The seven-passenger all-wheel-drive (AWD) 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC is fitted with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 clean diesel engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with two overdrive gears. The GL350 BlueTEC’s V6 produces 210 horsepower and 400 foot pounds of torque. The seven-speed driver-adaptive automatic can be manually shifted with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC are 17 city / 23 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We travelled over five hundred miles in our handsome Barolo Red review unit and trounced the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 30.4 MPG on the Interstate highway and 23.7 MPG combined.

The official estimates appear to be rather conservative, but one thing is clear … drive the clean diesel GL350 BlueTEC with a light foot and you will be amply rewarded.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from from the high thirties through the low seventies. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the high sixties through low seventies. The test vehicle was delivered with just over 7200 miles on the odometer and was equipped with the standard 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, clad with 275/50R20 all-season run-flat tires.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, heat off, windows up: 29.1 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, heat off, windows up: 31.7 MPG

The 2010 GL350 BlueTEC requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel or B5 bio diesel and is equipped with a 26.4 gallon fuel tank and 3.4 gallon reserve. This allows for an astounding amount of range … especially when driven with a light foot.

The turbo V6 doesn’t sound or smell like the diesels of yore. AdBlue, an urea-based fluid, is injected into the exhaust to reduce NOx levels. (Although some have complained about the added cost of AdBlue, we’d like to see the fluid provided free of charge, throughout the warranty period.)

While the clean diesel engine is both smooth and powerful, off the line performance bears testament to the GL350 BlueTEC’s 5,423 pound curb weight.

The GL350 keeps the driver informed with a center-mounted multifunction display that is navigated via steering wheel-mounted controls. The multifunction display allows the driver’s eyes to stay centered, as it delivers a wealth of data, including our favorite, the real-time fuel economy gauge. Driving with the real-time MPG gauge active encourages a fuel-efficient light-footed driving style.

In addition to fuel economy information, the multifunction display provides trip meters, range to empty, average fuel economy, average mile per hour, oil-check, and maintenance system displays, along with navigation cues, mobile phonebook, and audio information.

While many seven-seat SUVs can be truly ponderous to drive, not so the unibody GL350 BlueTEC. Mercedes-Benz engineering delivers ride and handling that’s superior to body-on-frame SUVs. The four-wheel AIRMATIC suspension allows the GL350’s ride height to be raised or lowered three inches to adapt to road conditions.

The GL350’s full-time 4MATIC four-wheel-drive uses an electronic traction system (4-ETS) to monitor each wheel individually. If a wheel loses traction, braking is applied to that wheel, while power is shifted to the wheel or wheels that have maintained traction.

The cabin is spacious, luxurious, and well-appointed, as one would expect.

While burl walnut trim is standard issue, leather seating surfaces are optional. A pair of sunroofs open the interior up to the great outdoors, although the rear sunroof is fixed.

The eight-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system features a 6.5-inch LCD display and the Mercedes-Benz COMAND interface. USB iPod support, navigation, and a back-up camera are standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity (with phonebook download). The USB interface and auxiliary input are located in the glovebox. iPod integration is properly done, with Artists, Albums, and Playlists accessible from the head unit.

Eight-way power adjustable front seats with three-level heating are standard, as is four-way pneumatic lumbar support in the driver’s seat. Front seat ventilation is optional. The dual-zone automatic climate control system includes a dust and pollen filter.

Our test unit was chock full of additional options, including: a wood/leather steering wheel, duel-screen rear seat entertainment, cashmere leather seating, and premium interior and exterior lighting packages. (At this price level, one might expect a full leather interior and high-end lighting as standard equipment.)

There are three twelve-volt outlets: one at the base of the dash, one at the back of the console, and one in the cargo area, where you’ll also find an 115-volt outlet.

The second row seating is spacious and comfortable with plenty of leg (39.5 inches), head (40.6 inches), and shoulder (58.9 inches) room. The third row can actually accommodate grownups, unlike too many seven-seaters. The process of getting in and out of the third row is simplified through easy-entry/easy-exit controls.

The cargo area allows for 14.3 cubic feet of storage with the third row seats up, 43.8 cubic feet with the third row down, and 83.8 cubic feet with both the second and third row seats folded flat. The third row seats fold flat with the push of a button.

Not enough space to haul your stuff? The GL350 BlueTEC has a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.

Worth Noting: Mercedes-Benz provides a four-year/50,000 mile warranty and a 24-hour roadside assistance program.

All-in-all, the clean-diesel-powered 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC proves that a full-size SUV can be both luxurious and fuel-efficient. If you’re energy conscious, with folks to haul and the financial means, the GL350 BlueTEC should be on your short list.

After opening remarks from diesel hot rodding legend Gale Banks, attention turned to the race course laid out though the parking lots of the Rio Hotel and a generous selection of Euro-diesel gems from Bosch’s fleet.

Attendees were treated to some of the finest examples of diesel engineering currently prowling the streets of Europe, including a Honda Accord i-CDTi and i-CDTi CR-V, Chrysler 300, BMW 535d M Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, and a Mercedes-Benz E320.

