2013 Mercedes Benz ML350 BlueTEC

Funny how your opinions change through time, when I was in the US Army I hated the smell of diesel! In the 80's I drove a Mercedes Benz 300D to LA every day! So when I was asked about diesel I was not a fan.

Today is another story, first off thank you California for letting the diesels into our state. Now I am sure there is a group of you baby boomers boohoo diesels. Well go try out the new Mercedes Benz ML350 BlueTEC and your opinion will change so fast your head will spin! Still don't believe me do you? OK, head to the dealership, have the salesman start one up, do you hear any diesel rattle? No! Go back to the tail pipe, struggle to get to your knees (Ask the salesman he or she will help you up and down!) take a sniff? Smell anything? Nope!

That is what you call hard work with great engineering! Below is an excerpt from the Mercedes Benz website explaining the BlueTEC engine.
The 3.0L BlueTEC turbo diesel V-6 engine BlueTEC clean diesel technology is the state of the art, with certified ultralow emissions nationwide. The 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6 in the 2013 ML350 BlueTEC delivers 240 hp, a massive 455 lb-ft of torque, and acceleration as quick as its gasoline counterpart.

Mercedes-Benz, pioneer of the original diesel car, has reinvented it without the noise, odor and emissions of old. By injecting a solution called AdBlue® into the exhaust, BlueTEC reduces smog-causing NOx to harmless nitrogen and water vapor and with better highway mpg than some 4-cylinders and hybrids. It does offers a cruising range of over 600 miles.

Backed by a 7-speed automatic transmission that mates well with the BlueTEC to give you power, range and fuel mileage in the high 20's. Check out Mercedes Benz description of their 7-speed automatic transmission.
The industry's first 7-speed automatic has been made even smoother, more responsive and more efficient. A wide range of closely spaced gear ratios delivers the ideal response in virtually every driving situation, for relaxed cruising, quick acceleration, and thanks to two overdrive ratios, better highway fuel efficiency. Adaptive logic monitors your driving style and adjusts its shift points to match, while standard paddle shifters offer manual-style enjoyment anytime you want it.

Those are two of the features that stood out for me, but it doesn't stop there, the luxury you get plus the room for all your friends and luggage as well. Connectivity is a breeze; the leather seating is very comfortable and has all the adjustments you could ever wish for. You getting heated seats and steering wheel and the interior is accented by a choice of real wood, either Eucalyptus wood trim or the optional Burl Walnut wood trim.

Let's talk safety, Mercedes Benz is one of the leaders in safety here is a list of what you can get in your ML350 BlueTEC: Collision prevention assist, (Optional) Parktronic with Active Parking Assist, Attention assist driver-drowsiness monitor, (Optional) Active Blind Spot Assist, (Optional) Active Lane Keeping Assist, (Optional) Distronic Plus (with Pre-Safe Brake), (Optional) Blind Spot Assist, (Optional) Lane Keeping Assist, Pre Safe Post-collision response, (Optional) Rear view camera, Night Security Illumination, Advanced body structure, Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist, Adaptive braking technology, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®),Trailer Stability Assist, SmartKey, Antitheft alarm system with remote panic feature, Rain-sensing windshield wipers, Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs), (Optional) Bi-Xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination, (Optional) Adaptive High beam Assist. Now if you need more information on these safety items go to www.mbusa.com.

This SUV was a joy to drive, so if you're looking for a family hauler with a little class and performance and don't forget fuel mileage. (Diesel is cheaper than gas today!!!).
Pricing is very reasonable for what you get bases out at $51,270 plus tax and license.

For a video of this car go to YouTube and enter Mrdavestall and scroll down to the Mercedes Benz ML350 BlueTEC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNHidliVJ_4 enjoy the ride!

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