Article Comments - 2009 Lexus RX400h vs. Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetech

48 messages, Last post on Jul 23, 2009 at 8:23 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 400h, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Car Comparisons, Diesel, Hybrid Cars, SUV

Diesel Vs. Hybrid: We Debate Two Technologies - For most of our test, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec led the Lexus in our comparison. (more)

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#10 of 48 by cumminsdiesel Oct 23, 2008 (7:42 am)
Speaking about the 30+ MPG for the ML, I have had a chance to drive one (non-B-Tec, just a regular CDI) about a year ago. On a highway, with a steady foot on the pedal, and not going above 65-70MPH, the more realistic number is more like 27-28MPG. Yes, it will get that much. But then again, under the same circumstances I get a stable 21MPG with my V8 GMC Sierra (4.8L, 4x4, 3.42 rear end.)
#11 of 48 by cumminsdiesel Oct 23, 2008 (7:43 am)
As for crashworthiness of Asian vehicles, there is a joke running around: - Germans put thicker metal in their beer cans, than Japanese put in their vehicles...
#12 of 48 by cumminsdiesel Oct 23, 2008 (10:39 am)
1. Somehow, if I had to be in an accident, I'd rather be in a European car, not Asian. 2. My neighbor has a 1980's S-Class (W126 bodystyle.) Drives it regularly. I don't see many Asian vehicles on the roads from the 1980's...
#13 of 48 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Lexus RX400h vs. Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetech [ by gagrice Oct 25, 2008 (5:50 am)
Replying to: jrobe (Oct 22, 2008 5:20 pm) This cross country matchup was well covered by the press. The ML320 CDI clearly beat the Lexus RX400h. If you want a towny car why would you buy an SUV? The RX400h is purely a town car with some added benefit if it snows. The Mercedes ML 320 CDI was compared with the Lexus RX 400h and, over the course of the run, the Mercedes was 11% more fuel efficient at 31.0 mpg compared to 27.7 mpg for the Lexus. In a way, this is not surprising, as a hybrid is very efficient around town, but will give almost no fuel saving at high speed (when the electric motors do not operate). More surprisingly, the testers said that the hybrid was only 1.7% more efficient around town at 24.56 mpg compared to 24.12 mpg. Average total consumption for the Mercedes over the 5,200-kilometer trip (3,232 miles) was 9.2 l/100km (25.6 mpg), while the Lexus came in at 10.2 l/100km (23 mpg). http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005/08/diesel_bests_hy.html Replies to this message: wwest (Oct 25, 2008 8:41 am)
#14 of 48 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Lexus RX400h vs. Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetech [ [gagrice] by wwest Oct 25, 2008 (8:41 am)
Replying to: gagrice (Oct 25, 2008 5:50 am) "...no fuel saving at high speed (when the electric motors do not operate). The HSD CVT cannot be operational absent at least one of the electric motors being powered at all times. Additionally anytime you accelerate at even the slightest level the electrics will ALWAYS kick in as an aid. So it is not at all surprising that the RX400h does not do well in a highway driving test, FE comparison, as it is operating at a definite disadvantage. On the highway the only method, typically, for recharging the hybrid battery is via the ICE. Pretty LOSSY path, that.
#15 of 48 by cumminsdiesel Oct 25, 2008 (3:24 pm)
OK, folks. Like I said before, diesel rules. After all, there has to be a reason why it has been around for over a hundred years... Hybrid is more of a gimmick. If you want to impress your tree-hugging friends over the cup of soy milk, buy one and get a good mileage out of it (if only in the conversations.) Me, I'd rather have a beer... Replies to this message: wwest (Oct 26, 2008 11:32 am) gagrice (Oct 26, 2008 3:23 pm) wwest (Oct 27, 2008 9:31 am) and 1 more...
#16 of 48 Re: [cumminsdiesel] by wwest Oct 26, 2008 (11:32 am)
Replying to: cumminsdiesel (Oct 25, 2008 3:24 pm) "..Diesel rules..." In what context..?? Diesel fuel, "traditional" diesel fuel, running in an engine so equipped, or... Low octane gasoline running in an HCCI, dieseling, mode....?? Personally I will vote for a CNG hybrid running in HCCI mode. Replies to this message: gagrice (Oct 26, 2008 3:23 pm) wwest (Oct 27, 2008 9:31 am) gagrice (Oct 27, 2008 3:59 pm)
#17 of 48 Re: [wwest] by gagrice Oct 26, 2008 (3:23 pm)
Replying to: wwest (Oct 26, 2008 11:32 am) I don't see CNG as more than localized fuel for vehicles. A big share of the buses and taxis in San Diego are CNG. Great fuel for short hops. No way you could drive a Civic GX to Las Vegas from here. We live on the outskirts of metro San Diego and we don't have natural gas. You want an SUV type vehicle with decent range, diesel is the way to go. Replies to this message: wwest (Oct 27, 2008 9:31 am) gagrice (Oct 27, 2008 3:59 pm)
#18 of 48 Re: [gagrice] by wwest Oct 27, 2008 (9:31 am)
Replying to: gagrice (Oct 26, 2008 3:23 pm) CNG is <$1.50 per equivalent "gallon". Replies to this message: gagrice (Oct 27, 2008 3:59 pm)
#19 of 48 Re: [wwest] by gagrice Oct 27, 2008 (3:59 pm)
Replying to: wwest (Oct 27, 2008 9:31 am) CNG has some distinct advantages and price is one of them. Range and availability are the major downsides. If I was commuting and had natural gas the GX would be at or near the top of the list.