Mercedes New Diesel Variants to Come

As part of plans to bring eight diesel engine variants in the U.S by 2014, Mercedes will be adding the GLK250 BlueTec to the existing range of E-, M-, GL- and R- class models. Also on offer in the near future would be a diesel S class. We might also see an upgraded 2012 C class in September, but its diesel version could take at least another year.

Adding the S-, C- and GLK- class to the fray only counts to 7 models and when asked about the eighth model, a Merc spokesperson has been quoted as saying that there was plenty of time till 2014. Guess it will be a new model; small front-wheel-drive perhaps!

The S350 BlueTec will have the popular 3.0 Liter turbo-diesel V6 engine that is in Mercedes’ other flagship diesel models across the U.S. It will have 4Matic AWD and will reach dealers in 2011 fall.

The European GLK crossover gets the 2.1 Liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine developing 204 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with minor changes and possibly tagging a GLK250 BlueTec name it should soon make it to the U.S.

The much awaited crossover could return 30+ mpg on highways, do the 0-60 mph sprint a shade under 8 seconds and reach 213 Km/h (132 mph).