Jackrabbit
starts. An underwhelming thirst for fuel. None of that ear
pounding clatter from earlier days. No stinky black contrail.
For those who said it could never be done, Mercedes-Benz
must have two little (somewhat sarcastic) words. "Oh,
yeah?"
To
underscore why, take a look at M-B showrooms these days.
Unless their supply just went to the just-sold prep bays,
you'll likely see an electronically fuel injected, six-cylinder,
turbocharged diesel-powered luxury E320 CDI beauty, new
for 2005, that's ready to elbow for space among today's
earth-friendly hybrids.
The
CDI (a mercifully shortened version of "Common-rail
Direct Injection" that - trust us -makes sense to auto
engineers) was supposed to be impossible. M-B, which specializes
in diesel tech, didn't think so and developed a fuel efficient,
quick accelerating, low emissions alternative for its flagship
E-Class luxury lineup. They boast its 27/37 city/highway
mileage far outdistances the gasoline-powered E320's 19/27,
no small gain considering soaring fuel prices. (How long
would it take to balance out the $1,000 premium for going
diesel? And that's not even weighing in the advantage of
diesels' penchant for long life and low maintenance, and
the E320 CDI's growing rep for sporty feel and driving fun.)
The
diesel sedan becomes the sixth in Mercedes-Benz's E-Class
luxury lineup that has two sets of sedans and wagons, including
the 3.2-liter V6 powered E320, and E500 (5.0-liter, 302-HP
V8) with a first-ever seven-speed automatic replacing the
other models' dual-mode five.
The
limited edition, V8 powered AMG screamer bangs out 469-HP.
Beyond the obvious, the E-Class offers a wealth of variety
for '05 that, depending on model, includes: Airmatic dual
control air suspension, speed-sensitive Active Curve Illumination
headlamps with washers, an eight-airbag system for safety,
the expected luxury car leather seating, chrome and wood
trim, "Keyless Go," and optional navigation system.
If
you live in the 45 states where it meets current emissions
standards, you'll have to pony up $50K - give or take a
few - to go diesel. If you're in the five where it doesn't
(California and New York included), try lobbying for a speedy
supply of lower sulfur diesel fuel.
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