515 lb ft) of torque, the anticipated fuel efficiency for the new SUV is just 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (24 mpg). This impressive combination of high power, torque, fuel economy and operating range ensures that Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC vehicles offer an ideal drive concept for the American market.

With its powerful V8 diesel engine, which develops 216 kW (290 hp) and a mighty 700 Nm (515 lb ft) of torque, the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC guarantees the very highest levels of performance. Yet this same compression-ignition engine complies with the stringent US BIN 5 emissions standard, makes do with just 9.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (24 mpg) and has a range of up to 1000 kilometres (600 miles) on a full tank. These impressive figures underline yet again that BLUETEC vehicles are ideally suited to the American market, where heavy customer demand - especially in the SUV segment - for vehicles with torquey, large-displacement engines is coupled with the need to comply with stringent exhaust-emission regulations. Furthermore, higher fuel prices mean that models with better fuel economy are growing in popularity.

The unique styling of the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC adds visual emphasis to the special status of this model and also addresses the Mercedes-Benz USA customers' wish for vehicles with an even greater degree of exclusivity and a strong, individual identity. The revised, distinctively sculpted front with the dominant radiator grille serves as a visual idiom for the exceptional performance of the V8 diesel engine and lends the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC a sense of dynamic forward movement - even when stationary. This assertive look is complemented by the flared wings, imposing 21 inch wheels and running boards.

Systematic expansion of the BLUETEC model range

The latest J.D. Power study "Global Outlook For Diesel" forecasts that diesels will account for more than 15 per cent of new registrations in North America by 2015. On this basis, Mercedes-Benz will systematically expand its BLUETEC range. The company has announced that it intends to offer three new BLUETEC models (the R, ML and GL Class) - meeting the even more stringent BIN 5 standard - in all 50 US states by as early as 2008. But BLUETEC vehicles are more than just the cleanest diesel models in the world. They also consume 20 to 40 per cent less fuel than comparable vehicles with spark-ignition engines. For example, the E 320 BLUETEC, which is already on the market, consumes just 35 mpg or 6.7 l/100 km, making it by far the most economical vehicle in its class in the USA.

BLUETEC - technology for the cleanest diesels in the world

BLUETEC is a modular emissions control system that reduces nitrogen oxides in particular. These are exhaust components from diesel engines, which, as a result of the constraints inherent in the diesel combustion process, exceed the levels generated by petrol engines. Mercedes-Benz has developed two versions of BLUETEC . In the E Class, an oxidation-type catalytic converter and particulate filter are combined with an improved, extremely durable NOx storage catalytic converter and an additional SCR catalytic converter. The second BLUETEC version is even more efficient: AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution, is injected into the exhaust gas flow, a process that releases ammonia, which converts up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR unit.

Available at last in USA: low-sulphur diesel fuel

In order to be completely effective, BLUETEC technology for passenger cars and light trucks requires low-sulphur diesel with a sulphur content of less than 15 ppm. This clean fuel, which became available in USA in the autumn of 2006, also reduces the emissions from all diesel engines currently on the market and therefore plays a key role in cutting emission levels in general.

BLUETEC technology was subjected to a particularly challenging endurance test in the autumn of 2006 when a total of 33 E Class models, including three E 320 BLUETEC vehicles, drove from Paris to Beijing in 26 days. In an impressive demonstration of the robustness and quality of this technology, the vehicles performed outstandingly well under extreme conditions on the 13,600 km trip.

Recognition for BLUETEC

Die BLUETEC has met with an extremely positive response in USA: respected American science and technology magazines recognised the Mercedes-Benz-developed BLUETEC technology at the end of 2006. Scientific American selected BLUETEC as one of the top 50 scientific and technological innovations of 2006. Popular Science, the oldest and best-known American science magazine included BLUETEC in its annual "Best of What's New" list. And Ward's Automotive Group, a leading publisher of a number of media and trade magazines for the automotive industry, has nominated the E 320 BLUETEC engine for its list of ten best drive systems in 2007.
Attached Images
Welcome to the forum.

Those images and story is a year old and the GL420 Bluetec concept was released in September '07 as a gas model in the US called the GL550. On pretty good information we have learned that the GL420 will not be introduced in the US for the foreseeable future. Many think that the GL550 is as close to an AMG model in the GL line as MB will go. Thanks for the post
Old 01-16-2008, 07:39 PM
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First, congratulations on your GL 550. It is an awesome automobile. In my most optimistic dreaming I hope that MBUSA will sell the GL 420 Bluetec in the USA in the near future. And while I'm dreaming, I hope they will offer it with the off road package: i.e. with locking differentials and the enhanced airmatic suspension package that currently is only available on the GL 450 in the USA.

My hope is predicated on the fact that MB: i) already builds the GL 420 [both the 320 and 420 diesels shipped over from Europe] here in the USA and then ships them elsewhere for sale and; ii) that MBUSA just highlighted the GL 420 Bluetec at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

Here is another post on the GL 420 Bluetec that indicates that the GL 420 may be available in the USA.

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...0-concept.html
Mercedes-Benz Vision GL420 Concept - Auto Shows

Another BlueTec diesel teaser for America. Love, Your Friends at Mercedes-Benz
BY JARED GALL, January 2007

Following Mercedes-Benz’s announcement that the company plans to market 50-state emissions compliant BlueTec diesel versions of its ML-, R-, and GL-class sport-utes here in the US by the 2009 model year comes this look at the BlueTec GL that will debut at the Detroit Auto Show.

