It looks like German automakers are really stepping up their
efforts in the realm of diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. Over the past two
weeks, DailyTech has brought you
information on the Volkswagen
Golf Hybrid which achieves an astonishing 69 MPG. BMW soon followed with
its Vision
EfficientDynamics hybrid concept vehicle (based on the X5 Sport Activity
Vehicle) which achieves 36 MPG.
Mercedes-Benz is now stepping into the diesel-electric
hybrid fray with the Vision GLK BlueTec Hybrid concept. As its name implies,
the vehicle is based on the upcoming GLK compact SUV which will do battle with
the BMW
X3, Infiniti EX35 and
the Audi Q5. The vehicle will slot under the mid-size ML SUV.
In concept form, the GLK BlueTec Hybrid the uses the mild
hybrid system co-developed with BMW -- the hybrid components are also used in
the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept. Whereas the BMW uses a 2.0-liter
diesel as its primary source of power, the Vision GLK BlueTec Hybrid uses a
2.2-liter diesel which when combined with the electric engine/generator
provides 224 HP.
Mercedes-Benz says that the Vision GLK BlueTec Hybrid is
capable of accelerating to 62 MPH in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 134
MPH. The company lists CO2 emissions at 157 grams per kilometer while fuel
economy is pegged at 40 MPG.
"With the refinement, driving pleasure, outstanding
economy and effective environmental friendliness that is typical of our brand,
the Vision GLK BlueTec Hybrid ideally represents our ideas on future model
generations in the world of SUVs", says Mercedes-Benz’ Dr. Thomas Weber.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK and its Vision GLK BlueTec Hybrid
counterpart likely won't win many beauty contests, but the GLK is sure to find
its way into a number of homes when it arrives in the U.S. later this year.
Expect pricing to come close to that of the BMW X3 3.0si which starts at
$38,000 and the Infiniti EX35 which starts at $35,000.
Pricing for the diesel-electric hybrid version is sure to
run well into the $40,000 range if it ever reaches U.S. soil.