Mercedes Unveils 50-State BlueTec Diesels, MPG Revealed
You'd figure that Mercedes would promote their new California-compliant BlueTec diesel-powered vehicles based on their fuel efficiency. Times two, considering that opting for the oil-burning engine requires a $1k premium. And the fact that diesel is roughly 25 percent more expensive than gas. We knew there was an "issue" when WardsAuto's strapline revealed that "The ability of the diesel cross/utility vehicles to achieve a cruising range of up to 600 miles is a significant selling point, the auto maker says." To which we say uh-oh. Still, you'd think that Ward's would crunch the numbers. Nope. "Cleaning the exhaust doesn’t bite into fuel economy because the diesel generates 20%-33% better mileage than a comparable gasoline engine. The 6-cyl. Bluetec provides 4-cyl. fuel economy and V-8 power and torque, the auto maker claims." In the interests of veracity and transparency, Frank did the math for you below. Oh, and the BlueTec's NOx-scrubbing urea supply lasts just 10k miles. If the tank gets too low, you get 20 starts to refill. After that, the car won’t start. Where do I sign?
[First mpg = EPA combined mileage; second mpg = BT mpg rounded to the nearest whole number]
G-class – GL450 4matic (4.6L V8), 15mpg > 18 – 20mpg; GL550 4matic (5.5L V8), 14mpg > 17 – 19mpg M-Class – ML350 4matic (3.5L V6), 17mpg > 20 – 23mpg; ML550 4matic (5.5L V8), 15mpg > 18 – 20mpg R-Class – R350 4matic (3.5L V6), 16mpg > 19 – 21mpg
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RF - You might want to correct your statement on urea since it is a NOx-scrubbing fluid and not intended to reduce particulates.
What happens when you fill that urea tank with water?
What happens when you fill that urea tank with water? that water can be made from drinking lots of Budweister. It has Urea probably mixed from concoction of Salamanders' eyes , rain forest Pygmy Dung too.