March 10, 2008
Mercedes’ Compact Concept SUV Gets 40 MPG From a Diesel-Electric Powertrain
MONTVALE, NJ - Mercedes-Benz is now stepping into the diesel-electric hybrid market with the Vision GLK BlueTec Hybrid concept. The vehicle is based on the upcoming GLK compact SUV and will slot under the mid-size ML SUV, according to www.dailytech.com.
In concept form, the GLK BlueTec Hybrid the uses the mild hybrid system co-developed with BMW — the hybrid components are also used in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept. Whereas the BMW uses a 2.0L diesel as its primary source of power, the Vision GLK BlueTec Hybrid uses a 2.2L diesel, which when combined with the electric engine/generator provides 224 HP.
The Vision GLK BlueTec Hybrid is capable of accelerating to 62 MPH in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 134 MPH. The company lists CO2 emissions at 157 grams per kilometer while fuel economy is pegged at 40 MPG.