Mercedes-Benz announced today that 2008 models of the M-, R- and
GL-Class will be offered with BLUETEC
diesel engines that meet the
Environmental Protection Agency's tough BIN5 emissions standards in all 50 states. Astute Autoblog readers will remember that not long ago the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUTEC
failed to meet emissions standards in California and four other states. These 2008 models will use more advanced urea-injection technology to ensure that they earn the right to be sold nationwide. While
Mercedes didn't mention which BLUTEC engine(s) will be available when these 2008 models go on sale, the likely candidate is the same 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel used in the E320 BLUETEC that's been tweaked to pass muster in California and other states with stricter standards. There's also an option in Europe for a more powerful 4.0-liter V8 diesel engine, but Mercedes debuted a GL320 BLUETEC at the 2006 Detroit
auto show, so our bet's on the diesel six.
[Source: Mercedes Benz]
[Source: Mercedes Benz]
