Mercedes-Benz C-Class, GLK to get diesel variants in the U.S.

According to Philipp Schiemer, Mercedes-Benz’s vice-president for project management, the company is aiming to sell 8 diesel models in the United States by 2014. Currently, Mercedes-Benz sells diesel variants of the E-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and the R-Class. The Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTec, which debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, will arrive in showrooms later this fall.

CARandDRIVER reports that Mercedes-Benz is also looking to start selling a diesel version of the GLK, which will most likely wear the GLK250 BlueTec badge. Power is expected to come from a 2.1L 4-cylinder turbo making 204-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Also in the works is a diesel variant of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, gasoline versions of which will hit U.S. dealers in September. Don’t expect the C-Class diesel to arrive anytime soon since Mercedes-Benz is still trying to keep up with the strong worldwide demand for the car in markets where the diesel C-Class is an absolute must for sales. Either way, we believe the C-Class diesel will be a viable competitor for the BMW 335d when it arrives.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER