Mercedes-Benz E320 wins World Green Car award
The Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec today was named 2007 World Green Car. The E320 beat out the BMW Hydrogen 7 and the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion for the honor. The initial entry list had 14 contenders, including the Saab 9-5 BioPower flex-fuel, Fiat Panda, Citroen C2 Stop & Start and Subaru R1e. The Green Car honor was part of the World Car of the Year award ceremonies held at the New York Auto Show in which the the Lexus LS 460 was given the top honor.
To be eligible for the World Green Car award, the vehicle must be all new or substantially revised and be available for sale in at least one major market during the last calendar year. It must also meet or more of the following "green" criteria:
- Tailpipe emissions equal or better than California SULEV or US EPA Tier 2, Bin 2, or Euro V.
- Fuel consumption equal or lower than 47.6mpg combined
- Use of an advanced power plant technology aimed a specifically increasing environmentally responsibility.
According to the voters made up of journalists from 22 countries, the E320 Bluetec won the award for diesel re-entry into North America and paving the way for super-clean diesel technology.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 4:33PM (4/05/2007)
WOW! Mercedes-Benz even. I'll take 2. Excuse me while I walk outside to my money tree...
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Chris Adams 2:20PM (4/06/2007)
It's nice to know that a C-class benz will be available soon with an engine like this, or even more efficient in the case of the C220 CDI Bluetec (beating Euro VI emission standards even!!!).
I just shelled out almost $32K (before tax rebate) for a loaded Camry hybrid; had to completely change my driving style to get 39MPG (mostly highway). A couple weeks ago I gave up the effort, now I'm down to a bit over 35MPG average. Still not bad ;)
But the C-class C220 CDI should get will into the 40s without any such effort - plus if any of y'all have driven a $30-$40K German car there's nothing like it from Japan in that price range....IMO
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Chris M 3:02AM (4/09/2007)
How could the Mercedes C320 Bluetech win over all of the much more deserving contestants?
It was not decided by impartial measurements of which car was cleanest and most efficient. It was voted on by journalists, who write glowing reviews of expensive cars for big automakers, to bring in big ad bucks for their magazines.
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Robert H Russell 12:22PM (12/26/2007)
The C Class with the Bluetec will be the best value available. We have a 2006 E350 and I got 31MPH driving from Boston to Arizona with a fully loaded car.
Not bad and comfortable also. It's my 3rd E350. We will get the C when it comes available with Bluetec. What a bargain....
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