Mercedes Vision GL420 Bluetec Concept

STUTTGART, Germany — The latest volley in the diesel war from Mercedes-Benz is the Vision GL420 Bluetec concept, which will make its debut next week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Vision GL420 Bluetec is equipped with a 290-horsepower diesel V8 engine that delivers 515 pound-feet of torque. It also has impressive fuel economy at 24 mpg and a range of up to 600 miles. In comparison, the current production GL450 with a 4.6-liter V8 returns 14 mpg in city driving and 18 mpg on the highway.

Mercedes-Benz is not disclosing its future plans for the Vision GL420 concept, but it obviously has a place in the company's expanding Bluetec lineup. The company has announced that it will offer the R-, ML- and GL-Class throughout the United States by as early as 2008. In a statement, the automaker said it will "systematically expand its Bluetec range" in North America.

The Vision GL420 Bluetec gets a modest face-lift, including a revised front end with a dominant radiator-style grille, as well as 21-inch wheels and running boards.

© Source: article on insideline