Benz unveils diesel plan

MERCEDES-BENZ has confirmed it will introduce to Australia a new diesel-powered model variant over the next 12 months, for the B-class and R-class people-movers, E-class station wagon and G-class hardcore 4WD.

A B180 CDI 2.0-litre four-cylinder model and an R320 CDI 3.0-litre V6 model will arrive around June next year, followed in the third quarter by an E280 CDI estate, also with a 3.0-litre V6 oil-burner.

The G-class is due around November, with Mercedes currently investigating both six and eight-cylinder turbo-diesel engines.