Just test drove a new MB turbodiesel and it was an interesting experience because this thing is shown to be a real torque monster (369 ft-lb) with very good acceleration and mileage numbers.
What I was surprised by, given the diesel engine's reputation for low-end "grunt" and this car's 7-speed automatic (or so the salesman said, I think he was wrong about that part) was the hesitation or softness in power delivery from a stop. It was not a stumble, just a delay before real power could be felt. Sort of a mini-turbo-lag, which may very well be what it was.
No doubt something one gets used too, but a little annoying when first encountered. Beyond that, an excellent power train and not a bad price at $48,000. George Litwinski
"It's good to want things."
S. Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist, Visual Basic.Net programmer)