Looking for an SUV, and we're considering the 2009 Mercedes Blue Tec SUV.

Anyone read any good reviews? Do you think it would be difficult to find diesel

at all the gas stations ( I'm guessing its at 2 out of 3 stations). How do you

think the diesel would compare to an electric hybrid engine, like the Toyota

Highlander? Obviously the interior finish is way better on Mercedes, but I've

read that the diesels can be sluggish getting going from a stop. Also, Cadillac

has a Hybrid Escalade coming out that will get 20mpg.

Hope I'm not rambling too much, but appreciate any opinions.

Must have a third row, for carpooling kids. Gas mileage and luxury finish are

a plus.

-Howard

 

Howard, the Blue Tec is a great engine. It runs strong, has great torque from a dead stop. Will easily perform with it's gas counterpart. I have driven Merc and Audi diesels in the EU and they haul ***. The MB will be have really good fit and finish. The Escalade will be bigger, heavier and handle worse. Kinda of depends on what you want. I am considering the new M with the blue tec myself.

Personally, the hybrids are heavily, don't really offer the premium in efficiency that you would think.

IMO, we have to weigh the blue tec vs premium price vs mileage gain. Hell, we will probably end up getting ML550's.

Good luck in your search. BTW, is MB offering the blue tec in the GL?

 

Yes, the GL 320 CDi has been out for a year already. I am guessing they went to Bluetec (and the AdBlue Urea) to ensure that the engine can be 50-state certified as opposed to 45-state certified the way the engine was before Bluetec.

 

Thanks guys,

My wife looked at the 2009 Cadillac Escalade today, which is coming out in Hybrid.

The hybrid will get 20mpg in the city, but I think its too big for her. We also just realized that

the R class Mercedes will now seat 7 instead of 6. Have to figure out if the R comes in Blue Tec diesel.

The R class is like 20k less than the GL also ;-)

Will see...