2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI

Diesel power has a checkered history in the U.S. market. In 1982, more than three-fourths of Mercedes-Benz cars sold in America had diesel engines. Volkswagen and others launched diesels. Even General Motors issued a batch of ill-fated diesel V-8s.


After that modest boom in the 1980s, diesels began to fall out of favor. Even though Europe is filled with diesel-engine automobiles, Volkswagen has been the only manufacturer to stick with diesels for its American dealerships. Mercedes-Benz offered its last one in 1999.

Everything is quiet, serene and, like the styling, typical of any E-Class model.

While yielding impressive fuel economy, which was a drawing card as gasoline prices rose, diesels had problems meeting emissions requirements. Noisier than gasoline engines, they emitted unpleasant odors at times. Start-up took longer than for gasoline engines, tailpipes tended to emit black smoke, and frigid weather could present obstacles. Eventually, only diehards were clinging to diesels and mainstream buyers turned back to gasoline.


Now, in mid-April of 2004, Mercedes-Benz is rejoining that fray with a diesel edition of its E-Class sedan. Known as the E320 CDI, the sedan contains a turbocharged 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that promises great low-end torque and frugal fuel-economy ratings. The five-speed adaptive automatic transmission offers Touch Shift manual gear changes, when desired.


"Customers have asked for it," said product manager Karen Makris. To attract attention among new customers, though, Mercedes-Benz must "shatter those perceptions" that diesels are troublesome.