Two of the newest and smallest additions to Bosch’s fleet proved to be the hits of the evening, with the MINI Cooper D and BMW 123d M Sport hot hatchbacks especially well suited to the tight curves of the Rio track.

For those that had never driven a modern clean diesel vehicle, the event was an eye opener, with each vehicle delivering exceptional performance and economy in their respective classes.

For attendees that missed the event … there’s always next year …

Make that three manufacturers and two engines …

While it may be news to many folks, Jeep began offering a Mercedes-Benz diesel option in the Grand Cherokee back in 2007. The combination of a Jeep soul with a Mercedes heart is tough to beat.

The 3.0 liter Mercedes-Benz common rail diesel (CRD) is well-suited to the Grand Cherokee, producing 215 horsepower and a very healthy 376 foot pounds of torque. The torque figures put the diesel on a par with the 4.7 liter V-8 (305 HP and 334 foot pounds of torque) and 5.7 liter HEMI V-8 (330 HP and 375 foot pounds of torque). It’s an even match up when it come to grunt, but when it comes to fuel efficiency, the 3.0 liter CRD shines.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD EPA Mileage Estimates:

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Over the test period, our Grand Cherokee’s turbo-diesel delivered endless torque as it turned in a very respectable 21.6 miles per gallon (MPG) combined, with 24.3 MPG on the highway. Those are excellent numbers for a 5000 pound Trail-Rated SUV with full-time four-wheel drive. When it comes to 4WD capabilities, this isn’t a poseur … it’s the real thing.

Driving the diesel Grand Cherokee is different from any other green SUV. The power comes on right off the line and doesn’t stop. The engine makes its presence known when the throttle is dropped, but the din isn’t obtrusive.

While the steering feels heavier than the Lexus 400h or Ford Escape Hybrid, it’s not heavy in a bad way … it feels solid at freeway speeds where a lighter SUV might dance a bit in crosswinds.

It’s a solid ride with understated luxury.

As it stands, the diesel option is quite compelling. Some tweaks could put it over the top.

At 65 miles per hour, the Grand Cherokee’s CRD engine turns at roughly 2500 RPM. It seems like the transmission might benefit from an additional overdrive gear to drop the revs and pick up a mile per gallon or two at highway speeds.

An aero package could yield benefits, as well … as the Grand Cherokee isn’t the most aerodynamic SUV out there.

Diesel SUVs?

They’re’ as American as German Apple Pie …

After completing a two-week review of the CRD-equipped Grand Cherokee, we’re convinced of not just the domestic viability of diesel-power for SUVs and other passenger vehicles, but of the inevitability of of the technology, if only given the chance to succeed in the United States.

Chrysler is to be commended for sticking to plan. There are huge benefits to come from efficient diesel-powered SUVs running on domestically sourced fuel. We hope to see a full line of Jeep diesels available here in America in the near future.

Grand Cherokee Diesel courtesy of Bosch

Simply put, the aerodynamics and vehicle weight of the bulkiest SUVs cause gas mileage to suffer, leading to many a painful transaction at the pump. The trick is to get small(er), lighter, and more slippery. Credit Subaru for getting the ball rolling with popularizing economical 4WD drive passenger cars in the early days. Since 1997, every vehicle Subaru’s offered in America has been all wheel drive.

These days, it’s not just Subaru. There are plenty of four wheel drive choices that are neither truck nor SUV. And forget the notion of pint-sized economy cars. You’ll find a generous helping of 4WD luxury from manufacturers including Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, and Lexus … in fact, you’ll find many of their offerings in the 2008 list of best gas mileage four wheel drives.

Purists will gladly share that there’s a difference between four wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD). And surely there is … but for a great many folks, it comes down to two simple questions: will it go in the snow and will I go broke feeding it?

At the other end of the spectrum, the little Suzuki SX4 delivers plenty of bang for the buck, by combining the best four wheel drive gas mileage with a low sticker price (for those who don’t just think miles per gallon … but miles per dollar.)

Along with its corporate cousins, the Ford Escape Hybrid proves the exception to the rule as the highest all around mile per gallon (MPG) four wheel drive vehicle. If you can’t get a great deal on an Escape Hybrid at your local Ford dealer, take a look at the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. And if you happen to live in Southern California, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid HEV might be an option … as long as you’re able to snag one of the 350 Tribute HEVs built for this test market.)

2008 Best Gas Mileage Four Wheel Drives

• Audi A4
• Suzuki SX4
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru Outback
• Jeep Compass
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Jeep Patriot
• Subaru Forester
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• Honda CR-V
• Volvo S60
• Volvo V50
• Volvo S40
• Toyota RAV4
• Cadillac CTS
• Cadillac STS
• Lexus IS 250
• Nissan Rogue

1979-1981 High MPG Cars 1982 High MPG Cars 1983 High MPG Cars 1984 High MPG Cars There’s no denying that there were some real clunkers in those big lists. But there’s one thing for sure. While the list of today’s 30 MPG cars might be shorter, the improvement in overall quality cannot be denied. Passing a federal law to raise the automakers’ overall fuel efficiency to 35 MPG by 2020 is just goofy when you get right down to it. With the natural shift that is currently underway, that goal may well be met in half the time purely through market forces. As the public more fully understands the choices that are currently available – and are soon to come to market – the shift will accelerate. The 2009 model year may very well prove to be the tipping point, as 1985 was in the opposite direction. A 30 MPG car might be considered by some (many?) Europeans to be a gas guzzler. The cars sold abroad are not all that different. Yes, there are differences in environmental and safety systems, but the facts remain. A great many of the cars that our very own American automakers sell in Europe far exceed their domestic models when it comes to fuel-efficiency.

