The diesel engine, since its inception by Rudolf Diesel in 1893, has revolutionized the automotive world. Among manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz stands out as a pivotal force in shaping and advancing diesel technology for passenger vehicles. Today’s Mercedes-Benz diesel cars are a testament to decades of refinement, offering a blend of cleanliness, smooth performance, and exceptional fuel efficiency that continues to resonate with drivers globally. In fact, diesel’s prevalence in Europe, powering approximately half of all passenger cars, underscores its significance. Imagine the impact if diesel adoption were to increase in markets like the United States; a substantial reduction in reliance on foreign oil could be realized.
Alt text: Classic Mercedes-Benz 260D, the world’s first diesel passenger car, showcasing its timeless design and historical significance.
The journey of Mercedes-Benz diesel cars began after the 1926 merger that formed Daimler-Benz AG. The company initially focused on heavy-duty applications, developing a six-cylinder inline diesel engine for trucks. This marked the genesis of a transformative process for the entire automotive industry. However, Mercedes-Benz engineers dedicated nearly a decade to rigorous testing and development to perfect a diesel engine suitable for the discerning standards of a Mercedes-Benz passenger car. This dedication culminated in the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 260D. This groundbreaking model featured a 2.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, equipped with overhead valves and producing a maximum of 45 horsepower. The 260D achieved an impressive fuel economy of approximately 25 miles per gallon, a remarkable figure when compared to its gasoline counterpart which managed only 18 mpg. This leap in efficiency established diesel as a viable and economical alternative for passenger vehicles.
Alt text: Engine bay of a Mercedes-Benz 170D, highlighting the compact and efficient 1.7-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine that brought Mercedes-Benz diesel technology to the US market.
Mercedes-Benz diesel power made its entry into the United States in 1949 with the 170D. This model featured a 1.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 38 horsepower and 71 lb-ft of torque. The 170D paved the way for subsequent models, including the 1954 180D. The 180D, boasting 40 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque, was particularly significant as it incorporated the pioneering “Ponton” unibody design, enhancing vehicle rigidity and safety. By 1958, Mercedes-Benz further expanded its diesel offerings in the U.S. with the introduction of the 190D. The 190D featured an all-new 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 50 horsepower and 80 lb-ft of torque. The 1966 model year saw the 190D, now with the distinctive “Fintail” body style, rebranded as the 200D. The 200D offered 55 horsepower and 87 lb-ft of torque. Notably, this era marked a significant advancement as Mercedes-Benz introduced automatic transmission to its diesel passenger cars for the first time, broadening the appeal and accessibility of diesel vehicles. The evolution continued with the 200D being succeeded by the 2.2-liter 220D in 1968, producing 60 horsepower and 93 lb-ft of torque, and subsequently the 2.4-liter 1974 240D, offering 65 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque. This progression illustrated Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to continuous improvement and performance enhancement in its diesel engine technology.
Alt text: Close-up of the innovative five-cylinder diesel engine in the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 300D, the world’s first five-cylinder diesel passenger car engine, highlighting its engineering breakthrough.
Proliferation of Diesel in the 1970s
The global oil crisis of 1973 dramatically shifted consumer priorities towards fuel efficiency. This crisis triggered a surge in demand for diesel vehicles, and Mercedes-Benz, as a leading diesel manufacturer, was well-positioned to meet this growing need. In 1975, Mercedes-Benz bolstered its diesel lineup with the introduction of the 300D, featuring a groundbreaking five-cylinder diesel engine – a world-first in passenger cars. This 3.0-liter engine produced 80 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, offering a compelling combination of performance and economy. The 300D and the four-cylinder 240D models were further refined in 1977, with the 300D’s horsepower later increasing to 88.
The late 1970s and early 1980s witnessed a boom in the popularity of Mercedes-Benz diesel cars, particularly in the United States. Mercedes-Benz developed U.S.-specific models, including the 1978 300CD, the world’s first diesel-powered coupe, and the 300SD, the first diesel S-Class. The 300SD was especially noteworthy due to the introduction of turbocharging, featuring a brand-new 3.0-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This turbocharged engine delivered a significant performance boost, generating 121 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque and achieving 0-60 mph acceleration in a respectable 14 seconds. With models like the 300CD Turbodiesel, 300D Turbodiesel, and 300SD Turbodiesel tailored specifically for the U.S. market, Mercedes-Benz demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to meeting market demands. By 1982, diesel models constituted nearly 80 percent of Mercedes-Benz USA’s total sales, highlighting the overwhelming preference for diesel technology among American consumers at the time.
