MERCEDES-BENZ E320 CDI BREAKS WORLD RECORDS

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Around The World In 30 Days – Four Times

Laredo, TX May 2, 2005; The new Mercedes-Benz V6 CDI diesel engine has achieved an impressive list of world records this weekend in Laredo, Texas. Three standard-production E320 CDI (Common-Rail Direct Injection) vehicles equipped with the 221-hp powerplants covered distances of 100,000 kilometers, 50,000 and 100,000 miles respectively in world-record times.** Combined the three record diesel vehicles traveled the equivalent of almost eight times around the world, with the 100,00 mile record achieving an average speed of 139.699 mph. Despite the extreme stresses, the maintenance-free diesel particulate filter held up magnificently over the entire record distance without any deterioration in performance – further testimony to the reliability and durability of this exhaust technology.

This historic event follows last year’s successful return of the Mercedes-Benz diesel engine to the luxury brand’s lineup. The E320 CDI exceeded sales expectations by more than 38 percent with 4,158 units sold. Boasting strong acceleration, excellent fuel economy and low noise levels, the latest generation of electronically-injected CDI engines is helping to change U.S. consumers’ dated perceptions about diesel powertrains. The E320 CDI achieves 27/37 mpg for city and highway driving, respectively, translating into up to 30 percent better fuel economy than comparable gasoline engines. A showcase for the latest in diesel engine technology, the 3.2-liter diesel engine can propel the E320 CDI from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds and cruise up to 780 miles on a single tank of fuel.

With precise electronic control of fuel delivery, hand-in-hand with an oxidation catalyst, the E320 CDI can pass current 45-state emissions standards. With increased availability of low-sulfur “clean” diesel fuel in the U.S. imminent, Mercedes-Benz engineers are optimistic that the CDI diesel can eventually meet emissions standards in all 50 states.

A pioneer in diesel powertrain technology, Mercedes-Benz invented the world’s first diesel passenger car in 1936, the 260 D. Seven decades later, the Mercedes-Benz brand has produced more than 7 million diesel passenger cars, many of which are still in service today.

** All records subject to confirmation by the FIA. The Paris-based FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) is the governing body for world-record attempts in the automotive sector.

World Records Achieved

In addition to the world records over 100,000 kilometers plus 50,000 and 100,000 miles, the three international driver teams set other records:***

Distance Start International FIA record *

10 kilometers standing start 204.830 km/h -127.276 mph***

10 miles**** standing start 212.850 km/h -132.259 mph***

100 kilometers standing start 225.338 km/h - 140.019 mph***

100 miles standing start 217.847 km/h - 135.364 mph***

500 kilometers standing start 210.446 km/h - 130.778 mph***

500 miles standing start 206.502 km/h - 128.315 mph***

1,000 kilometers standing start 205.426 km/h - 127.646 mph***

1,000 miles standing start 204.892 km/h - 127.314 mph***

5,000 kilometers standing start 215.043 km/h - 133.622 mph***

5,000 miles standing start 218.779 km/h - 135.943 mph***

10,000 kilometers standing start 219.794 km/h - 136.574 mph***

10,000 miles standing start 221.268 km/h - 137.490 mph***

25,000 kilometers standing start 223.047 km/h - 138.595 mph***

25,000 miles standing start 224.278 km/h - 139.360 mph***

50,000 kilometers standing start 224.719 km/h - 139.634 mph***

50,000 miles (80,467 kilometers) standing start 225.456 km/h - 140.092 mph***

World record **

100,000 kilometers standing start 225.903 km/h - 140.370 mph***

World record **

100,000 miles (160,934 kilometers) standing start 224.823 km/h - 139.699 mph***

World record **

1 hour standing start 216.942 km/h - 134.802 mph***

6 hours standing start 203.990 km/h -126.754 mph***

12 hours standing start 206.087 km/h -128.057 mph***

24 hours standing start 215.533 km/h - 133.926 mph***

* International FIA records in vehicle category B - production vehicles, Group III - turbo-diesels, Class 11 - swept volume 2,500 - 3,000 cc

** World record: absolute best figure among all vehicle categories and classes

*** All records subject to confirmation by the FIA

**** 1 mile = 1.609344 km (conversion factor according to FIA rules)

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