Diesel v Hybrid: Mercedes ML320 Bluetec v Lexus RX 400h

FOR FULL ARTICLE:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=133730?tid=edm...

Sure, you can get sticker shock at the gas station, but you don't have to give up your sport-utility vehicle. You don't even have to give up the carlike luxury trimmings you've come to expect as part of the SUV experience.

That's what the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec and 2008 Lexus RX 400h are meant for.

Or maybe you're looking to make a political statement. Those on the right-hand side of the aisle might want to use less imported oil, while left-leaning types just want to use less oil, period. And what better way to represent your social consciousness than with the SUV you drive?

In fact, this comparison is all about the debate. Once you commit to a greener way of life with a sport-utility, which is the better choice, diesel or hybrid? 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec or 2008 Lexus RX 400h?

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Diesel
• Hybrid:
• Mercedes
• ML320
• Bluetec
• Lexus
• RX
• 400h
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line
• hybrid
• diesel
• car
• auto
• motor

[NewDivineWind]

@DamnStraightM35A2 Now that would be the case but the world isn't that simple. If you are starting a luxury car brand, it takes a long time before the name is taken seriously. In the first year of Lexus, why would somebody buy a no name luxury car while they could get a name brand BMW? It took time for Lexus to build up sales so there almost no Lexus 22 years or even 18 years ago. Toyotas are the most common car on the road and old ones are just as common.

[DamnStraightM35A2]

@NewDivineWind So if Lexus has been around for 22 years then there should be 22 year old Lexus's on the road. I haven't seen any. I haven't seen any 22 year old Toyotas on the road recently either....

[NewDivineWind]

@DamnStraightM35A2 You are misinformed. Lexus has only been around for 22 years. Of course you don't see many old Lexus's. Now do you see many old Toyotas on the road? Certainly. If you think that comparing Lexus and Toyota is unfair then it is simply answered by Lexus is Toyota. In Japan Lexus models are even marketed under Toyota. Lexus was just a way to market to the US. Luxury EXport to US The capital letters spell out Lexus.

[DamnStraightM35A2]

@Noobus1221 Lexus's are very common in the US. MB diesels are not.

[Noobus1221]

@DamnStraightM35A2 i dont know how do people think in USA about Lexus drivers,but in Europe if people see you driving one,are like WOW(i mean about countries with high taxes)

[joranpoort]

@DamnStraightM35A2 oh, sorry poor man ;)

[DamnStraightM35A2]

@joranpoort See many 20 year old Lexus's on the road? I see a lot of 20 year old Mercedes on the road every day.....

I would never buy a new Mercedes or Lexus.....

[joranpoort]

@DamnStraightM35A2 not in holland, in holland every Moroccan drives an old mercedes, but rich people who live in amsterdam and 't gooi drive lexuses or audi's but not really much mercedes because the reliability is just so bad, but have fun with your breakdown soon! ;)

[DamnStraightM35A2]

The fact that he drives a Lexus hybrid is a fail. When one drives a Mercedes they convey a sense of status. When one drives a Lexus they look like a nouveau riche dumb ass with more money than brains who bought a Lexus because all of their friends drive one.

Lets see, Mercedes has been building diesel powered passenger cars for 75 years, Lexus has been building hybrids for 14 years.....

Lexus = Toyota with different badge, a bland appliance.

Mercedes Benz = The best in the world since 1886

[joranpoort]

@DamnStraightM35A2 LOL, I am only 14, LOL FAIL, and my dad drives a Lexus RX 400h btw.