Without sounding all science-like, BlueTEC involves the injection of an aqueous urea solution, aptly named AdBlue, into the engine's hot exhaust gasses from an on-board tank. A special catalytic converter and a particulate filter then make hay of the modified exhaust gas resulting in an 80% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.
The BlueTEC engines also achieve improved fuel economy while producing prodigious quantities of torque and a healthy dose of horsepower. I sampled a 4-cylinder BlueTEC engine earlier this year in the newly released GLK and found it pleasing in all manner of operation, so it was with some excitement that I looked forward to driving this week's tester.
BlueTEC V6 on the road
Beneath the hood of the ML320 BlueTEC sits a turbocharged, 3.2-litre V6 diesel engine capable of generating 210 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm and a massive 400 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 - 2,400 rpm. And here's the kicker: this engine has shattered conventionality with its quiet, refined performance.
Starting the BlueTEC is as simple as twisting the big Mercedes-Benz key. A momentary delay is experienced before the engine fires-up when cold starting. And thanks to unusually cold Westcoast weather, I was provided the opportunity to test the BlueTEC's ability to handle frigid temperatures. In such conditions the engine always fired-up rapidly and performed flawlessly.
Somewhat unique is the need to sink one's foot deeply into the throttle to get the vehicle moving with any sort of athleticism; but don't be fooled, as the foot goes deeper a tremendous reserve of power becomes evident. In fact from a standing start, the ML320 BlueTEC will snap necks and with surprising force, thanks in part to the vehicle's 7-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration remains brisk as the engine crests its 4,600-rpm redline again and again, sending the ML to 100km/h in a noteworthy 8.6 seconds according to Mercedes-Benz. Passing performance is quite inspiring as well, especially at lower highway speeds. Higher speed passing is what one would expect from a V6-powered, mid-size SUV.
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| Beneath the hood of the ML320 BlueTEC sits a turbocharged, 3.2-litre V6 diesel engine. |
The BlueTEC engines also achieve improved fuel economy while producing prodigious quantities of torque and a healthy dose of horsepower. I sampled a 4-cylinder BlueTEC engine earlier this year in the newly released GLK and found it pleasing in all manner of operation, so it was with some excitement that I looked forward to driving this week's tester.
BlueTEC V6 on the road
Beneath the hood of the ML320 BlueTEC sits a turbocharged, 3.2-litre V6 diesel engine capable of generating 210 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm and a massive 400 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 - 2,400 rpm. And here's the kicker: this engine has shattered conventionality with its quiet, refined performance.
Starting the BlueTEC is as simple as twisting the big Mercedes-Benz key. A momentary delay is experienced before the engine fires-up when cold starting. And thanks to unusually cold Westcoast weather, I was provided the opportunity to test the BlueTEC's ability to handle frigid temperatures. In such conditions the engine always fired-up rapidly and performed flawlessly.
Somewhat unique is the need to sink one's foot deeply into the throttle to get the vehicle moving with any sort of athleticism; but don't be fooled, as the foot goes deeper a tremendous reserve of power becomes evident. In fact from a standing start, the ML320 BlueTEC will snap necks and with surprising force, thanks in part to the vehicle's 7-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration remains brisk as the engine crests its 4,600-rpm redline again and again, sending the ML to 100km/h in a noteworthy 8.6 seconds according to Mercedes-Benz. Passing performance is quite inspiring as well, especially at lower highway speeds. Higher speed passing is what one would expect from a V6-powered, mid-size SUV.
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| The ML320 BlueTEC delivers a well-controlled, pleasant ride that's secure and quiet. |