Mercedes-Benz Leads the Way for a Diesel Future

- Record Attempt to Demonstrate Reliability and Efficiency in 100,000 Mile Drive -

LAREDO, Texas, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz, inventor of the
world's first diesel car, is setting out to establish a new endurance record
for diesel passenger cars. To help showcase the latest in advanced clean
diesel technology, three Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI (Common-Rail Direct Injection)
diesel sedans will each complete a 30-day, around-the-clock 100,000 mile
endurance drive on Sunday, May 1.
Since commencement began on April 1, 2005, the landmark diesel endurance
record attempt is being conducted at the DaimlerChrysler Proving Grounds near
Laredo, TX and measured in accordance with FIA (Federation Internationale de
L'Automobile) regulations. The drive is designed to emphasize the reliability
and efficiency of the diesel engine in real world driving conditions, as
participating drivers will maintain highway speed during the duration of the
test. The test also provides an extreme test bed for advanced particulate
filter technology, which helps diesel engines comply with stringent emissions
laws worldwide.
This historic event follows last year's successful return of the Mercedes-
Benz diesel engine to the luxury brand's lineup. Introduced in May 2004, the
E320 CDI exceeded sales expectations by more than 38 percent with 4,158 units
sold. Boasting strong acceleration, excellent fuel economy and low noise
levels, the latest generation of electronically-injected CDI engines is
helping to changed U.S. consumers' dated perceptions about diesel powertrains.
The E320 CDI achieves 27/37 mpg for city and highway driving, respectively,
translating to up to 30 percent better fuel economy than comparable gasoline
engines. A showcase for the latest in diesel engine technology, the 3.2-liter
diesel engine can propel the E320 CDI from 0 to 60 in just 6.8 seconds and
cruise up to *** 780 miles *** on a single tank of fuel.

from PRNewswire

 

I would love to see them put the 320CDI in the R Class upon initial release. That will not happen until mid to late 2006 I am afraid and I cannot wait. But it sure would have a impact on the initial sales of the R Class (and the ML) if they did offer it with the diesel in the Fall. I bet orders would sky rocket for both classes.

 

Great picture, Nevada Jack.



The E320 CDIs set several world records. Front page news now:

http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/dccom...-0-0-0,00.html

 

Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI: World record holder and fuel miser

Stuttgart/Tallahassee, May 20, 2005

Having established their much-publicised diesel world records, the three standard Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI models have continued to make headlines. Following their 30-day, non-stop trial on a five-mile oval circuit in Laredo, Texas, the saloons achieved a new record during a fuel consumption test drive to Tallahassee, Florida, which was certificated by the USAC**. Without stopping to refuel each of the unmodified CDI models covered a distance of 1039 miles (1672 km), which corresponds to a fuel consumption of 4.75 litres per 100 kilometres. That's 49.9 MPG!!!

PS. The E320 CDI has an 80 liter fuel tank as far as I know, same size as the new R-Class.

 

Holy Diesel Fuel Batman! That is an amazing figure...published information on the new V6 CDi they talk about over 700 miles, but over 1000 is fantastic. I imagine they were tuned to a peak and speeds were strictly monitored to provide the best possible mileage. They probably got on I-10 in Texas and stayed on it all the way to Tallahassee. I would not expect the average driver to get that kind of mileage but it sure makes for good PR in trying to convince the US driver that the diesel is the way to go.

I only wish I could wait for them to introduce the V6 CDi in the R Class but I can't. I will miss it by less than a year I am sure.