The M-class might be seen as a gas-guzzling SUV, but Mercedes is talking up its newfound fuel efficiency thanks to a new range of BlueTEC diesel and BlueDIRECT gasoline engines that will be offered in the U.S.
The ML350 CDI gets a new version of Mercedes' 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel. Peak output rises from 231 to 258 horsepower and from 398 to 457 pound-feet of torque. No EPA estimates are available yet, but Mercedes says the engine delivers roughly 32 mpg on the European cycle. Given that around 15-20 percent of M-Class vehicles sold in the U.S. are now diesel-powered, this model could become a much bigger part of the lineup in the coming years.
On the gasoline side, the ML350 4MATIC BlueEfficiency will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection engine rated at 306 hp and 273 lb-ft. Acceleration from 0-60 takes 7.6 seconds, and top speed is 146 mph. It will be joined later by what Mercedes is calling its "international engine," a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 offering up 408 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Across the range, Mercedes is claiming a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, achieved through a range of measures. Electro-hydraulic steering is standard, together with auto-stop/start technology connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission, which taken together equate to almost a quarter of the efficiency savings. In Europe, this efficiency drive will manifest itself in an eco-focused model powered by a 2.1-liter turbodiesel offering a range of up to 750 miles with a 23.8 gallon tank. This model won't be crossing the Atlantic, although the engine may feature in a U.S.-bound C-Class.
At market launch of the 2012 M-Class, there will be two models available in the U.S. The ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC delivers an output of 240 hp and 455 lbft of torque, with an estimated fuel consumption of 20 city 25 highway. With 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, the gasoline-engine ML350 4MATIC has an estimated fuel economy of 17/22.
No comments:
Post a Comment