Mercedes E320 Bluetec

The E320 Bluetec not only gets fuel economy of 27 city/36 highway, but you can expect 32-33 miles per gallon in real-world driving. Combine that with the sedan’s 21 gallon fuel tank and you have an interstate cruising range in excess of 700 miles. That more than makes up for the fact that diesel is more expensive than conventional gasoline.

Pricewise, this Bluetec stickers for $52,325. In terms comparing it to the rest of the cars in its class, it is admittedly on the higher end of the cost spectrum. But in actuality, there are no other cars in its class. None of the other premium brands—BMW, Audi, Lexus—offer a clean diesel luxury automobile. So quite literally, this car is in a class of its own.

If you are going to compare it to anything, let it be to its gas-powered counterpart, the Mercedes Benz E350. The E320 offers everything the E350 has, plus Bluetec efficiency, for just $1000 more. With a price difference so insignificant, the gasoline E350 is rendered practically useless in the vehicle lineup.

Next to the Prius’ and Civic hybrids of the world, Bluetec is obviously not the ultimate answer in green motoring. But for its target market of luxury class buyers, it is the most effective and economically viable option currently available.