Mercedes-Benz launched its E320 Bluetec diesel sedan today in California, making it the first vehicle to meet California’s strict diesel emissions laws. The E320 Bluetec will be available for lease only — due to an initial supply of only 100 vehicles — for the price of about $600/month.
Starting in January, the E320 Bluetec will be available in other states that have adopted California’s stricter emissions regulations, including New York, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
According to Automotive News, Bluetec versions of Mercedes’ M, R and GL-class vehicles will be available starting in August 2008.
Earlier this year, Mercedes previewed a number of eco-friendly vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show, so expect the German automaker to offer several other green-technologies in the coming years.
10/15, 5:12 PM
posted by:
jamaicandude
I hope it is well received.
10/15, 5:23 PM
posted by:
CTS DRIVER
should be a success
10/15, 6:18 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
That “lease only” nonsense is a classic example of a greedy business model. M-B is becoming less appealing all the time.
10/15, 6:25 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Good, but they need to mass-produce this baby to lots of customers. They in turn will spread the word on how great Diesel technology has become and hopefully convince people to switch.
10/15, 7:24 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Don’t be surprised. This is, after all, the company that’s making the world’s first luxury hybrid
10/15, 7:32 PM
posted by:
Kaizen
One potential problem would be that it doesn’t offer an overwhelming reason to buy it. For example:
The E320 Bluetec costs $55K base, has 210 hp and get 23/32 city/hwy. BIN 8 level.
The GS350, an extremely valid competitor, costs $44K base, has 303 hp and gets 21/29. ULEV II.
So basically 50% more hp, $11K less, very clean and 10% fuel economy. And that’s just based on the merits listed above. None of the arbitrary “Lexus has high quality or drives like a boat” stuff.
My .02
10/15, 7:33 PM
posted by:
Kaizen
edit: with only 10% less fuel economy
10/15, 10:09 PM
posted by:
swamprat
I told you so. The diesel fuel economy is suffering because of idiotic EPA/CARB rules. I saw this coming.
10/16, 4:55 AM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
Well after getting beat by BMW as the #1 Luxo marque and dumping Chrysler, this restructuring is gonna see alot of new changes, Also look for BMW/Merc hybrids.
10/16, 7:49 AM
posted by:
Fletch
Shame on MB for only offering leases. Hope they rot on the lot.
10/16, 8:35 AM
posted by:
autonut
How many people buy Benzes? Or large bimmers or any luxury car for that matter? Most of them (probably not all) are leased vehicles. If you own a business it is part of business expense and tax deduction. Why would anyone shell out 55 large for a car? Unless it is a classic and will be treated as such, but this is diesel. In addition 600 is not much of lease on E class, at least around NYC.
I am surprised they managed to get through CAFE, because Bluetec requires human intervention in order to work (exchange of urea cartridge) and CAFE was dead against manual intervention and demanded fully automated system.
10/16, 8:55 AM
posted by:
driver54
Kaizen, that 21/29 is for a 2007 GS350. They don’t have a 2008 GS yet, but the 2008 IS350 gets 18/25. So, it has 20% less fuel economy than the E320 Bluetec.
10/16, 8:58 AM
posted by:
driver54
And let’s not forget, the Bluetec has 40% more torque than the GS.
10/16, 9:13 AM
posted by:
driver54
I found the 2008 GS350 numbers, they are actually better than the IS at 19/27. However, I do agree with your point.
10/16, 9:25 AM
posted by:
atourya
Offerring lease only on limited runs is pretty regular when a car company is testing the market. An example of that is Honda’s new hydrogen car.
It is very smart for MB. That way, if this test is not successful, they can just pull the leases back and not have to support these cars here in the US.
I know very few people that buy high end benz’s or bmw’s. But I know many that have leased them.
10/16, 12:34 PM
posted by:
driver54
This car is on sale in most states, that is why the lease only thing is weird.
10/16, 7:41 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Finally.
10/17, 9:10 AM
posted by:
jonmiles
Mercedes Benz is an awful car manufacturer. I hope Audi really smears them next year when they release thier deisel models.
10/20, 2:37 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Unfortunately not $600/month. In fact, not even close. First these are ’07s instead of ’08s. They come with P1 package, voice navigation and headlamp washers (but not Xenons). It’s a 24 month lease and you cannot buy the car at lease conclusion. 12K/year mileage restriction. $1,300/month with a $3K drive off. Some dealers are able to get the per-month rate down to sub-$1000 but it’s still a horrible rate. You’d have to be utterly insane to go for such a deal. However, there are more than 100 crazy people in CA, so it shouldn’t be a problem.