New 'clean' diesel a great addition to the E-Class
LORNE DRURY The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been an automotive icon for more than 60 years.

It's been a leader in the luxury mid-size field because of the hallmarks Mercedes is known for-- comfort, luxury, performance and safety.

There are a number of variants in the E-Class stable, including both a sedan and wagon. 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive is offered on some models and there are both V6 and V8 gasoline engines available, including a 503 hp V8 in the E63 AMG model.

Now, with the addition of a new clean-burning Bluetec diesel engine, there's even more of a reason to give the E-Class a long hard look if you're touring the luxury marketplace.

The 3.0L Bluetec V6 is described by Mercedes as the cleanest diesel in the world. It offers both performance and economy at the same time, with 208 hp and an amazing 400 lb/ft of torque.

Not surprising when you consider Mercedes has been a pioneer in diesel technology. Its first diesel was the 260D, launched 70 years ago.

I had an opportunity to experience the Bluetec recently in the E320 sedan. For those who haven't driven one of the 'new' generation of diesels, be prepared for a surprise.

Other than having to fill up at the diesel pump, you'd be hard pressed to know you were driving anything but a gasoline engine. The engine runs smooth and quiet with none of the 'clatter' and smell one normally associates with diesel engines.

My tester, a 2008 E320 sedan priced out at $69,300 with only a navigation system ($1,500) on the options list.

Among the standard features are 10-way power adjustable heated front seats with three-position memory, a seven-speed automatic transmission, heated leather steering wheel, power windows with one-touch express up/down, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel and dual zone automatic climate control.

Performance is surprisingly spritely with a 0-100 km/h time of just 6.7 seconds. Meanwhile, fuel economy is rated at 7.6L/100 km combined city and highway-- about 20 to 40 per cent lower than in cars with comparable gasoline engines. With these fuel numbers, expect upwards of 1,100 km or more per tankful-- great if you're doing any long distance cruising.

And cruising is where the E320 excels. There's room for four (or five if you park three children in the rear) to ride in comfort and luxury.

While the exterior is elegant, yet understated, the interior breathes luxury thanks to the soft, plush leather seating and generous use of wood trim with nice chrome touches.

If diesel isn't your choice, the E-Class offers a number of other variants. There is the 3.0L 228 hp V6 E300 4MATIC with full-time all-wheel drive, starting at $65,800. The E350 4MATIC has a 3.5L V6, producing 268 hp. It starts at $74,500, while an E350 4MATIC Wagon is $77,300.

An E550 4MATIC with a 5.5L 382 hp V8 starts at $85,300 and an E63 AMG with a 6.2L 503 hp V8 comes in at $121,100.

For 2008, all models come standard with Bluetooth and SIRIUS satellite radio, improved functionality with split folding rear seats and trunk pass-through with ski sack.

Standard equipment

The E300 4MATIC and the E320 Bluetec both come with standard harman/kardon LOGIC7. The E320 also has a six-disc CD changer and a new 16-inch wheel design.

With such a wide selection of models in the E-Class alone, making a decision on which one is just right for you might be a difficult one.

For me, after a week with the Bluetec diesel, the decision would be an easy one. It combines just the right amount of performance and fuel economy at a time when we know fuel prices have no where to go but up. While many are jumping on the hybrid bandwagon, these new clean-burning diesel engines have so much to offer.

The E320 Bluetec is simply the right car at the right time.

2008 MERCEDES E320 BLUETEC

AT A GLANCE

BODY STYLE: four-door sedan

DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, two-wheel drive

ENGINE: 3.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 diesel (210 hp, 400 lb/ft)

FUEL ECONOMY: 9.0L/100 km city, 6.1L/100 km highway

PRICE: $68,100, as tested $69,300

WEBSITE: mercedes-benz.ca