Mercedes-Benz has just released the highly anticipated BlueTEC SUV’s.  These SUV’s deliver approximately 30% greater fuel economy over comparable gasoline engines.  The ML and GL will get over 600 miles on one tank, and the R-Class over 500 miles because of it’s smaller fuel tank. 

Estimated Fuel Economy:
ML320 BT: 18/24
R320 BT: 18/24
GL320 BT: 17/23

As an update to the navigation system, and to disprove that diesel fuel is hard to find, you can search for diesel stations under POI.

Base MSRP is as follows:
ML320 BT – $48600
GL320 BT – $58200
R320 BT- $49150

“Payback” for Customer
The time it takes for a customer to recoup their investment for a BlueTEC vs. its
gasoline counterpart compared to the time it takes for a customer to recoup the hybrid premium
vs. its gasoline counterpart is generally more favorable for a BlueTEC.

For example: Based upon U.S. nationwide avg price of premium gasoline and diesel fuel from 9/15/08, and assuming 15,000 miles of driving per year, (45% HW, 55% city) the ML320 BlueTEC would allow a customer to recoup the price difference in slightly over 2 years vs. the ML350 4MATIC. Comparably, the Lexus RX400h* would take just under 4 years for the customer to recoup the price premium of $2,980 compared to its gasoline counterpart. This calculation does not include the potential of a federal tax credit for a BlueTEC customer. Please note the federal tax credit is no longer available for Toyota/Lexus hybrids.
*2008 EPA Estimates used. 2009 estimates were not available at the time of printing

www.mybenzguy.com

Mercedes Benz has announced that it will be building a 2 wheel drive ML for 2009.  The MSRP will be $3,300 less than the ML350 4matic.  We should start seeing the 2wd ML early next year (2009).  Most of the allocation will go to dealers based in the South and Southwest.  We are taking orders now for the first vehicles available.  Please contact me via mybenzguy.com

C63 now has a new home, and a happy owner. Please contact me to get details on our next car in line.

www.mybenzguy.com

Great news…
Our 2009 BlueTEC SUV’s will qualify for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. With the integration of the BlueTEC technology on our already ultra low emission diesels, it will make the R, ML, and GL
50 state emissions legal.

So if you are considering buying a hybrid vehicle and Lexus and Toyota are on your list you need not apply for the tax credit. As they have hit their max allotment of 60,000 vehicles last October.

www.mybenzguy.com

A month in the making…

Just an announcement mybenzguy.com has launched.  Still working out some of the bugs, but we are live.  Please give feed back as you see necessary.  Thanks

Last week I sat through a training session comparing our 2009 ML350 vs the Lexus RX 350 and Acura MDX.  Not taking away anything from the Japanese built vehilces, but it doesn’t compare to the craftmanship that the Germans are know for.  Looking at the technical specs engine size, performance, and dimensions they all stack up pretty evenly.  What you don’t see is the difference.  Open up the hood of the ML and you’ll see the start of the difference.  Little things like twin gas struts to hold the hood open, twin hood latches vs single on the MDX and RX (holds the hood in place).  You’ll find a rubber gasket that surround the engine to help contain heat and noise in addition to keeping the engine compartment clean not found in the Lexus or Acura.

Moving to the interior of the vehicles…I think my favorite part of the Acura is the styrofoam in the door jam?  Not sure what that is all about!  If you look around the steering columns of the 3 vehicles you will find the ML is nicely finished with no gap where the column meets the dash.  Another great in the MDX is the middle seat…I would think that it would be used more than the 3rd row.  Next time  you are at the Acura dealership look for the seat belt for the middle seat in the 2nd row.  It’s great how it works.

I would say the majority of people who purchase SUV’s buy them for a reason.  They need the room the vehicle provides.  In looking a little closer at the 3 vehicles, one of the most important and overlooked aspects is gaining access to the vehicle ie doors and rear gate.  The ML has the others beat.  What does this mean to you?  Well getting in and out of the car our doors open wider.  Loading and unloading rear cargo, well more room. 

I guess I can go on and on some of the differences, but I will leave it for another day.