| New models | US market | Mercedes-Benz GL-Class |

Mercedes has come up with a new turbodiesel V6 engine to make its three largest SUVs the first to meet tough new emissions laws. The EU6 and American Bin6 emissions regulations are the most stringent in the world and now the Merc R-, ML- and GL-Class all comply with these rules ahead of schedule.

The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel now uses aqueous injection to clean up its exhaust emissions. With 211bhp, this Bluetec version is slightly down on power compared to the current version used in the Mercedes 4x4 range. However, Mercedes says emissions are also down and economy is up. The GL320 Bluetec is now the most economical full-size SUV on sale in the USA with combined economy of 25.0mpg.

Bluetec is Mercedes-speak for its most efficient diesel models, which it has been pushing in the USA. The Bluetec models are being rolled out across Europe, but it's unlikely these cleaner, greener large SUVs will reach the UK until late in 2008 at the earliest.

Alisdair Suttie - 26 Jun 2008