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The Escape Hybrid and upcoming Saturn VUE 2-Mode are about to meet their competition. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=62859)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_MB_GLK_Concept_4-Cyl_Blutec_Diesel.JPGWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) - Jan. 3, 2008

The 2008 GLK Freeside - a bit edgy and not exactly aerodynamic, this SUV will provide decent performance and excellent FE in spite of itself.

Stuttgart / Detroit - Mercedes Benz today announced they will be showing a new diesel powered small SUV. This compact sport-ute will make its world debut at the 2008 NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show) providing a vision of MB automobiles to come.

The key to the vehicles environmental credentials will be its fuel efficient and clean BLUETEC equipped four-cylinder diesel engine. Combined with a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and the new 4MATIC AWD, the Freeside will be a go anywhere, do anything small SUV with the FE of a compact and the performance of a standard sedan.

At MB, safety is always standard

The Freeside is equipped with a comprehensive interior safety package including a high-strength occupant safety cell and energy-absorbing deformation zones at the front and rear. The protective systems includes active head rests, front, side and side curtains plus a knee bag for the driver.

In terms of accident avoidance, MB will include ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Traction control, ABS and BAS (Brake Assist).

New BLUETEC equipped 4-cylinder diesel

The Vision GLK Freeside is powered by the next-generation 170 HP output 2.2L diesel. The technical features of this extremely compact and smooth CDI powerplant include a fourth-generation common rail with an injection pressure of 2000 bar and a two-stage variable vane turbocharger.

Diesel emissions are controlled by a modular but enhanced BLUETEC system. A first from MB for a four-cylinder diesel engine.

"BLUETEC gives us a technology that makes it possible for us to combine the high efficiency and impressive torque of modern diesel engines with extremely low emissions – a perfect propulsion unit for a compact SUV like the GLK," declares Dr Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for corporate research and the development of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

BLUETEC ensures the greatest possible reduction of NOx. In addition to a DOC (diesel oxidizing catalytic converter) and a maintenance-free DPF (diesel particulate filter), an SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) catalytic converter is also used. AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution is injected into the exhaust stream just upstream of the SCR which converts up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. The system is expected to exceed both the US Tier II/BIN 5 and California’s LEV2 emissions regulations thus making the Freeside MB’s first 50-state compliant 4-cylinder diesel.

Excellent driveline efficiency thanks to a cutting-edge 4MATIC drivetrain

The new 4MATIC drivetrain in the Freeside is one of the most powerful all-wheel-drive systems in existence. Thanks to the compact, lightweight and friction-optimized design, it offers various advantages over other systems including fuel economy that is said to rival that of a conventionally powered 2WD vehicle!

The new compact sport-ute with the fuel efficient 2.2L diesel should be available in the fall of 2008.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_MB_GLK_Concept_Exterior.JPGhttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_MB_GLK_Concept_Interior.JPG

If I was in the market for such a vehicle I would wait for the CRV diesel rather than blow money on a vehicle from one of the most unreliable and over-priced automakers.

I think the headline for the article -- "The Escape Hybrid and upcoming Saturn VUE 2-Mode are about to meet their competition" -- is a bit of hyperbole.

AutoWeek reports that the GLK Freeside will start at around $38,000 but that would probably be for a base gasoline version. The Bluetec diesel will probably be an extra cost option and that, along with the usual package of other options, will put the price of this model well over $40,000, more than 50 percent higher than either of its American "competitors". Furthermore, while the diesel's fuel economy will be an improvement over that of its gasoline counterpart, i doubt that it will equal that of the hybrids.

And let me echo Antrey's comment regarding Mercedes reliability: it is abysmal. Ford's reliability, on the other hand, is beginning to rival that of leading Japanese car makers.

So let's do the math: the Mercedes costs at least 50 percent more, is somewhat less fuel efficient (probably) and promises a lousy repair record.

Hmmmmm, doesn't sound like much competition to me.

Hi Mdensch:

___MB US sales for the year: + 3%, Ford Motor: - 12%.

___We already know about MB abysmal quality record as has been reported here more then once …

___Almost all MB are more expensive then the Ford’s.

___And the competition … The MB 2.2L diesel will have better performance than FEH/MMH twins 2.3L SI-ICE in terms of FE and acceleration even after hybridization. A similar sized HP and variable vane turbocharged diesel has too many thermodynamic advantages albeit far worse emissions even at TierII/Bin5 then a similar sizes SI-ICE :( Ford has a wonderful 2.0L CDTi only needing an emission package but since they will leave it in Europe, the embarrassing consequences will pile on as more of the super-diesels arrive from overseas.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

It might be a bit pricey for my checkbook, but at least MB is stepping up to the plate with a real car, and not excuses, or a "vaporware" car that is "another two years off..."

Harry