Mercedes-Benz to launch diesel E-Class in U.S

FRANKFURT, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Eager to get Americans hooked on diesel, DaimlerChrysler (DCXGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) will start selling a Mercedes-Benz E-Class car powered by its latest diesel engines in the United States next month, it said on Wednesday.

The world's fifth-biggest carmaker is hoping diesel's far better fuel economy and robust torque for towing power will win fans at a time of high petrol prices. Diesels typically get around 30 percent better mileage than gasoline engines.

The Mercedes-Benz E 320 Bluetec car makes its debut in the world's biggest car market on Oct. 15, timed to coincide with the advent of very low-sulfur diesel fuel.

The car's 208-horsepower, 3-litre V6 engine gets a combined 35 miles per gallon (6.7 litres per 100 km) and can take the car 700 miles without stopping for more fuel, the company said.

An even cleaner version of Bluetec technology is due in 2008. That uses urea-based additives to cut nitrogen oxide emissions and thus meet clean air rules in all 50 U.S. states.

That version will be offered in Mercedes-Benz R-, ML- and GL-Class vehicles.

Helped by diesel fuel subsidies, diesels make up around half the European car market, but they have been a tough sell for passenger cars in the United States.

Widespread misperceptions of diesels as dirty and loud, regulatory hurdles and diesel engines' extra expense -- they cost around $2,000 more than gasoline engines -- have limited their appeal in the past.