Hot on the heels of the announcement they'd be releasing the E320 BLUETEC this week, Mercedes-Benz USA today has launched an additional two CDI models - the ML320 CDI and R320 CDI.

Powered by a three-liter V6 producing 215 horsepower, both models offer impressive torque while maintaining the trademark fuel economy typically associated with diesel powerplants.  More specifically, the ML320 CDI's fuel consumption is rated at 21/27 mpg, an improvement of 26% over the comparable gas-powered model, while the R320 CDI's fuel consumption is rated at 21/28 mpg, a 32% improvement over its gas-fed counterpart.  As for how they'll perform during that cross country road-trip you've been planning, both models have a cruising range of over 600 miles before needing to be refueled.

If you're interested, pricing is set at $44,455 for the ML320 CDI; $44,775 for the R320 CDI; and in case you've forgotten, $52,325 for the E320 BLUETEC. All three prices include a destination charge of $775.

For more information, keep reading for the full press release outlining Mercedes' diesel models; or head over to MBUSA's website where you can now find individual model specifications, options and pricing info for all three vehicles.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


MERCEDES-BENZ launches three new diesel-powered models

MONTVALE, N.J.
Today Mercedes-Benz is launching three new models powered by new-generation diesel engines that are impressively quiet, clean and fast. As earlier-technology diesels are disappearing from the U.S. market, Mercedes-Benz is announcing the availability of the ML320 CDI, a mid-size sport utility with a suggested retail price of $ 44,455; the R320 CDI, a six-passenger luxury vehicle priced at $ 44,775; and the E320 BLUTEC, a full-size luxury sedan that begins at $ 52,325 (all three prices include a destination charge of $775).

The new diesel vehicles are powered by an innovative three-liter V6 diesel engine that combines the impressive torque of a V8 engine with the great fuel economy of four-cylinder engines. The new R320 CDI and ML320 CDI make 215 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque, while the E320 BLUETEC produces 208 and torque of 400 lb.-ft. All three models are fitted with the latest CDI electronic fuel injection, and the E320 BLUETEC features new emission control technology that holds the potential to meet the world’s toughest clean air standards.

Aided by its aerodynamic styling, the E320 BLUETEC boasts a whopping 40 percent better fuel mileage than a comparable gasoline-powered model, and its EPA city/highway rating of 27/37 miles per gallon means the luxury sedan can cruise more than 700 miles on a single tank of fuel. With a city/highway rating of 21/28 mpg, the R320 CDI gets 32 percent better fuel economy, while the ML320 CDI sport utility (rated at 21/27 mpg) provides a 26 percent improvement. Both CDI models have a cruising range of well over 600 miles before refueling.

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