March 17, 2008
Mercedes-Benz Launches Three Diesel Sport Utilities
NEW YORK –
Mercedes-Benz is unveiling three new Primus powered by the world’s cleanest
state-of-the-art diesel engines at the 2008 New York International Auto Show,
open to the public Mar. 21-30 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in
Manhattan. The fuel-efficient 2009-model diesel SUVs, the ML320 BlueTEC, GL320
BlueTEC, and R320 BlueTEC, come with a new AdBlue exhaust treatment system that
meets the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.
The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz SUVs get 20-30 percent
better fuel economy, surprisingly good performance and extremely low exhaust
emissions. The BlueTEC diesels have a cruising range up to 600 miles traveling
at highway speeds. In addition, V8-like pulling power makes the BlueTEC diesels
ideal for towing.
BlueTEC is a modular system that includes an oxidation
catalytic converter and a maintenance-free particulate filter, as well as new
techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions. The BlueTEC diesels use an
NOx storage catalytic converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter
and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions. The AdBlue system injects an
aqueous urea solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3),
reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR
catalytic converter. Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load
and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides. Its
tank only needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during routine maintenance
intervals.
The company’s family SUV, the M-Class, features bold
restyling for the 2009-model year. Redesigned front bumpers incorporate new headlights
with a distinctive step along the lower edge that continues around a larger,
lower grill that holds three large silver ribs. Angular air intakes, widely set
fog lights and chrome trim help give the 2009 M-Class a broader, stronger face.
A recontoured rear bumper with recessed reflectors and a
stainless-steel skid plate that wraps around its dual exhausts also give the
new M-Class a broader stance. Larger outside mirrors provide even better
visibility.
Inside, door panels now have an upholstered center section,
and the seats boast a sportier design and a four-stage power lumber support for
the driver’s seat. A new four-spoke steering wheel features built-in
multi-function buttons and shift paddles. New advanced-technology features
include an in-dash six-disc DVD changer, hands-free Bluetooth phone system, a
high-performance telematics system, and a port for connecting audio devices
such as an iPod.
The standard audio system comes with a color display, a
double radio tuner, speed-dependent volume control, and a keypad for phone
numbers and radio frequencies. Optional equipment includes a voice recognition
system, a 610-watt digital harmon kardon Logic7 audio system, and a rear-seat
entertainment system with two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones, and an
integrated DVD player with dual-source capability.
New standard equipment on the 2009 M-Class, PRE-SAFER is a
safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens
and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before
impact. The PRE-SAFE system that made its debut on the S-Class automatically
tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact, and the front passenger
seat moves to a position that can provide better protection. Side windows also
close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags. If the system
senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.