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

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