2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec

With the advent of common-rail direct fuel injection and four-valve cylinder heads in 1997, much of the clatter and smoke of older diesels was replaced with cleaner exhaust, more refined operation, and boosted power and torque ratings. Despite this upgrade, however, diesel engines have been unable to pass the most recent emissions regulations in the Northeastern U.S. and California. Bluetec technology will allow diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz products to be sold in those regions starting in the fall of 2006, and will meet the most stringest regulations worldwide through the end of the decade.

Bluetec arrives first under the hood of the 2007 Mercedes E-Class, but will be added to the company’s three SUVs shortly thereafter. The production version of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec blends one of the nicest luxury sedans on the market with a 35-mpg highway fuel economy rating and the torque of a V8 engine. But the best news is that when the E320 Bluetec hits the road, it will do so in California and New England, regions of the U.S. that are currently verboten to turbodiesel engines in passenger cars.