30 MPG Cars – 2008 Audi A4 Audi A4 Cabriolet Audi TT Coupe Chevrolet Aveo Chevrolet Aveo 5 Chevrolet Cobalt Chevrolet HHR Chevrolet HHR Panel Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Chrysler Sebring Dodge Avenger Ford Escape Hybrid FWD Ford Focus Honda Accord 2DR Coupe Honda Accord 4DR Sedan Honda Civic Honda Civic Hybrid Honda Fit Hyundai Accent Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Sonata Kia Optima Kia Rio Kia Spectra Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD Mini Cooper Convertible Nissan Altima Nissan Altima Coupe Nissan Altima Hybrid Nissan Sentra Nissan Versa Pontiac G5 Pontiac G6 Pontiac Vibe Saturn Aura Saturn Aura Hybrid Suzuki SX4 Suzuki SX4 Sedan Toyota Camry Toyota Camry Hybrid Toyota Solara Toyota Corolla Toyota Matrix Toyota Prius Toyota Scion XD Toyota Yaris Volkswagen EOS

2008 Cars – 30 MPG Highway

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

General Motors was quite well represented among the domestic manufacturers. Buick offered the Skylark, Skyhawk, Regal, Century. Cadillac had the Cimmarron, while Chevrolet had the Chevette, Cavalier, Celebrity, and Citation, along with a 4-cylinder Camaro and S-10 Pickup. (GMC offered the S15 Pickup, as well.) Oldsmobile had the Cutlass Ciera, Firenza, Cutlass Supreme, and Omega. Pontiac was flush with high-MPG choices, including the 1000, 2000 Sunbird, two-seat Fiero, 6000 Wagon, and the four-cylinder Firebird.

Chrysler-Plymouth offered the Plymouth Colt, Colt Vista, Horizon, Reliant, and Turismo, along with the Dodge twins: Colt, Omni, Aries, Daytona, and Charger, and the tiny but unique Rampage Pickup. Ford’s 1984 highest MPG offerings consisted of the Escort, EXP, Laser and Tempo, along with the Lincoln-Mercury Lynx and Topaz.

The Japanese auto manufacturers sold boatloads of cars during 1984, with Honda’s Civic, Accord, and Prelude leading the way. Nissan hit its stride with the Pulsar, Sentra, 200SX, Stanza, and 2WD Pickups, while Toyota had the Starlet, Corolla, Tercel, Camry, and 2WD Pickup. Mitsubishi’s Precis (also sold as the Dodge and Plymouth Colt), Tredia, Cordia, and Pickup, met or exceeded 40 MPG highway, as did Mazda’s GLC, 626, and B2000/2200 Pickup. Subaru and Isuzu hit the mark, as well.

Among European manufacturers, Volkswagen was exceptionally prominent, with diesel models of the Rabbit, Quantum, and Jetta hitting or exceeding the 50 MPG mark. Knowing shoppers also found the Mercedes-Benz 190 in that same vaunted category.

1984 High MPG Gas Mileage Rankings

Version 1.0 of MPGoMatic hit the streets with hand-tuned HTML and a hot rod heart. Version 2.0 makes changes, some cosmetic, most to the underpinnings. We’re building a chassis to carry the site to the winner’s circle.

Here’s a roundup of some of our most popular stories of Summer 2007 …

Fuel Efficient Honda Diesels Headed to America

Honda builds an array of high MPG diesel-powered vehicles that are currently available in Europe, but not in the United States.

Rumour has it, the first fuel efficient Honda diesel engines are slated to arrive here in the United States in the 2009 model year.

We’re having a tough time waiting …

Honda Diesels, continued

The Jetta SportWagen should be a boon for VW and will ultimately be available with three different power trains, starting initially with a 170 horsepower (HP), 2.5-liter, five cylinder engine. The 2.0T, with a 200 HP four cylinder engine will follow, while the diesel-powered 2008 Jetta TDI SportWagen is expected by early spring …

VW Jetta SportWagen, continued

By all accounts, the Ford S-Max is one of the sweetest minivans ever to roll off an assembly line … but sadly, none of those assembly lines can be found in North America. The Ford S-Max is currently being produced in Belgium and China. For whatever reason, Ford has not committed to bringing the sleek seven-passenger to the good old USA. For Henry’s sake, get off the fence

High MPG Minivan, continued

When you use the MPGoMatic mileage calculator to compare the fuel costs of this lux-o-tourer against other luxury cars, it really shines. The vast majority of the luxury cars sold in the United States require pricey premium gasoline for their high-compression engines. But not this baby …

Highest MPG Luxury Car, continued