Sunday, January 7, 2007

Mercedes Vision GL420 Bluetec Concept

STUTTGART, Germany — The latest volley in the diesel war from Mercedes-Benz is the Vision GL420 Bluetec concept, which will make its debut next week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Mercedes Vision GL420 Bluetec ConceptThe Vision GL420 Bluetec is equipped with a 290-horsepower diesel V8 engine that delivers 515 pound-feet of torque. It also has impressive fuel economy at 24 mpg and a range of up to 600 miles. In comparison, the current production GL450 with a 4.6-liter V8 returns 14 mpg in city driving and 18 mpg on the highway.

Mercedes-Benz is not disclosing its future plans for the Vision GL420 concept, but it obviously has a place in the company's expanding Bluetec lineup. The company has announced that it will offer the R-, ML- and GL-Class throughout the United States by as early as 2008. In a statement, the automaker said it will "systematically expand its Bluetec range" in North America.

The Vision GL420 Bluetec gets a modest face-lift, including a revised front end with a dominant radiator-style grille, as well as 21-inch wheels and running boards.

© Source: article on insideline