First-Class Turbo-Diesel Power: The Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI

greenwad submitted on 05/20/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 1:17 AM
from: carwad.net

[36] user comments | category: Reviews

Tags: mercedes benz s 320 cdi, mercedes benz s 320 cdi sedan, mercedes benz, review mercedes benz s 320 cdi

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First-Class Turbo-Diesel Power: The Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI

Sydney – The top-of-the-range luxury saloon from Mercedes-Benz is now available with a further-optimised version of the popular 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, the same power unit that has impressed with it prodigious torque, remarkable fuel economy and exceptional emission levels in other Mercedes-Benz passenger car models. The S 320 CDI is now available in Mercedes-Benz showrooms and is priced from $190,900 (excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges). This is the first time Mercedes-Benz has offered turbo-diesel power in the S-Class to Australian customers.

The newly developed CDI (Common-rail Direct Injection) six-cylinder engine will join the range of engines for the award-winning S-Class. It has an output of 173 kW, topping the figure for the engine in the preceding S 320 CDI (not sold in Australia) by 15 percent. Maximum torque has increased by eight percent, from 500 to 540 Newton metres which is available between a low 1600 and 2800 rpm. These remarkable values make the direct-injection diesel unit one of the most powerful in its displacement class. Combining this exceptional engine with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment ensures the best possible use of its outstanding output and torque potential in any driving situation.

Lightweight construction as a factor in exemplary diesel driving pleasure.

The choice of materials, technical design, fuel injection and engine management system of the V6 diesel engine reflect the state of the art.

Mercedes-Benz has developed an aluminium crankcase with cast-in grey iron cylinder liners for this unit, which makes a major contribution to weight reduction. As a result, the new six-cylinder engine weighs a total of only around 208 kilograms (acc. to DIN) and achieves a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 0.83 kW/kg; a major contribution to the outstanding agility and handling offered by the S 320 CDI by the new engine. Read Article

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Milton - 5/20/2008 10:21:59 AM

+9 Boost

Luxurious, comfortable and economical...It has everything you want.

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Kraut_god - 5/20/2008 12:25:01 PM

-9 Boost

nothing like a cantankerous black cloud puffing mercedes.

TurboSpyder - 5/20/2008 12:46:03 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

"nothing like a cantankerous black cloud puffing mercedes."

Yeah, it's amazing how they can pass the modern emission standards, huh?

MichaelTaylor - 5/20/2008 11:08:33 AM

-14 Boost

Honestly, this isn't true luxury. Diesel cars might be economical but they lack refinement and performance. I mean the S320 here is SLOW from 0-60. This isn't anything to brag about. This car might be economical but it isn't good for the image of Mercedes.

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w209w114 - 5/20/2008 11:48:06 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

And the Diesel Lexus IS is good for Lexus?

"lack refinement and performance" - I can be almost 100% certain you havent driven this car.

Lexus couldnt build a diesel this refined in years. Thats why they dont. The IS diesel has proven to be the worst diesel in the segment.

So run along and STOP TROLLING

TurboSpyder - 5/20/2008 12:17:47 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Are you comparing the performance of this 6-cylinder Mercedes diesel against Lexus' V8 sedans? The European car magazines have tested German V8 diesels against Lexus' V8 hybrid and the results were not good (again) for Lexus.

"This poor result, combined with the fact the Lexus costs so much, means the Audi A8 earns an easy victory here. Not only is it £20,000 cheaper, it’s also better designed from superior materials, just as fast and around 10mpg more efficient."

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/211689/lexus_ls600h_vs_audi_a8.html

And in the US the 50-state-legal Mercedes E320 Bluetec does 0 to 60 mph in 6.6s according to MB's web site.

MichaelTaylor - 5/20/2008 5:21:34 PM

-6 Boost

I don't need to drive it. Diesels have improved but they're still noisy and unrefined compared to a gasoline engine, especially an ultra smooth Lexus V6 or V8.

