Mercedes-Benz’s diesel BlueTec SUVs qualify for tax-credit

Joining the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, the Mercedes-Benz GL 320, R 320 and ML 320 Bluetec are the first diesel powered vehicles to qualify for tax credit. The tax credits range from $900 for the ML 320 to $1,800 on the GL 320.

According to Mercedes-Benz the amount is based on an IRS formula that determines how much fuel a diesel consumes compared to a similar model from 2002. Diesel prices how continue to be more expensive than gasoline. The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report for Wed, Aug.6 says that diesel was down to $4.63 from $4.81 a month ago – still more than the price of regular gasoline which was $3.86.

Mercedes-Benz will begin selling all three diesel models starting this October. Power for all three comes from a V6 diesel engine that produces 211hp with a peak torque of 398 lb-ft . That gives the R 320 BlueTEC the ability to return a fuel economy of 18/24 mpg (city/highway). The ML 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC do 18/24 and 17/23 respectively.

2009 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUVs (R, ML, GL):

2009 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUVs (R, ML, GL) 2009 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUVs (R, ML, GL) 2009 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUVs (R, ML, GL) 2009 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUVs (R, ML, GL) 2009 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUVs (R, ML, GL) 2009 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUVs (R, ML, GL) 2009 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUVs (R, ML, GL)

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)