Diesels On Tap

Mercedes-Benz will bring diesel cars back to the U.S. in 2004, top executive Juergen Hubbert says at an unveiling of the new E-Class wagon at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Hubbert says Mercedes will launch the 320 CDI, a version of the E-Class equipped with a 204-hp turbodiesel next year. The diesel will deliver 369 lb.-ft. (500 Nm) of torque and provide average fuel economy of 34 mpg (7L/100 km), Mercedes says.

Last year, Mercedes sold 410,000 diesel-powered vehicles, and diesels now are available in 37% of Mercedes' global lineup, up from 28% a year ago.

The new E-Class wagon will be produced with a range of 4-, 5- and 6-cyl. gasoline and diesel engines.

The vehicle's most unique feature is its cargo area, which offers multiple storage bins and a power-operated load floor that slides out past the bumper to ease loading. A third-row seat is optional.

The E-Class wagon also will be available with all-wheel drive, as Mercedes makes a push to expand availability of its 4Matic system. C-Class and S-Class now also will be offered in the U.S. with 4Matic, Hubbert says. Mercedes plans to make AWD optional on five car lines in 27 vehicles.

Mercedes expects to build 48,000 of the new wagons in 2003 and 64,000 in 2004.

The E-Class sedan, which was heavily redesigned last year, is off to a strong start, with worldwide sales totaling 180,000 units through the first 10 months of availability.