2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV Has New 3.0L Diesel for U.S. Sales

In brief: Mercedes-Benz is introducing the new M-Class SUV for 2012 into the U.S. market with a new BlueTEC diesel engine for the ML350.

Vehicle in the news

Make/Model: ML350 BlueTEC
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz

The word

The new ML350 BlueTEC will feature a reworked 3.0L diesel engine that meets emissions standards in all 50 states and considerably reduces fuel consumption without losing performance.

Using twinwire-arc spraying (TWAS) technology, the engine reduces internal friction, bringing this high-performance AMG attribute to mainstream vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz line. This reduces engine weight and improves performance and lubrication.

Other changes also improve economy giving the new BlueTEC 4Matic ML350 a total of 20/25 (city/highway) as opposed to its predecessor's 18/25mpg with the same displacement and higher output (240hp vs 210hp).

And so ...

Even the gasoline version of the ML350 is seeing improvement, going from 15/20mpg to 17/22mpg.

Photo credits: Mercedes