More than half of the cars sold in Europe today are diesels, as opposed to barely five percent scratching the market here in the U.S. But a shift is taking place as cleaner burning technology makes its way into the mainstream, countering the old diesel stereotypes of being dirty, loud, and unsophisticated. And as more people wake up to the benefits of the modern diesel system, Mercedes Benz is leading the charge with technology it calls “Bluetec”. Intended to span over a line of several vehicles, the Bluetec designation is most commonly associated with Benz’ E-Class platform, specifically the E320 sedan. 
Before getting to the car, it is important to first understand how Bluetec works. This system is made possible by several key components, starting with an all-new turbo diesel V6 with common rail direct fuel injection. This engine is designed to efficiently run on the ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel that’s now available at fuel pumps nationwide. But that’s just half the equation. Once this fuel is burned, diesel emissions leave the engine and flow through a gauntlet of after-treatment devices implemented throughout the exhaust system. These converters and filters “catch” the diesel particulates (soot), drastically lessening the level of oxides of nitrogen exiting the tailpipe.
Beyond granting low-emission motoring, this system also achieves outstanding fuel economy. The E320 Bluetec boasts EPA numbers of 23 city/32 highway. That’s a 35 percent improvement over its gas-powered counterpart, the E350 sedan.
But the E320 Bluetec is legal in only 42 states, not having met the stringent air standards of California and much of the Northeast. A modified version of the car is now available in California through a special lease program, but limited to just 100 vehicles. There will be three new Bluetec SUVs arriving next year that are approved in all 50 states due to an alternate configuration of the Bluetec system.
In addition to its progressive fuel system, the E320 Bluetec is a quintessential luxury automobile, inside and out. It offers the build quality, engineering, and opulence from which the Mercedes Benz brand has earned its reputation.
Power from this rear-drive turbo diesel (208 horsepower, 388 pound-feet of torque) is quite overwhelming, especially off the line. Launch and acceleration are usually the areas in which a diesel engine shines, thanks to its enormous torque output. This car can get from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds. This kind of performance is remarkable for a vehicle that's so fuel-efficient.
Handling and braking are also spot-on. This car is extremely balanced and stable, allowing the driver to feel well-connected to the road at all times. But again, that’s what you expect from Mercedes Benz.
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