Following on the 2006 announcement of its lineup of six-cylinder diesel-powered vehicles, Mercedes-Benz showed the Vision GL420 Bluetec concept vehicle at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. The Vision GL420 Bluetec is a high-performance SUV powered by a 4.2-liter turbocharged V8 diesel engine that makes 290 horsepower and 515 pound-feet of torque with an anticipated 24 mpg combined city/highway fuel economy. The vehicle has a revised front end, flared fenders, 21-inch wheels, and redesigned exhaust outlets. Mercedes says the V8 diesel would meet California emissions standards but did not announce a date for its release. The V8 diesel engine is available in Europe but has not yet come to the U.S.

In the same press conference, Mercedes showed the 2007 S550 4Matic, the first all-wheel drive S-Class since the car was redesigned in 2006 for the 2007 model year. The 4Matic system in the S550 is the next generation of Mercedes' all-wheel drive technology: It has been developed to work with the S-Class's seven-speed automatic transmission and is 77 pounds lighter than the last version. The S550 4Matic is available now.

Finally, "Dancing with the Stars" winners Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke were on hand to represent the power and grace of the Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive. This concept vehicle is essentially a softtop convertible version of the four-door, 12-cylinder S600 sedan, but features a one-off body, a larger grille, two-tone paint, LED head- and taillamps, and unique 21-inch wheels. Inside, Mercedes added its AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, as well as bird's eye maple trim, woven "ivory" fabric, video screens in the backs of the front headrests, and a champagne compartment between the seats. A four-door convertible hasn't been available in the United States since the 1967 Lincoln Continental and Mercedes hasn't made one since the 1962 300d, but DaimlerChrysler's Chairman of the Board of Management Dieter Zetsche said his company was testing the waters with this concept and a strong response could make it a reality.

Mercedes-Benz GL420 Bluetec Concept, Ocean Drive Concept, and 2007 S55O 4Matic