New BlueTEC Model for Mercedes S-Class; Fuel Consumption Down 11%, Power Up 10% and Torque Up 15%
06 July 2010
Mercedes-Benz is introducing the new S 350 BlueTEC. Equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system using AdBlue, the S350 BlueTEC already complies with the emission levels which are planned for 2014 with the introduction of the EU 6 standard.
With combined fuel consumption of 6.8 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (35 mpg US) NEDC—corresponding to CO2 emissions of 177 grams per kilometer—the new V6 diesel model is 11% more economical than its predecessor. At the same time, the power output is up 10% at 190 kW (258 hp) and torque is 15% higher at 620 N·m (457 lb-ft).
The s350 BlueTEC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) electronically limited).
The AdBlue tank is installed under the luggage compartment floor and has a capacity of 25.7 liters (6.8 gallons). The tank is replenished at the regular maintenance intervals every 25,000 kilometers (15,500 miles). The price for the new S 350 BlueTEC stands at €76,279 (US$95,677).
As I understand, the previous version of the V6 CDI engine with SCR NOx cleaning had lower power (155 kW) than the version without NOx catalyst (170 kW). There is really no reason why there should be a difference in performance whether you use SCR or not. It is nice to see that this SCR engine now is more powerful. However, I would still prefer an uprated version of the twin-turbo 4-cylinder engine combined with a mild hybrid system. It could provide similar performance but much lower fuel consumption.
Posted by: Peter_XX | 06 July 2010 at 06:59 AM
This is really amazing mileage for a car this size. I'm guessing this won't make it to the US, which is too bad. It would be interesting to see it compete head to head with Mercedes' own S 400 Hybrid. It appears in Europe that you can actually get both, which is a great idea. Customers can decide which one is right for them based on their personal preferences and driving style.
Posted by: Peter9909 | 06 July 2010 at 07:27 AM
Why not bring it to the U.S. if it already has the Ad-Blue system?
Posted by: GreenPlease | 06 July 2010 at 08:19 AM
Since it has an SCR catalyst and a particle filter, it should meet the US emission limits. It is rather an issue of marketing strategy if they want to certify it according to the US regulation or not. Maybe not, since US customers are so sceptic to diesel cars. Why certify something you cannot sell anyway...
It is a similar story with BMW. The have NOx catlysts (NOx adsorber, though...) on a 6-cylinder engine for Euro 6 with similar power and fuel consumption in the 7-series. This engine is also available in the 3 and 5-series. I do not think these cars are marketed in the US.
Posted by: Peter_XX | 06 July 2010 at 08:39 AM
Peter9909,
If you compare the EU spec. you will see that the 350 diesel accelerates 0-100 km/h in 7.1 s, while this takes 7.2 s for the hybrid. The hybrid has a fuel consumption of 7.9 l/100 km vs. 6.8 for the diesel. Likewise, CO2 emissions are lower for the diesel. The Audi and BMW competing cars have fuel consumption of 6.6 and 6.8 l/100 km respecrively. I have seen that there will be an update on the Mercedes gasoline engine in the near future, which could also be applied on the hybrid, so the diesel vs. gasoline comparison will probably be closer then. However, the hybrid cost 10000 € more, so recovering this investment will probably not be possible. The diesel and "normal" gasoline version are priced very close with only 500 € higher price for the gasoline version. The mileage is almost 50 better for the diesel, so it should be an easy choice in this case(for those who can afford either of them...).
Something I dig not look too closely at in my first glance was the torque of the Merc diesel engine. At 620 Nm, it is higher than the competitors from Audi and BMW (550 & 540 Nm). It is even higher than the two-stage turbo version of the BMW engine (600 Nm). The level is also comparable with a 6-liter naturally aspirated V12 gasoline engine. Applying two-stage turbocharging is not as easy on a V6 engine as on an in-line engine (as the BMW), so Mercedes will have to do some homework before they fully can catch up with BMW in this area.
Posted by: Peter_XX | 07 July 2010 at 05:01 AM