2009 Diesel-Powered Vehicle Lineup

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­­­­diesel-powered vehicles
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Base Price: TBD
EPA MPG: 17-24 mpg
Body Style: 4-door wagon
With the arrival of the 3.0 TDI model, the Q7 becomes the firs­t U.S.-market diesel for Audi since the 1983 5000 diesel. Audi's large SUV is loosely based on the Touareg from parent-company Volkswagen. Q7 differs from the VW in styling, equipment, and price. It's also larger and seats up to seven versus Touareg's five. Note that the Touareg is also available in diesel trim. The 3.0 TDI joins V6 and V8 models in the Q7 lineup. It has a 221-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive.

Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, second-row side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Q7s come with Audi's MMI (MultiMedia Interface). It uses a dashboard screen and a console knob and switches to set audio, navigation, suspension, and many other functions. Among available features are a voice-activated navigation system with rearview camera, rear-obstacle detection, keyless entry and starting, adaptive cruise control, and a three-panel sunroof.

Note that to meet federal emissions standards, the Q7 3.0 TDI incorporates an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance. Unlike some diesel-powered vehicles, the Q7 3.0 TDI is available in all 50 states.

diesel-powered vehicles
BMW 3-Series 335d
Base Price: $43,900
EPA MPG: 23-33 mpg
Body Style: 4-door sedan
As with Audi, BMW has been without a U.S.-market diesel for some time. That changes for 2009 with the arrival of the compact 3-Series-based 335d. While the 3-Series is available in 2-door coupe, convertible, sedan, and wagon body styles, the 335d will be available only in sedan form. The 335d is powered by a 265-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder. A 6-speed automatic is the only transmission. The 335d comes only with rear-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive can be had on other 3-Series models. 

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and head-protecting tubular side airbags that cover both seating rows. Cars with the optional navigation system get BMW's iDrive that uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and other functions. Other available features include steering-linked xenon headlights, front- and rear- obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, and BMW Assist service with a wireless cell-phone link.

Note that to meet federal emissions standards, the 335d incorporates an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance. Unlike some diesel-powered vehicles, the 335d is available in all 50 states.

diesel-powered vehicles
BMW X5 xDrive35d
Base Price: $51,200
EPA MPG: 19-26 mpg
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The diesel-powered Xdrive35d is a new addition to the X5 lineup for 2009. The X5 is a premium midsize SUV that seats up to seven and is offered in three models, each with standard all-wheel drive. In addition to the new diesel, X5 can be had as the xDrive30i with a 260-horsepower 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, and as the xDrive48i with a 350-horsepower 4.8-liter V8.

The xDrive35d has a 265-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder. All X5s come with a 6-speed automatic transmission. All X5s come standard with seating for five, but an optional 3rd row expands capacity to seven. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Hill descent control is standard. All X5s have BMW's iDrive that uses a single knob to control entertainment, communication, navigation, and climate functions. Optional for the xDrive35d are a navigation system, head-up instrument display, DVD entertainment, rearview camera with front- and rear-obstacle detection, heated front and rear seats, and BMW Assist concierge service with wireless cell-phone link.

Note that to meet federal emissions standards, the X5 xDrive35d incorporates an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance. Unlike some diesel-powered vehicles, the 335d is available in all 50 states.
diesel-powered vehicles
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 BlueTEC
Base Price: $54,200
EPA MPG: 23-32 mpg
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Launched for the 2008 model year as a "45-State" vehicle, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC expands this diesel's presence with a special California version. The E-Class continues in sedan and wagon body styles, though the diesel E320 BlueTEC comes only as a sedan. Likewise, the BlueTEC is rear-drive only. Gasoline-powered E-Class models remain available with all-wheel drive.

The E320 BlueTEC has a 210-horsepower turbodiesel V6 mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Options include steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps and adaptive cruise control. Also available are heated and ventilated front seats and keyless access and starting.

For 2008, the E320 BlueTEC was not available in "green" states that share California's more stringent emissions regulations. For 2009, a limited number of E320 BlueTEC models will be made available for lease in California--but not other green states. California versions of the E320 BlueTEC incorporate an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance.
diesel-powered vehicles
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 BlueTEC
Base Price: $58,200
EPA MPG: 17-23 mpg
Body Style: 4-door wagon
This premium large SUV is a stretched version of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class premium midsize SUV. Compared to the smaller M-Class, the GL-Class seats seven instead of five, weighs some 500 pounds more, and has a higher towing capacity.

