By Andrew Ganz
Wednesday, Mar 19th, 2008 @ 11:03 am

At today’s New York International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz officially unveiled its 50-state Bluetec SUVs, including the ML320 Bluetec, the GL320 Bluetec and the R320 Bluetec.

Mercedes’ Geoff Day began the press conference by urging the gathered media to “Vote for Bluetec,” capitalizing on the “clean running platform” of Mercedes’ Bluetec diesel engines.

In addition to introducing the revised “New Generation” 2009 M-Class SUVs, Mercedes premiered 50-state diesel SUVs powered by the automaker’s Bluetec diesel engines.

The revised M-Class SUV features a mildly facelifted front fascia with new headlamps, a larger grill, new seats and steering wheel and Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system.

Also going on sale this fall, the ML320 Bluetec, GL320 Bluetec and R320 Bluetec will meet 2009 emissions regulations for all 50 states. They replace CDI models that did not meet emissions for all 50 states.

Before urging journalists to “Vote for Bluetec,” Mercedes’ Thomas Weber introduced a white 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190D “Fintail” sedan, which was once driven by Motor Trend magazine from Los Angeles to New York using less than $35 in diesel fuel – in 1963 dollars. Mercedes-Benz intends to repeat that trip to showcase the efficiency of the 2009 Bluetec SUVs – and the vintage “Fintail” will go along for the ride.

The Launch

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