![2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2011-mercedes-benz-r-class_100309191_l.jpg)
2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
![2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2010-mercedes-benz-ml450-hybrid_100233221_l.jpg)
2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid
In the case of Mercedes' R-Class luxury people-mover, only about five percent in the U.S. are purchased in Bluetec form—even though the 2010 Mercedes-Benz R350 Bluetec costs just $1,500 more than the V-6 gasoline R350 (2011 prices are pending but won't change significantly).
We find that a little puzzling, as after a First Drive of the spruced-up 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class last week posted at The Car Connection, the R350 Bluetec in particular remains one of our favorite long-distance road-trip vehicles. With its cavernous interior and adult-size seating for six (or up to seven), the R-Class is a step above minivans for anyone who places the priority on passenger comfort. And with the diesel it has plentiful load-stomping torque yet can return fuel economy in the mid-20s—quite the feat considering its 5,000-pound-plus curb weight.
No way around it, the R-Class has been a slow seller. M-B has sold around 3,000 R-Class models per year in the U.S. It sells many times more boxy GL-Class utes, and some months its M-Class sales have exceeded annual R-Class sales. But even for the slightly truckier (in image) GL and ML models, roughly 12 percent are Bluetec diesels.
Slow sales, despite plenty of arguments pro
Among older M-B models, diesels have had much better resale value, so combined with the better fuel economy and drivability we find the economics a no-brainer.
As a surprising number of shoppers still turn their noses up to diesel, Mercedes-Benz is covering all the bases; in addition to its Bluetec, the ML450 Hybrid first went on sale—or rather, on lease—late last year. The automaker is only offering it under a special lease, either at $659 per month for a 36-month lease or $549/mo. for a 60-month lease.
With a 275-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, and an electric motor system that brings output to a combined 340 hp, the ML450 Hybrid has roughly the same power as the gasoline V-8-powered ML550, while its EPA ratings are 21 mpg city, 24 highway. The packaging isn't any different than the standard ML, as the liquid-cooled nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is stored under the rear cargo floor.
But so far, the ML450 Hybrid hasn't exactly been screaming off lots either; the automaker has only been moving about 80 of ML450 Hybrid models per month.
Where did the demand for greener vehicles go?
![Sheryl Crow loves BlueTEC Sheryl Crow loves BlueTEC](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/sheryl-crow-loves-bluetec_100180379_l.jpg)
Sheryl Crow loves BlueTEC
What do you think? Why are so few luxury utility buyers interested in diesels (or even hybrids) today?