Cleanest SUV on the Planet: 40-MPG Diesel-Hybrid

[MBManiacz]

Check out this good link I found!

"Mercedes will release a diesel-hybrid SUV that gets a whopping 40-MPG. The new emissions control system (called BlueTec) also makes it the cleanest SUV on the planet. Add the latest in emissions-control technology, and this vehicle breaks the world’s record for lowest carbon-emitting SUV. Now, if they would just let us put biodiesel in it....."

Jump:
http://gas2.org/2008/04/07/mercedes-40-mpg-diesel-hybrid-vision-glk-bluetec-suv/

[Kajtek1]

The ML270cdi was like 35 mpg rated.
So in 10 year of technical progress with hybrid technology all we can gain is 5 mpg?
A little disappointing, but I still would love to see one on the road.

[MB-SV]

At least it won't stink and spew black particulate matter all over the place. Sounds promising.

[Diesel Benz]

Originally Posted by MB-SV

At least it won't stink and spew black particulate matter all over the place. Sounds promising.

The 270 CDI could have been equipped with a particulate filter too like this hybrid. With other improvements since the 270 CDI the mpg gain would probably remain at 5 mpg even after adding the filter, or the difference could be even smaller. The hybrid of topic after all is diesel powered too, the electric motor gets all of its power from the diesel engine after all (energy from braking is also produced by the diesel engine).

The gains from hybrid technology are very much driving conditions dependent. Much of the interest is just from marketing pressure (don't want to say "marketing hype"). But in city driving when a lot of AC (cooling or heating) is not needed, hybrids are likely OK.

[Kajtek1]

We have lot of driving that is in the range of 1 mile.
Driving combustion engine on such distance is not too healthy since it never reaches good operating temperature.
I wonder why the plug in hybrids are not gaining popularity? It would be perfect car allowing us driving on electric motors only in the neighborhood and firing diesel going for long drive.
Than I still would prefer wagon 4-matic.

[Kajtek1]

Originally Posted by MB-SV

At least it won't stink and spew black particulate matter all over the place. Sounds promising.

Even my Ford Powerstroke doesn't do that. 10 years old, 200k passed last year.

[MRBSMITH]

The plug in cars ARE becoming very popular here, it is just that MB marketing knows that MB owners don't really care about gas/diesel prices or polution.

That will be 2 cents please.
B