The worst thing about diesels is preheating them. I like to get into my car and start the engine, not wait forever for the glow plugs to create sufficient heat for combustion. Something like this is unacceptable in a luxury car. Unacceptable.

Also in the winters you need all the help you can get to start them.

Htay7500 - 5/20/2008 5:24:26 PM

+4 Boost

another good chuckle right there thx to MichaelTaylor!!

MichaelTaylor - 5/20/2008 5:29:49 PM

-4 Boost

At what? What did I say that's so funny?

Rupert - 5/20/2008 6:38:42 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

You don't need to wait for glow plugs - diesels start instantly, and more reliably than petrol cars.

Threepoint1415926 - 5/20/2008 7:18:24 PM

+4 Boost

My '82 240D took about 3 seconds in the winter for the glow plugs to warm. My 06 E320CDI is almost instant. Not much of a wait IMO

shabaru - 5/21/2008 8:17:42 PM

+1 Boost

i dont think sum1 who buys especially an S320 is even close to looking at performance... more of the natural aspects and what is out of their pockets...

andraz - 5/20/2008 11:14:42 AM

+5 Boost

MichaelTaylor, so says who? Average Joe or some peculiar individuals?

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MichaelTaylor - 5/20/2008 5:18:46 PM

-4 Boost

Look at Lexus, the definition of what luxury should be. No diesels and no 4 cylinders. Lexus sets the trend in the luxury segment.

They would never stoop down to MB levels by offering a diesel S class. It might be economical but it isn't good for the environment. An LS600h is cleaner and faster and has better value so it is clearly the better car. It would be my choice as I am doing something for the environment.

1995e34 - 5/20/2008 10:40:04 PM

+3 Boost

the IS is offered as a diesel 4 cylinder.

MichaelTaylor - 5/21/2008 5:36:15 AM

-3 Boost

Yeah, but the IS220d is still more luxurious and better equipped in Europe than its competition. Plus Europeans can live with 4 cylinders so that makes it ok.

1995e34 - 5/21/2008 9:33:06 AM

+2 Boost

but your entire argument was predicated on lexus being "above" selling these caveman technologies.

Monk - 5/20/2008 11:19:15 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Ok, Europeans still buy this car...smart choice
If this was available in the US, I would buy one immediately. I don't care for 5.5s 0-60 even with the brilliant 5.5 liter engine - I don't need it.

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budfrogS4 - 5/20/2008 12:44:08 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

They sell the E320 Bluetec here in the US. Slightly less powerful (?) than what they describe above.

woood - 5/20/2008 11:19:30 AM

+2 Boost

Why compare 0-60 if its supposed to be a luxury car?

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1995e34 - 5/20/2008 12:14:33 PM

+4 Boost

this engine makes buying the s-class less of a sin. bring it to the states. we love our big cars.

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nybimmer - 5/20/2008 12:32:49 PM

+5 Boost

What a great car - MB should really consider selling it in the USA. I recently bought an S550 and I would have definitely bought the diesel if it was available in 4-Matic.

While the 5.5 liter's of power are great, it is really overkill. Though, if I am driving only on the hwy with the cruise on 65MPH, I average about 23MPG which is pretty good for such a huge engine. Think of what the S320 CDi could get...30MPG + ?

My last car, the S430 was plenty powerful enough and it got 25MPG steady-state on the highway.

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Rupert - 5/20/2008 3:24:58 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

30 mpg easily on the highway. More like 35.

nybimmer - 5/20/2008 3:53:44 PM

+4 Boost

Wow, sign me up for one of those. The eco-poseurs should be all over that. [FLAME ALERT] The Lexus LS600hL is a gas hog in comparison.

The thing I'd like best about it though is the long range between fill-ups. I hate stopping for fuel and a 600/700 + mile range would be really cool.

MichaelTaylor - 5/20/2008 5:19:35 PM

-2 Boost

The LS600h was created for performance and low emissions and good fuel economy. Remember this car competes with the S600 and 760i so it is fuel efficient compared to them.

