The diesel engine, since its inception by Rudolf Diesel in 1893, has revolutionized the automotive world. Among manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz stands out for its pivotal role in developing and refining diesel technology for passenger vehicles. Today’s Mercedes-Benz diesel engines are celebrated for their cleanliness, smooth operation, and exceptional fuel efficiency. In Europe, diesel engines power approximately half of all passenger cars, and projections suggest that widespread diesel adoption in the U.S. could significantly decrease reliance on foreign oil.
Following the 1926 merger of Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie., Daimler-Benz AG embarked on diesel engine development with a six-cylinder inline engine for heavy-duty trucks. This marked the beginning of Mercedes-Benz’s enduring impact on the automotive industry. However, passenger car application required nearly a decade of rigorous testing and refinement. In 1936, the Mercedes-Benz 260D emerged, featuring a 2.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine producing 45 horsepower. Its fuel economy was remarkable for the era, achieving approximately 25 mpg, significantly outperforming its gasoline counterpart at 18 mpg.
Alt: Vintage Mercedes-Benz 260D engine bay showcasing the pioneering diesel technology.
Mercedes-Benz diesel engines entered the U.S. market in 1949 with the 170D, equipped with a 1.7-liter inline-four engine generating 38 horsepower and 71 lb-ft of torque. The 170D’s successor, the 1954 180D, boasted 40 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque and introduced the revolutionary “Ponton” unibody construction. 1958 saw the arrival of the 190D in the U.S., featuring a new 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine producing 50 horsepower and 80 lb-ft of torque. For the 1966 model year, the “Fintail” bodied 190D was rebranded as the 200D, offering 55 horsepower and 87 lb-ft of torque. This model also marked a milestone with the introduction of an automatic transmission in a Mercedes-Benz diesel passenger car. The 200D was followed by the 2.2-liter 220D in 1968 (60 hp, 93 lb-ft) and the 2.4-liter 240D in 1974 (65 hp, 101 lb-ft), each iteration offering increased displacement and power.
The Diesel Boom of the 1970s
The 1973 oil crisis triggered a surge in demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, propelling diesel engine popularity. Mercedes-Benz, a leader in diesel technology, expanded its offerings with the 1975 300D. This model was equipped with a groundbreaking five-cylinder diesel engine, a world-first in passenger cars, producing 80 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The 300D and the four-cylinder 240D became cornerstones of the Mercedes-Benz diesel lineup, with the 300D’s power later increased to 88 horsepower in subsequent models.
Alt: Close-up of a Mercedes-Benz 300D engine, highlighting the innovative five-cylinder diesel design.
The late 1970s and early 1980s witnessed a golden age for Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles, particularly in the U.S. market. Mercedes-Benz developed U.S.-specific diesel models, including the 1978 300CD, the world’s first diesel-powered coupe, and the 300SD, the first diesel S-Class sedan. The 300SD was particularly notable for introducing turbocharging to the Mercedes-Benz diesel passenger car, featuring a new 3.0-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This turbocharged engine delivered 121 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 14 seconds, impressive for a diesel luxury sedan of that era.
The U.S.-exclusive 300CD Turbodiesel, 300D Turbodiesel, and 300SD Turbodiesel models demonstrated Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to the American market. By 1982, diesel models constituted nearly 80 percent of Mercedes-Benz USA sales, underscoring the strong demand for fuel-efficient and durable diesel vehicles.
In 1984, Mercedes-Benz further broadened its diesel range in the U.S. with the “Baby Benz,” the precursor to the C-Class. Initially offered as the 190D with a four-cylinder engine (73 hp, 96 lb-ft), it was upgraded in 1986 to the 190D 2.5, featuring a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine producing 90 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged version, the 190D 2.5 Turbo, joined the lineup in 1987, boasting 122 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque.
1986 also marked the introduction of another U.S.-only S-Class diesel, the 300SDL, powered by a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a progression from the previous five-cylinder design. The subsequent 1990 350SDL, also exclusively for the U.S. market, featured a 3.5-liter inline-six turbodiesel engine generating 136 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. In the full-size class, the 300D 2.5 Turbo was succeeded in 1995 by the E300D and then the E300DT, the latter boasting a powerful 174 horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes-Benz diesel station wagons gained significant popularity in the 1980s. The 1980 300TD, equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-five engine, was the first to make a mark. A turbocharged version followed in 1981 and was carried over to the next generation, further enhancing the appeal of Mercedes-Benz diesel wagons.
The Modern Diesel Era and BlueTEC Technology
The 2007 model year marked a significant shift for Mercedes-Benz diesel engines. The inline-six engine format was replaced with a V6 configuration, and common-rail direct injection technology, operating at pressures up to 29,000 psi, was introduced in the U.S. market. This CDI (Common-rail Diesel Injection) technology further improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The CDI engine also paved the way for diesel-powered SUVs in the U.S., with the 2007 ML320 CDI, GL320 CDI, and R320 CDI SUVs, all featuring a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel producing 215 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.
Alt: Diagram illustrating Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC diesel technology and its emission reduction system.
In 2007, Mercedes-Benz once again demonstrated its diesel technology leadership by choosing the U.S. for the global debut of its pioneering BlueTEC diesel technology. The E320 BlueTEC, producing 210 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, was named the 2007 World Green Car for its exceptionally low emissions. BlueTEC technology enabled Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles to meet stringent NOx and particulate emission standards, reaffirming Mercedes-Benz’s position as the premier diesel passenger vehicle brand across all fifty U.S. states.
