2007 Mercedes Benz E320 Bluetec

Some 70% of all new vehicles sold in Europe are diesels, compared to less than 5% here.  America’s reluctance to go diesel stems from the higher price of the engine, of diesel fuel itself, and the specter of dirty exhausts.  But clean diesel fuel is now the law here, and cleaner diesel engines are following, spearheaded by Mercedes Benz and technology it calls “Bluetec” now the E-Class sedan gets the Bluetec treatment first and it just might make Americans see diesels in a clearer light. 

While hot-button words like “diesel” and “luxury” generally evoke images unfriendly to the environment, that’s not the case with the new 2007 Mercedes Benz E320 Bluetec. Bluetec denotes the latest in clean-burning diesel technology.  So this sedan not only stifles the idea of soot, it also grants plenty of power and economy.

Replacing last year’s E320 CDI with its straight 6, the key to Bluetec starts with an all-new turbo diesel V6 with common rail direct fuel injection. It is designed to work even more efficiently with the ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel now available throughout the U.S.

But beyond the engine and fuel, Bluetec’s promise depends on a gauntlet of after-treatment devices implemented throughout the exhaust.  These converters dramatically lessen the level of nitrogen oxides found in diesel emissions.

But even with all this advancement, the Bluetec E320 is only 45-state legal. It still doesn’t meet the strictest emission rules of California and the Northeast. That will require Bluetec diesel with Urea- injection due for the GL and ML utilities later this year.

Common to both Bluetec routes is this 3.0-liter twin-cam 24-valve intercooled and turbocharged V6.  It nets out 208 horsepower and an axle-twisting 388 pound-feet of torque, with peak output down low at 1600 rpms.  That’s almost as strong as the E500’s 5.5-liter gas V8. The turbodiesel mates to Benz’s latest 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. For us, shifts were smooth and quick.

And together the E320 Bluetec achieves Government Fuel Economy ratings of 27 city/36 highway. That’s 35% better than an E350 gas model. Expect 32 miles-per-gallon in normal use.  Though diesel’s pump price could be a bit of a stumbling block, this sedan’s 21 gallon tank will let you cruise for more than 600 miles.

On the track, this rear drive V6 turbo diesel performed like a champ, sprinting from 0 to 60 in 7 seconds.  That’s on par with its V6 gas-powered sibling. Our diesel then covered the quarter-mile in a fine 15.4 seconds at 92 miles per hour. The pace is so smooth and quiet that most owners won’t care what’s under the hood.

Handling is impressive for a heavy mid-size luxury sedan. The E320 is solid and well balanced and impressively nimble.  There was some body roll but it was well controlled.  Braking is a high point of any Mercedes. Here, 4-wheel discs with ABS and Brake Assist produced stops from 60 to 0 in a good average of 124 feet. And, they were straight and stable.

Subtly revised E-class styling heightens the distinction of the E320 Bluetec. The front fascia dons a new grille.  While our car’s optional bi-zenon headlights were steering linked.

Inside, oodles of luxury and comfort await. Amenities such as ten-way power front seats with memory and available heat provide superior comfort. For even more cruising enjoyment, options include both satellite radio and DVD Navigation, plus rear power sunshades, and a huge Panorama Sunroof.

New on the E-Class for ‘07 is Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system that automatically tightens seatbelts and applies brakes when a collision is imminent. For a luxury car the rear seat of the E320 Bluetec is surprisingly tight. Good for only two adults or three children.

Now, for the dollars and sense. The E320 Bluetec rings in at $52,325.  That’s only a thousand dollars more than the gas powered E350.  So we can’t figure out why anyone wouldn’t want the diesel instead. 

Clean, efficient, and powerful, the 2007 Mercedes Benz E320 Bluetec is certainly not your father’s diesel.  As this squeaky clean technology goes wide, we hope more Americans will see the obvious benefits of a modern diesel.  We admit Bluetec will not alone change the automotive world, but along with hybrids and other fuel saving technologies, it’s another step in the right direction.