Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The new C-Class Luxury and Sport sedans are slightly larger than their highly successful predecessor, with a greater emphasis on agility, comfort and safety. With a nod to the recently introduced S-Class sedan, the look of the new mid-size C-Class reveals the latest Mercedes design idiom that's characterized by an edgy interplay of taut lines and wide, rounded surfaces. Revised suspension and steering help make the new C-Class noticeably more agile, along with a new slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission for the C300 Sport model. The new C-Class line features three V6-powered models – the C350 Sport, the C300 Luxury and the C300 Sport. In addition, the C300 Sport and Luxury models will be available with a streamlined 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system mated to a seven-speed transmission. New standard equipment includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and a central controller with a seven-inch display screen.

Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI

The new diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI mid-size sport utility features an innovative three-liter V6 diesel engine that produces 215 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. or torque. Combining the impressive torque of a V8 engine with the great fuel economy of four-cylinder engines, the new R320 CDI features more than 32 percent better fuel mileage than a comparable gasoline-powered model, while the ML320 CDI provides a 26 percent improvement.

Another upside: The ability to travel more than 600 miles on a single tank of fuel means its drivers won't have to go looking for fuel stations very often.

Diesels have in fact performed extremely well in comparative independent tests of diesel and hybrid vehicles conducted by journalists from European automotive magazines on three different continents. In Auto Bild's U.S. coast to coast comparative test between a ML320 CDI and a Lexus RX 400h, it found that the diesel engine consumed about 11 percent less fuel. In each comparative test, whether driving straight across the U.S., Germany or Japan, the fuel mileage of diesel vehicles was significantly higher than that of hybrid cars.

Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC

Combining several technologies to minimize diesel exhaust emissions, The E320 BLUETEC starts with a purpose-built 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that includes four valves per cylinder, centrally located piezo-electric injectors, third-generation CDI direct injection, a turbocharger with variable nozzle turbine and exhaust gas recirculation.

Building on this foundation of advanced engine design, the E320 BLUETEC incorporates four after-treatment units in the exhaust stream – an oxidizing catalytic converter, a particulate filter, a SCR catalytic converter and a "denox" storage converter that absorbs nitrogen oxides temporarily. During brief regeneration pulses of a richer fuel-air mixture, nitrogen oxides are released, reacting with other exhaust gas to form harmless nitrogen. These regeneration pulses also raise temperatures in the particulate filter, which burns off the accumulated deposits. The result – BLUETEC can make a diesel as clean as a modern gasoline engine.

BLUETEC depends on the use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (less than 15 parts per million) that became available in the U.S. just last year. Sulfur is a natural element in most mineral oils that increases particulate emissions and has a corrosive effect on engine parts as well. The availability of very low-sulfur fuel enables the use of reliable particulate filters and efficient nitrogen-oxide after-treatment.

Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI

Joining the V8-powered GL450, the diesel-powered GL320 CDI delivers impressive performance, low exhaust emissions and great fuel economy. Boasting 215 hp and a whopping 398 lb-ft. of torque, the GL320 CDI features an innovative V6 diesel engine that's equipped with the latest 3rd generation CDI technology. This latest generation of electronically injected CDI engines is changing consumers' dated perceptions about diesel engines.

The GL320 CDI has a significantly longer cruising range, more than 600 miles traveling at highway speeds. Equally important, the GL320 CDI will do all that without sacrificing performance. In addition, its V8-like pulling power makes the GL320 CDI ideal for towing when it's equipped with an optional 7500-lb. trailer hitch.

CDI diesel technology will help expand the company's already broad product portfolio in the U.S. market. In addition, Mercedes-Benz' pioneering role in modern diesel engine development is likely to play a key role in the company's future products that could also include hybrids, advanced piston engines and fuel cells.

The graceful body of the new GL provides outstanding passive safety with a high-strength occupant cell protected by technologically advanced front and rear crumple zones that include new provisions to help reduce potential injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. The GL comes with two-stage front air bags for the driver and front passenger, side air bags in the front and 2nd-row seats, and curtain air bags that span all three seat rows.

As an added standard safety feature, standard active front head restraints move forward and upward in the event of a rear collision that exceeds its deployment threshold, helping to support the head and reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries.