Mercedes have released details of the new S350 BlueTEC which they say is one of the cleanest diesel model in the world. Claims like this can be made because of the AdBlue emission control system which removes harmful nitrogen oxide (NO) from the exhaust fumes. AdBlue is a registered trademark of Germany’s VDA for AUS32 (Aqueous Urea Solution 32.5%). It is mixed according to a standard spec known as ISO 22241.
The S350 BlueTEC basically injects AdBlue into the exhaust flow. This releases ammonia and converts up to 80% of the NO into harmless nitrogen and water, with the help of a catalytic converter. The AdBlue tank is located under the luggage compartment floor and has a capacity of 25.7 litres which is replenished at regular maintenance intervals of 25,000 kilometres.
You may be wondering just how much replenishing your AdBlue tank costs. Consumer Reports tried refilling their BlueTEC-equipped GL-Class and was charged US$316.99 for 7.5 gallons (28 litres) of AdBlue, which comprised of a US$241.50 (about RM775 or RM28 per litre) cost for the AdBlue solution – the rest being labour, tax and other charges.
Also note that AdBlue decomposes over time in storage (it forms ammonium hydroxide and carbon monoxide), but the ISO standard calls for the process to produce AdBlue that can last at least 12 months. Considering diesel cars are typically used for high mileage travel patterns I don’t think one’s AdBlue expiring would be an issue.
Apart from improving emissions, the diesel motor is pretty fuel efficient, boasting performance figures similar to an 8 cylinder engine, while only having fuel consumption figures of a mid-sized saloon. The figure in question is that of just 6.8 litres for every 100 kilometres travelled, while producing an impressive 258hp and a spine-tingling 620Nm of torque. The torquey 3.0-litre diesel V6 engine now pushes the car to the century mark in just 7.1 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
The S-Class now comes with Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, PASSION leather package featuring Alcantara, and a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system. This creates a sale price of € 76,279 (about RM308k) and is on sale now in Germany. More pictures of the interior are available after the jump.
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