Here in North America, we've come to associate big-torque diesels with heavy-duty pickup trucks. And with the millions of Cummins, Duramax and Power Stroke models on the roads, is it any wonder?   

But elsewhere in the world, diesels power just about every conceivable mode of transportation, including luxury cars. Come to think of it, a few decades back, the majority of Mercedes-Benz models sold in America were diesels. I remember growing up in the Bay Area, and the roads clattered with models like the 300 SD, 240 D, 300 D and almost every conceivable variation thereof. Even the occasional rare 300 CD coupe.

But they were not particularly refined, quiet, powerful or clean, even by the standards of that time. It was generally accepted that if you wanted the economy of a diesel, you just dealt with the noise, vibration, harshness and smell that came along with it. But the next round of diesels headed for North America in the next few years will be nothing like those oil-burners of yore.

In fact, the just-introduced S 420 Bluetec sports a whopping 320-horsepower and 538 lb.-ft. twin-turbocharged diesel V-8, and is limited to a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The old-school Benz diesels would be lucky if they could break into the triple digits, period.  Actually, a version of this engine showed up earlier in the  Europe-only E420 CDI, which would probably be even MORE fun, considering it's several hundred pounds lighter and a foot or so shorter. For now, we're "only" going to get the E320 Bluetec V-6 in the E-class. But there's a strong likelihood we'll get the big bruiser V-8 in the S-class come '08 or '09. It won't be cheap. Plan on it being upward of $90k. But if you're a rich diesel nut, your ride may be right around the corner.