Alt text: The luxurious Mercedes-Benz 300SD Turbodiesel, the first diesel S-Class and the first Mercedes-Benz diesel with turbocharging, showcasing its premium features and technological advancements.
For the 1984 model year, Mercedes-Benz USA further expanded its diesel offerings to include the “Baby Benz,” the precursor to the C-Class. Initially launched with a four-cylinder engine, the 190D (73 hp, 96 lb-ft) was later upgraded in 1986 to a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine (90 hp, 114 lb-ft). In 1987, a turbocharged version of the 190D was introduced, boasting 122 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, further enhancing the compact model’s performance capabilities. 1986 also saw the introduction of another U.S.-exclusive S-Class diesel, the 300SDL. This model featured a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 150 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque, representing a step up in power and refinement for the diesel S-Class. The subsequent 1990 350SDL, also designed specifically for the U.S. market, was equipped with a 3.5-liter inline six turbodiesel engine, delivering 136 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. In the full-size sedan category, the 300D 2.5-liter turbo was succeeded in 1995 by the E300D and then the E300DT, which featured a powerful 174 horsepower engine producing 244 ft-lb of torque.
Mercedes-Benz diesel station wagons carved a significant niche in the market during the 1980s. The 1980 300TD, equipped with a 3.0-liter inline five naturally aspirated engine, was the first to gain prominence. A turbocharged version followed in 1981 and was carried over to the next generation, solidifying the appeal of diesel power in wagon models.
Modern Diesel Era
The 2007 model year marked a new chapter in Mercedes-Benz diesel technology. The company replaced its successful inline six diesel engine format with a V6 layout. This transition also coincided with the introduction of common-rail direct injection technology in the U.S., operating at an impressive 29,000 psi. The CDI (Common-rail Direct Injection) engine not only improved efficiency and reduced emissions but also paved the way for diesel-powered SUVs in the U.S. market. The 2007 ML320 CDI, GL320 CDI, and R320 CDI SUVs, all featuring the new V6 turbodiesel engine producing 215 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, marked this significant expansion.
2007 also witnessed Mercedes-Benz pioneering BlueTEC diesel technology, choosing the U.S. for its global debut. The E320 BlueTEC, producing 210 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, was recognized as the 2007 World Green Car for its exceptionally low emissions. It met stringent NOx and particulate emission limits, reaffirming Mercedes-Benz’s position as a leader in clean diesel passenger vehicles across all fifty states. A wave of BlueTEC SUVs followed in 2009, all incorporating the next generation of BlueTEC technology with AdBlue exhaust gas aftertreatment. The ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC, and R320 BlueTEC shared the same V6 turbodiesel engine as the E320 BlueTEC, delivering 210 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The popular ML320 BlueTEC achieved a combined fuel consumption of 20 mpg, while the GL320 BlueTEC achieved 19 mpg, making them the most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs in the market at the time. In 2010, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles returned to the U.S. with the introduction of the BlueTEC-equipped Sprinter Van.
The launch of the 2013 GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC marked the return of a Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder diesel engine to the U.S. market after nearly three decades. Mercedes-Benz already boasted the most extensive diesel lineup of any automaker in the U.S., and the arrival of the 2014 E250 BlueTEC, featuring a second four-cylinder diesel, further solidified this position.
