Mercedes Jumps Into Diesel-Hybrid Market with GLK
By John O'Dell February 29, 2008
Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid foreshadows production model diesel-hybrid.
Mercedes-Benz will join VW in sharing the oohs and aahs of fuel-efficiency fans at the Geneva Motor Show next week when it unveils it 40-miles-per-gallon diesel-hybrid GLK crossover featuring a new lithium-ion battery pack.
The German luxury-car maker took the wraps off today, releasing a photo and a little bit of info about what it is calling the "Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid."
Volkswagen recently confirmed that it will show a concept diesel-hybrid Golf capable of achieving 69.9 miles per gallon fuel economy.
Mercedes' entry in the field combines a 2.2-liter Bluetec diesel four-banger with a mild hybrid electric boost system. Bluetec is Mercedes' branded name for a diesel emissions system that reduces particulates and nitrates of oxygen, or NOx, to levels that meet the tough California, U.S. and European emissions standards.
The GLK is a new crossover SUV first shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January and slated to hit the market late this year. The diesel-hybrid version is expected in 2009.
The diesel-hybrid system, Mercedes says, will boost the luxo-trucklet to 62 miles per hour from a standing start in just 7.3 seconds. The system is rated a 224 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque.
Its 40mpg fuel economy also will cut carbon dioxide emissions to 157 grams per kilometer (55.7 pounds per 100 miles), a level Mercedes calls the lowest in the class.
The hybrid drive uses an electric generator-starter motor that provides a boost to the diesel engine during acceleration, helps recharge the lithium ion battery pack and powers up the diesel engine instantly after it shuts down at full stops to save fuel and reduce emissions.
Mercedes, under pressure along with other automakers to cut the CO2 emissions of vehicles it sells in Europe, says the system can be used in a numer of its cars and SUVs.
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