M-B is calling this a concept, but it’s safe to say the 290-hp, 515 lb-ft BlueTec V-8 behind that boisterous grille will be a part of the invasion when Mercedes’ clean diesels arrive here in 2008. We were hoping for a little more power to match Audi’s monstrous Q7 V-12 TDI, but Mercedes has gone all conservative on us and is instead chasing respectable fuel economy numbers like this one: 24 mpg. Sure, that’s four more than Audi quoted us for the Q7 (and 33% better than we observed in a GL450), but the Stuttgart crew is also down by over 200 in both the horsepower and torque columns. Of course, when the Audi goes on sale in Europe, it will be saddled with a pricetag of about $110,000. If Mercedes sticks to the pricing strategy of the E320 BlueTec, which nestles just $1000 higher than a comparable gas-engine model, a BlueTec GL420 could start below $60,000.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see that grille make its way here to the US, either. Mercedes says it is a response to North American customers who asked for a vehicle with greater distinction and a stronger individual statement from their vehicles. This is the same mindset that has brought us Cadillac Escalades with factory 22s and wreath-and-crest emblems bigger than Andre the Giant’s head; but as the Escalade has proven, near-sighted Americans understand no statement as clearly as a huge frigging emblem all up in their grille.
Old 01-16-2008, 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Quicks
First, congratulations on your GL 550. It is an awesome automobile. In my most optimistic dreaming I hope that MBUSA will sell the GL 420 Bluetec in the USA in the near future. And while I'm dreaming, I hope they will offer it with the off road package: i.e. with locking differentials and the enhanced airmatic suspension package that currently is only available on the GL 450 in the USA.

My hope is predicated on the fact that MB: i) already builds the GL 420 [both the 320 and 420 diesels shipped over from Europe] here in the USA and then ships them elsewhere for sale and; ii) that MBUSA just highlighted the GL 420 Bluetec at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

Here is another post on the GL 420 Bluetec that indicates that the GL 420 may be available in the USA.

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...0-concept.html
Mercedes-Benz Vision GL420 Concept - Auto Shows

Another BlueTec diesel teaser for America. Love, Your Friends at Mercedes-Benz
BY JARED GALL, January 2007

Following Mercedes-Benz’s announcement that the company plans to market 50-state emissions compliant BlueTec diesel versions of its ML-, R-, and GL-class sport-utes here in the US by the 2009 model year comes this look at the BlueTec GL that will debut at the Detroit Auto Show.

M-B is calling this a concept, but it’s safe to say the 290-hp, 515 lb-ft BlueTec V-8 behind that boisterous grille will be a part of the invasion when Mercedes’ clean diesels arrive here in 2008. We were hoping for a little more power to match Audi’s monstrous Q7 V-12 TDI, but Mercedes has gone all conservative on us and is instead chasing respectable fuel economy numbers like this one: 24 mpg. Sure, that’s four more than Audi quoted us for the Q7 (and 33% better than we observed in a GL450), but the Stuttgart crew is also down by over 200 in both the horsepower and torque columns. Of course, when the Audi goes on sale in Europe, it will be saddled with a pricetag of about $110,000. If Mercedes sticks to the pricing strategy of the E320 BlueTec, which nestles just $1000 higher than a comparable gas-engine model, a BlueTec GL420 could start below $60,000.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see that grille make its way here to the US, either. Mercedes says it is a response to North American customers who asked for a vehicle with greater distinction and a stronger individual statement from their vehicles. This is the same mindset that has brought us Cadillac Escalades with factory 22s and wreath-and-crest emblems bigger than Andre the Giant’s head; but as the Escalade has proven, near-sighted Americans understand no statement as clearly as a huge frigging emblem all up in their grille.
The GL420 you are talking about was introduced at the 2007 Detroit show, not the 2008 show. The Jared Gall article is dated January 2007, not 2008. Believe me we have been through this discussion many time. The vehicle with "greater distinction" is the 2008 GL550.

The source for the statement of "NO" GL420 in the US is highly reliable. The Bluetec will be in the R, ML, GL and the E but it will be the 320 and not the 420. I would also not count on the ORP.
Old 01-16-2008, 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Nevada Jack
The GL420 you are talking about was introduced at the 2007 Detroit show, not the 2008 show. The Jared Gall article is dated January 2007, not 2008. Believe me we have been through this discussion many time. The vehicle with "greater distinction" is the 2008 GL550.

The source for the statement of "NO" GL420 in the US is highly reliable. The Bluetec will be in the R, ML, GL and the E but it will be the 320 and not the 420. I would also not count on the ORP.
I would add a 420 configured like the 550 isn't starting below $60,000.
Old 01-17-2008, 12:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Nevada Jack
Believe me we have been through this discussion many time.
You are so cruel, Jack
Old 01-17-2008, 08:57 AM
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Originally Posted by oknish
You are so cruel, Jack
I would characterize NJ as appropriately restrained.
Old 01-17-2008, 09:03 AM
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Originally Posted by jongaines
I would characterize NJ as appropriately restrained.
Can i remove the duct tape now...:-))
Old 01-17-2008, 11:15 AM
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Thanks for the information and I apologize for rehashing an old topic. While I'll still continue to hope that a GL 420 Bluetec with ORP will be available at some point [while I'm making a wish list; hopefully MB will also offer the BlueHeat Coolant diesel heater by Webasto], I guess I'll place an order for a GL 450 with ORP in the meantime.
Old 01-17-2008, 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Nevada Jack
Can i remove the duct tape now...:-))
Nicely done.....
Old 01-17-2008, 09:29 PM
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Originally Posted by GL Fahrer
Nicely done.....
Ah, great Fahrer: will the GLK get the Bluetec for the U.S. market?

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