The Mercedes GL Class gets a freshened face for 2010 and some running improvements. One of those is a new name for the diesel variant, now called the GL350 BlueTEC. The three-row luxury SUV is one of the largest you can get today with 50-state legal clean diesel technology.
Coming later this year, the 2010 GL350 BlueTEC will feature new headlamps and LED taillights, a freshened grille as well as revised front and rear bumpers. Handsome new skid plates, fog lights and trapezoidal tailpipes. The latest cool gizmo of LED daytime running lights is also now an option. Inside you will find updated instruments, seating, ambient lighting, and standard Burl Walnut trim. A new leather covered steering wheel will also come with the GL350 BlueTEC as well as a new safety package known as “PostSafe”. The system features automatic door unlocking, engine and fuel system shutdown following an accident.
Impressive power, mighty torque and frugal fuel consumption with even lower emissions the GL350 BlueTEC will be one of the world’s cleanest luxury SUVs. The V6 diesel generates 210 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. It is estimated to achieve 23 mph highway and will meet the new BIN 5 emissions standards for the US market.
BlueTEC is a technology developed by Mercedes-Benz for the effective reduction of diesel vehicle emissions and nitrogen oxide in particular. A harmless, aqueous urea solution called AdBlue is injected into the exhaust stream. This causes the release of ammonia that, in a downstream SCR catalytic converter, converts up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen and water. BlueTEC engines feature four-valves per cylinder, third-generation common-rail direct injection, and a variable vane turbocharger. The urea solution does need to be refilled by the owner at regular intervals.
