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USA Today: Mercedes Diesels are Alluring for Power and Mileage but have Some Quirks

Save gasoline; drive a diesel. Diesels, after all, get 20% to 40% better mileage than similar-size gasoline engines. And they burn a fuel that takes less energy to refine.

Diesels have a quirky personality, marvelous amounts of power and a grumbly voice that's more assurance than annoyance.

The diesels tested are the ML320 CDI and the R320 CDI, both made in Vance, Ala., and based on similar underpinnings, though far different looking. ML is midsize; R is big.

They resemble the gasoline versions and are equipped similarly. Mercedes holds the price to $1,000 more than gasoline models. That's a pretty low premium, less than half what's charged for most gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles — though hybrids get better mileage.


The gas models were reviewed here late in 2005 as they were being launched. We'll focus mainly on the diesel-ness of the vehicles today. A diesel also is available in the E320 midsize sedan and the GL SUV, launched last month.

Fuel. Not as hard to find as some suppose. The Diesel Technology Forum says 42% of U.S. service stations sell diesel. But that includes an uncounted number of truck stops, the ambiance of which might not suit your typical Mercedes-Benz driver.

Noise. Not much; more when cold than when the engine is warm. It begins as a distant clatter, then smoothes into a gruff voice, like your uncle who smokes too many cigars. Mercedes has done such a nice job insulating you from the sound that it's quite a bit more noticeable outside the car than inside.

Power. Only modest horsepower, but large amounts of torque, 398 pounds-feet of it in the test vehicles. That's more than in, say, a gasoline Hemi V-8.

The power characteristics make Mercedes diesels, diesels in general, good for hauling lots of people and cargo, and handling hills easily; once underway, the Mercedes CDIs will literally shove you back in your seat with a prod of the throttle pedal.

Starting. Diesels have a reputation as hard-starting in cold weather. The R and the E320, tested in temperatures in the 20s, started promptly.

Mileage, cruising range. The reason you buy a diesel in the first place. The SUVs tested are rated 21% to 33% better than similar gasoline-power models. They turned in mid to high teens around the burbs, mid-20s on the highway. Hardly stunning, but satisfying when you consider their size and weight, and when you look at real-world around-town mileage in the low teens for gasoline SUVs.

They save fuel, cost more, have some quirks. Not for everybody, but the Mercedes diesel SUVs are alluring for their power and mileage. And those comfy seats.

Overall:  A painless, pleasant way to save fuel and avoid the clich?of a gasoline-electric hybrid. The new diesel models have no track record for quality and reliability.

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