Mercedes’ ultra-clean BlueTEC diesels, which will be available in the M, GL, and R-Class models in 2009, will be available to customers.

Mercedes’ 50 state-compliant BlueTEC diesel engine is expanding rapidly across the Mercedes lineup. The engines will be available in the M-Class GL-Class, R-Class, and GL-Class for ’09. A 2009 design refresh has made the M-Class the most prominent of the 320 BlueTEC-equipped models. The M’s exterior has been slightly redesigned and the interior has been redrawn to give it a distinctive appearance. A new entertainment system for the rear seats is also available.

The 3.2 liter turbodiesel engine V6 that powers the ML320-R320 models and GL BlueTEC makes 210 horsepower, 398 pound-feet torque and 398 psi. This means that even the heavy GL can achieve 24-mpg, which is a 20%-40% increase in fuel economy over similar gasoline-powered models. The 3.2 turbodiesel V6 was revised for SUVs with a lower compression ratio, a remapped engine control unit and a revised turbocharger. All three models come standard with seven-speed automatic transmissions. The new BlueTEC system is a significant improvement in NOx emissions for Mercedes. The three sport-utes are equipped with AdBlue Selective Catalytic Reductions (SCR), which reduces NOx emissions. The AdBlue tank’s maintenance interval is 10,000 miles. BlueTEC SUVs will meet U.S. Bin5 emission standards and be available in all 50 States.