Htay7500 - 5/20/2008 5:23:56 PM

+2 Boost

^^gave me a good chuckle there.

MichaelTaylor - 5/20/2008 5:31:11 PM

-4 Boost

You're laughing at facts? The LS600h is more economical, cleaner and greener than an S600 ever will be. Being a smart business minded person with an appreciation for the environment, I would get the LS600h hands down any day over an S600 or other polluting German machine.

Htay7500 - 5/20/2008 7:08:13 PM

+4 Boost

would you care to back up your facts? (i.e. a source?). and in other (old) news, the german TUV people have already tested who was more economically friendly, s550/500 or prius?

www.carpages.co.uk/mercedes_benz/mercedes-benz-s-class-19-03-07.asp

993Turbo - 5/20/2008 12:40:28 PM

+3 Boost

People think that because diesel has less hp that is is slower 0-60 but because of the much greater torque and abundance of "instant" power. The 0-60 times can be easily comparable if not even faster for cars of similar weight.

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LexusKindaGuy12 - 5/20/2008 1:40:51 PM

-3 Boost

why is mercedes still making CDI diesels when they have bluetec technology. geezus

they should stick the bluetec is every disel they make instead of wasting time with the old diesel technology.

i am almost certain that this car wont pass all 50 states emmission if brought over

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Rupert - 5/20/2008 3:24:22 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

'why is mercedes still making CDI diesels when they have bluetec technology.?"

Well, it's not needed in most markets to pass emissions tests. Why should they bother? You might as well say 'Why does Lexus bother building plain old gas engines when it's got hybrids'

And no it wouldn't pass 50 state. But it doesn't need to, it's not sold in the US. All bluetec does is reduce NOx emissions, it is just a CDI engine with some bluetec stuff bolted to the back, it's not a separate engine, so they should continue with CDI.

simmonsdp - 5/20/2008 6:11:05 PM

+2 Boost

Yeah, and thats just the 320CDI, their 8 cyl is awsome with well over 300hp......

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EvoAudi - 5/20/2008 6:29:26 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I have a S550, and beleive me the engine in it is complete overkill. it never really goes past 3000 RPM in comfort mode unless i really feel the need to push it. A Turbodeisel engine would be just as good if not better for it due to all the low end torque and improved MPG.

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tmoney1188mit - 5/21/2008 1:44:08 AM

+4 Boost

No MichaelTaylor, you are wrong and just make yourself look like an even bigger idiot each time you make a post. It is obvious that you have no engineering or for that matter scientific background in general. If you did you would know that Mercedes uses "Bluetec" technology for their diesel cars. The "Bluetec" system puts the exhaust gases through multi-phase cleaning system. Diesels tend to produce the highest levels of carbon monoxide, a Carbon atom triple bonded to an Oxygen atom making them tetravalent, and leaving a what is referred to in the car industry a NOx, which is the oxides of nitrogen, which looks like soot. Mercedes has a storage catalyst that stores the NOx and then when the ECU senses peak levels have been reached the car runs rich to purge the NOx from the engine. When the exhaust gases leave they are run through liquid urea which breaks down the gases into nitrogen and water, which are for the most part harmless. As for the Lexus, while battery packs in the hybrids are relatively green the electrolysis process and casing in which they go through are not, putting many more pollutants in the air simply from their production. So while you tell everybody on this website how wonderful Lexus is, maybe you should step down off of your moral high horse learn the facts and stop posting on this website, you are just embarrassing yourself.

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MichaelTaylor - 5/21/2008 5:38:12 AM

-5 Boost

Really? I am just stating my opinions and some facts.

Fact is:

Hybrids > Diesel

Given that hybrids are cleaner and more friendly towards the environment. They also have a brighter future than diesel.

EvoAudi - 5/21/2008 7:08:41 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Hybrids may have a better future in terms of marketing, but diesel will always have a advantage at highway speeds.

at least until someone steps up and makes a Bluetec Diesel-Electric Hybrid.

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