Mercedes offers three versions of the GL. The GL320 BlueTEC has a 210-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Gas-powered GL450 and GL550 models are also available. All versions of the GL come with standard all-wheel drive. Note that the GL320 BlueTEC does not come with a spare tire and instead comes standard with run-flat tires. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front and 2nd-row side airbags, and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows. Wood interior trim, heated front seats, and a power-folding 3rd-row seat are also standard. Options include leather upholstery, a navigation system, and rearview camera. 

Note that to meet federal emissions standards, the GL320 BlueTEC incorporates an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance. Unlike some diesel-powered vehicles, the GL320 is available in all 50 states.
diesel-powered vehicles
Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 BlueTEC
Base Price: $48,600
EPA MPG: 18-24 mpg
Body Style: 4-door wagon
New for 2009, the diesel version of Mercedes' 5-passenger midsize SUV joins a lineup of existing V6 and V8 models. All M-Class models received subtly freshened styling for '09.

The diesel-powered ML320 BlueTEC has a 210-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. BlueTEC and V8 versions of the ML come only with all-wheel drive. Rear drive is available on the gas V6-powered ML350. Note that the ML320 BlueTEC does not come with a spare tire and instead comes standard with run-flat tires.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front and rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat, wood interior trim, and Mercedes' Tele Aid assistance system are standard. Optional are leather upholstery, a navigation system, rearview camera, and power liftgate. For 2009, all M-Class models receive Mercedes' PRE-SAFE safety system that senses an impending collision and tightens the seatbelts and moves the front passenger seat to a safer position. PRE-SAFE also closes an open sunroof if a rollover is detected. 

Note that to meet federal emissions standards, the ML320 BlueTEC incorporates an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance. Unlike some diesel-powered vehicles, the ML320 is available in all 50 states.
diesel-powered vehicles
Mercedes-Benz R-Class R320
BlueTEC
Base Price: $49,150
EPA MPG: 18-24 mpg
Body Style: 4-door wagon
This slow-selling wagon is the larger of Mercedes' two midsize SUVs. It shares its basic design with the M-Class and offers seating for up to seven passengers. R-Class is also about 12 inches longer in wheelbase and 15 inches longer overall than the M-Class.

Diesel power for the R-Class comes in the form of the R320 BlueTEC. The R320 has a 210-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. Also offered is a gasoline-powered V6 version called R350. All R-Class models have a 7-speed automatic transmission. Note that the R320 does not come with a spare tire and instead comes with standard run-flat tires.

Seating is comprised of folding 2nd-row bucket seats and a folding 50/50-split 3rd-row bench. A 2nd-row bench is available for seven-passenger capacity. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front- and rear-side airbags. A sunroof is newly standard for 2009, along with Mercedes' PRE-SAFE safety system that senses an impending collision and tightens the seatbelts and moves the front passenger seat to a safer position. PRE-SAFE also closes an open sunroof if a rollover is detected.

Note that to meet federal emissions standards, the R320 BlueTEC incorporates an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance. Unlike some diesel-powered cars, the R320 is available in all 50 states.

diesel-powered vehicles
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Base Price: $21,990
EPA MPG range: 29-41 mpg           
Body Style: 4-door sedan
A diesel engine returns to the Jetta lineup for 2009, after skipping the 2008 model year. This compact car is Volkswagen's top seller. It comes as a 4-door sedan or 4-door wagon called the SportWagen.

Diesel models are dubbed TDI and come with a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The TDI can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Jetta can also be had with a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and rear side airbags.  Options include a navigation system, sunroof, and iPod connectivity.

Unlike most diesels, the Jetta TDI does not use an exhaust-treatment system and is available in all 50 states.

diesel-powered vehicles
Volkswagen Touareg 2 TDI
Base Price: $42,800
EPA MPG: NA
Body Style: 4-door wagon
Volkswagen moves to make the diesel version of its large SUV more efficient and affordable for 2009, swapping a 5.0-liter V10 for a more fuel-economy oriented 3.0-liter V6. This is the same diesel engine found in Audi's Q7.

Dubbed TDI, the new diesel engine produces 221 horsepower and mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Like other Touaregs, the TDI comes only with all-wheel drive with low-range gearing and an available locking rear differential. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Standard features include a power liftgate, power driver seat, and front- and rear-obstacle detection. Leather upholstery is standard on the TDI. Options include keyless entry and starting, navigation system, rearview camera, and heated rear seats. 

Note that to meet federal emissions standards, the Touareg 2 TDI incorporates an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance. The Touareg 2 TDI is available in all 50 states.