2014 BlueTEC Lineup Highlights
The 2014 model year BlueTEC lineup showcased Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to diesel technology and included models like:
- E250 BlueTEC
- E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- Sprinter Van
- Sprinter V6 Van
Mercedes-Benz U.S. Diesel Model Sales History
| Model Year | Model | Generation | Configuration | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 – 1953 | 170D | W136 | 1.7L I4 | 38 / 40 | 71 / 74 |
| 1952 – 1953 | 170DS | W191 | 1.7L I4 | 40 | 74 |
| 1953 – 1955 | 170SD | W136 | 1.7L I4 | 40 | 74 |
| 1954 – 1962 | 180D | W120 | 1.8L I4 / 2.0L I4 | 40 / 43 / 48 | 75 / 80 |
| 1958 – 1961 | 190D | W121 | 1.9L I4 | 50 | 80 |
| 1966 – 1968 | 200D | W110 | 2.0L I4 | 55 | 87 |
| 1968 – 1973 | 220D | W110 | 2.2L I4 | 60 | 87 |
| 1974 – 1976 | 240D | W115 | 2.4L I4 | 65 | 101 |
| 1975 – 1976 | 300D | W115 | 3.0L I5 (First 5-cylinder) | 80 | 127 |
| 1977 – 1984 | 240D | W123 | 2.4L I4 | 65 / 72 | 101 |
| 1977 – 1981 | 300D | W123 | 3.0L I5 | 80 / 88 | 126 |
| 1978 – 1980 | 300SD (U.S. Only) | W116 | 3.0L I5 turbo (First turbo) | 111 / 121 | 168 / 170 |
| 1978 – 1981 | 300CD (U.S. Only) | C123 | 3.0L I5 | 78 / 84 | 115 / 120 |
| 1980 – 1985 | 300TD Wagon | S123 | 3.0L I5 | 80 / 88 | 126 |
| 1981 – 1985 | 300SD-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.0L I5 turbo | 121 / 125 | 170 / 184 |
| 1982 – 1985 | 300CD-T | C123 | 3.0L I5 turbo | 120 | 170 |
| 1982 – 1985 | 300DT | W123 | 3.0L I5 turbo | 121 / 125 | 170 / 184 |
| 1984 – 1985 | 190D 2.2 | W201 | 2.2L I4 | 73 | 96 |
| 1986 – 1987 | 300SDL-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 150 | 201 |
| 1986 – 1989 | 190D 2.5 | W201 | 2.5L I5 | 90 | 114 |
| 1986 – 1987 | 300DT | W124 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 143 | 197 |
| 1986 – 1987 | 300DT Wagon | S124 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 143 | 197 |
| 1987 – 1987 | 190D 2.5T | W201 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 122 | 166 |
| 1991 – 1993 | 300D 2.5 | W124 | 2.5L I5 turbo | 121 | 165 |
| 1991 – 1991 | 350SDL-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.5L I6 turbo | 148 | 229 |
| 1991 – 1991 | 350SD-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.5L I6 turbo | 134 | 229 |
| 1992 – 1995 | 300SD / S350DT | W140 | 3.5L I6 turbo | 148 | 229 |
| 1994 – 1995 | E300D | W124 | 3.0L I6 (First 4-valve) | 134 | 155 |
| 1996 – 1997 | E300D | W210 | 3.0L I6 | 134 | 155 |
| 1998 – 1999 | E300DT | W210 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 174 | 244 |
| 2005 – 2006 | E320 CDI | W211 | 3.2L I6 turbo | 201 | 369 |
| 2007 – 2008 | ML320 CDI | W164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 215 | 398 |
| 2007 – 2008 | GL320 CDI | X164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 215 | 398 |
| 2007 – 2008 | R320 CDI | V251 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 215 | 398 |
| 2007 – 2009 | E320 BlueTEC | W211 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2009 – 2009 | ML320 BlueTEC | W164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2009 – 2009 | 2009 GL320 BlueTEC | X164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2009 – 2009 | R320 BlueTEC | V251 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2010 – Pres. | Sprinter V6 | NCV3 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 188 | 325 |
| 2010 – 2011 | ML350 BlueTEC | W164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2010 – 2012 | GL350 BlueTEC | X164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2010 – 2012 | R350 BlueTEC | V251 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2011 – 2013 | E350 BlueTEC | W212 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2012 – 2013 | S350 BlueTEC | V221 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 240 | 455 |
| 2012 – Pres. | ML350 BlueTEC | W166 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 240 | 455 |
| 2013 – Pres. | GL350 BlueTEC | X166 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 240 | 455 |
| 2013 – Pres. | GLK250 BlueTEC | X204 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 200 | 369 |
| 2014 – Pres. | E250 BlueTEC | W212 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 195 | 369 |
| 2014 – Pres. | E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC | W212 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 195 | 369 |
| 2014 – Pres. | Sprinter | NCV3 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 161 | 265 |
Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to innovation and efficiency has cemented its legacy as a leader in diesel automotive technology. From the pioneering 260D to the advanced BlueTEC models, Mercedes-Benz diesel cars have consistently delivered a superior driving experience, blending performance with exceptional fuel economy and reduced environmental impact. This dedication to pushing the boundaries of diesel technology ensures that Mercedes-Benz remains at the forefront of the automotive industry, offering vehicles that meet the evolving needs of drivers worldwide.
