USA Today Mercedes will be the first of the big luxury-car makers to put such a small engine in its top-line model, according to a report by Bloomberg News. It will try to maintain a semblance of performance for the 2-ton-plus sedan even with a 2.2-liter diesel four-cylinder: The S250 CDI, due at dealers next year, will have a two-stage turbo that is expected to be good for 204 hp., a 149 mph top speed and 0-60 in about 8 seconds.
How green? The diesel's estimate of 41 mpg is greener than the S-Class hybrid
"Green luxury is feasible," Verena Mueller, a Mercedes spokeswoman, told Bloomberg in Stuttgart. "We expect to attract environmentally conscious customers who are seeking the lowest possible CO2 emissions."