A range of BlueTEC SUVs followed in 2009, incorporating the next generation of BlueTEC technology with AdBlue exhaust gas aftertreatment. The ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC, and R320 BlueTEC all utilized the same V6 turbodiesel engine as the E320 BlueTEC, delivering 210 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The ML320 BlueTEC achieved a combined fuel consumption of 20 mpg, while the GL320 BlueTEC reached 19 mpg, making them among the most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs available. In 2010, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles returned to the U.S. market with the introduction of the BlueTEC-equipped Sprinter Van.
The 2013 GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC marked the return of a four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz diesel engine to the U.S. after nearly three decades. Mercedes-Benz currently offers the most extensive diesel lineup of any automaker in the U.S., further expanded by the arrival of the 2014 E250 BlueTEC, featuring a second four-cylinder diesel engine option.
2014 BlueTEC Model Lineup
- E250 BlueTEC
- E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- Sprinter Van
- Sprinter V6 Van
Mercedes-Benz U.S. Diesel Model Sales History
| Model Year | Model | Generation | Configuration | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 – 1953 | 170D | W136 | 1.7L I4 | 38 / 40 | 71 / 74 |
| 1952 – 1953 | 170DS | W191 | 1.7L I4 | 40 | 74 |
| 1953 – 1955 | 170SD | W136 | 1.7L I4 | 40 | 74 |
| 1954 – 1962 | 180D | W120 | 1.8L I4 / 2.0L I4 | 40 / 43 / 48 | 75 / 80 |
| 1958 – 1961 | 190D | W121 | 1.9L I4 | 50 | 80 |
| 1966 – 1968 | 200D | W110 | 2.0L I4 | 55 | 87 |
| 1968 – 1973 | 220D | W110 | 2.2L I4 | 60 | 87 |
| 1974 – 1976 | 240D | W115 | 2.4L I4 | 65 | 101 |
| 1975 – 1976 | 300D | W115 | 3.0L I5 (First 5-cylinder) | 80 | 127 |
| 1977 – 1984 | 240D | W123 | 2.4L I4 | 65 / 72 | 101 |
| 1977 – 1981 | 300D | W123 | 3.0L I5 | 80 / 88 | 126 |
| 1978 – 1980 | 300SD (U.S. Only) | W116 | 3.0L I5 turbo (First turbo) | 111 / 121 | 168 / 170 |
| 1978 – 1981 | 300CD (U.S. Only) | C123 | 3.0L I5 | 78 / 84 | 115 / 120 |
| 1980 – 1985 | 300TD Wagon | S123 | 3.0L I5 | 80 / 88 | 126 |
| 1981 – 1985 | 300SD-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.0L I5 turbo | 121 / 125 | 170 / 184 |
| 1982 – 1985 | 300CD-T | C123 | 3.0L I5 turbo | 120 | 170 |
| 1982 – 1985 | 300DT | W123 | 3.0L I5 turbo | 121 / 125 | 170 / 184 |
| 1984 – 1985 | 190D 2.2 | W201 | 2.2L I4 | 73 | 96 |
| 1986 – 1987 | 300SDL-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 150 | 201 |
| 1986 – 1989 | 190D 2.5 | W201 | 2.5L I5 | 90 | 114 |
| 1986 – 1987 | 300DT | W124 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 143 | 197 |
| 1986 – 1987 | 300DT Wagon | S124 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 143 | 197 |
| 1987 – 1987 | 190D 2.5T | W201 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 122 | 166 |
| 1991 – 1993 | 300D 2.5 | W124 | 2.5L I5 turbo | 121 | 165 |
| 1991 – 1991 | 350SDL-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.5L I6 turbo | 148 | 229 |
| 1991 – 1991 | 350SD-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.5L I6 turbo | 134 | 229 |
| 1992 – 1995 | 300SD / S350DT | W140 | 3.5L I6 turbo | 148 | 229 |
| 1994 – 1995 | E300D | W124 | 3.0L I6 (First 4-valve) | 134 | 155 |
| 1996 – 1997 | E300D | W210 | 3.0L I6 | 134 | 155 |
| 1998 – 1999 | E300DT | W210 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 174 | 244 |
| 2005 – 2006 | E320 CDI | W211 | 3.2L I6 turbo | 201 | 369 |
| 2007 – 2008 | ML320 CDI | W164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 215 | 398 |
| 2007 – 2008 | GL320 CDI | X164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 215 | 398 |
| 2007 – 2008 | R320 CDI | V251 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 215 | 398 |
| 2007 – 2009 | E320 BlueTEC | W211 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2009 – 2009 | ML320 BlueTEC | W164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2009 – 2009 | 2009 GL320 BlueTEC | X164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2009 – 2009 | R320 BlueTEC | V251 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2010 – Pres. | Sprinter V6 | NCV3 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 188 | 325 |
| 2010 – 2011 | ML350 BlueTEC | W164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2010 – 2012 | GL350 BlueTEC | X164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2010 – 2012 | R350 BlueTEC | V251 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2011 – 2013 | E350 BlueTEC | W212 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2012 – 2013 | S350 BlueTEC | V221 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 240 | 455 |
| 2012 – Pres. | ML350 BlueTEC | W166 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 240 | 455 |
| 2013 – Pres. | GL350 BlueTEC | X166 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 240 | 455 |
| 2013 – Pres. | GLK250 BlueTEC | X204 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 200 | 369 |
| 2014 – Pres. | E250 BlueTEC | W212 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 195 | 369 |
| 2014 – Pres. | E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC | W212 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 195 | 369 |
| 2014 – Pres. | Sprinter | NCV3 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 161 | 265 |
