> >I was reading in the motoring press that now over 50% of S-Class Mercedes
> >sold in the UK come with a diesel engine, the S320 CDI.
> >
> >This got me thinking, if your spending the best part of 50k on a car, why
> >would you be so concerned about saving a few pennies by going diesel? >
> if I am not mistaken the cost factor is more than a few pennies per
> gallon, also a diesel engine needs less maintenance and lasts longer
> than a gasoline engine
Admittedly the diesel euromix economy is 36mpg, compared to 25 mpg for the S280 and you do save money. But if you want to save money, what on earth are you doing buying a brand new Mercedes S-Class?
I am not sure about maintainance, sure there is no ignition system but I am sure the oil needs changing about twice as often on a diesel.
> >I mean I am sure modern diesels are very good, but petrol engines are still
> >more refined, and if your going for a luxury car, why does one not go the > >full way?
>
>
> not true at all, my being in the US, I haven't seen too many of the
> new cdis but from what I've seen, they are as good or better
> performance wise
Yeah, the S320 CDI does 0-60 in 7.9 sec, quicker than the S350 petrol.
But for a car like this, performance is not important, it is *refinement*. I.e. the engine has to be whisper quiet and very smooth. I am not convinced your gonna get that in a diesel.
>
> >Can anyone provide any insight into this strange phenominan?
Interestingly
>BMW and Audi have followed suit with diesel 7-series and A8!
> the only insight needed is that you are letting prejudices cloud your > thinking
Well, it could be true, that is why I seek answers ;)
The other day I saw on TV a new Jaguar X-type diesel. First ever Jaguar diesel. Seemed bizzare to see this Jaguar rattling away like a bus!