Good News- Mercedes to keep their ‘dirty’ diesels out of the USA
The automaker was to start sales of a C300d during 2016 but has since scrapped those plans. The C300d was to be powered by a turbocharged 2.1-liter inline-4 delivering 201 horsepower to all four wheels.
Speaking with Car and Driver, Mercedes said the extra hoops diesel cars now have to jump through for U.S. certification mean it will only focus on vehicles with higher demand for diesel powertrains, such as large SUVs.
Top of the list is a diesel-powered GLS which is expected to be introduced for the 2017 model year. The GLE and GLC are also possibilities but the timing for the respective diesel versions of these is uncertain.
Those looking for a fuel-efficient C-Class can still look forward to the C350e plug-in hybrid. It’s currently on track to hit the market in late 2016. The C350e will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and an electric motor integrated with the transmission. It will have a peak output of 275 hp and rear-wheel drive.