Motor Trend News

Mercedes-Benz is set to begin selling a fuel-efficient diesel iteration of its E-Class sedan in the U.S. this spring. The new E320 CDI uses a turbocharged six-cylinder powerplant featuring full electronic fuel injection, something M-B points out was considered technically impossible on a diesel until just a few years ago.

The evolution to electronic fuel injection allows the E320 CDI engine to be cleaner, quieter, and more powerful than conventional mechanically-injected diesel engines. More precise fuel delivery and an oxidation catalyst will allow the E320 CEI to pass current 45-state emissions standards. M-B is optimistic that the CDI diesel can meet emissions standards in all 50 states when low-sulfur diesel fuel becomes available here in late 2006.