JimBarnhart

I figured I'd start this thread for diesel owners to remark on their fuel efficiency. I drove my GL350 about 700 miles this weekend. Overall I was very impressed with the vehicle and am happy about my purchase.

I am just relying on the on board computer for my mileage readings, I didn't do any math, which I realize would probably be more accurate.

In driving I had 3 segments that I checked. The first was a hillier trip of about 250 miles, the hills were mostly 2 lane roads with a 55mph speed limit. When I would get out in the open it would be a 65mph speed limit. I usually drove about 5-10 miles over the speed limit. The second segment was about 170 miles with 70 miles of straight, level 2 lane and 100 miles of straight, level 4 lane traffic. The third segment was 250 miles, with the first 50 miles in stop and go traffic, followed by 100 miles of 2 lane flat and straight roads with 55mph, and then 100 miles of 4 lane interstate with some hills and elevation climb. I used the Distronic plus most of the time.

My mpg measurements for these 3 segments were 24.7, 28.3 and 28.5. I was very happy with these results. I am a little surprised with the first segment being 3-4 mpg lower. It was a little hillier ride, so maybe that explains it.

Mbenz260e

Sounds pretty good especially you are still in the break in period. That's more or less the same I'd get on my '09 ML based on computer read-outs which on that vehicle are overstated.

aeggroup

On my annual February trip from NYC to Florida I usually drive with average speed about 64-65 mph and my fuel average is about 25 mpg. The actual speed is closer to 60-65 mph from NYC to DC and 75-80 from DC to Florida. This year trip should be on my new 2013 GL (hopefully it will be here till the end of January ) ...it'll be interesting to compare with old model.
Jim ... I'm sure you are very impressed after 8 cyl gazzer.

blittle

MY current 2011 450 runs to Vermont each month ( 900 miles round trip ) and i get a final average of 19 or 20. This is better than the 07 did which was 18. Not bad for gas and the size of vehicle/engine involved.....could not consider the diesel because I need the off road capability in snow/mud season in the hills up there!

JimBarnhart

Yes, I was very happy if my GL450 ever showed 20 something on the computer. It was a rare occasion and then only for a short distance. I usually got 16.5 on every day driving and low 19's on highway driving.

Blittle, I'm curious about your statement of diesel in snow/mud? Do you feel there's too much torque to maintain traction? Or some other reason?

Mbenz260e

Not to speak for Blittle, but I don't believe off road package is available on the 350. Not sure why considering I thought low end torque was good for offroading?

vertrkr

Impressive for a Bismarck of a car. Seems the diesels always best the EPA figures. Really hope to eek out 30mpg on mine once broken in, told the wife it gets that to help make the sale :-)

JimBarnhart

Ah, that makes sense that the off road isn't available.

In terms of low end torque I was thinking of the mud. I go to North Dakota hunting and that mud can get really hard to get through.

blittle

Jim.... the only issue with the 350 ( for me ) is that MB does not offer the off road package with it! I sometimes need the ability to lock the differential and/or raise the height of the rig to clear deep snow and/or deal with mud.... I have 3 miles of dirt/mud/snow unmaintained road to get into our place in the mountains. The ORP handles it with ease!

JimBarnhart

Sounds like the journey might be as much fun as the destination. I had a Jeep CJ-5 in my late teens and had some off road fun with it.

blittle

Jim.... im attaching a picture of my 2007 GL maneuvering a "PHYSICAL" cliff on our road into our place! It and my 2011 have never let me down!

lotuni

Great shot in the snow and trees! I'll take some as well when I hit the Rockies the winter. Looks good in that setting.