Mercedes Benz Diesel Performance

German automaker Mercedes-Benz is a leader in diesel technology, offering several models equipped with its "BlueTec" engines. BlueTec models sold in the United States include its GL350, ML350 and R350 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz GL350

The 2010 GL350 is a seven-passenger SUV. It offers an optional 3.0-liter, V6 diesel engine rated at 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, according to AOL Autos. This all-wheel-drive vehicle has a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.

Mercedes-Benz ML350

The Mercedes ML350 is a midsize, five-passenger SUV. Its 3.0-liter, V6 diesel engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and is rated at 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, according to Edmunds. This model gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Mercedes-Benz R350

The same diesel engine that powers the GL350 and ML350 is available in the 2011 Mercedes R350, a six-passenger, wagon-like, crossover model. This car is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. This vehicle goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.5 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 16.5 seconds at 83 mph, according to Car & Driver.

References

• AOL Autos: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
• Edmunds.com: Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
• CarandDriver.com: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTec - Short Take Road Test