Benz works blue at Geneva

Mercedes-Benz wasn't so much green as blue at Geneva, with the lion's share of its opening day show presentations centering on its 'TrueBlueSolutions' range of BlueTec and BlueEfficiency concepts and production models.

Grabbing centre stage and introduced by Daimler Corporation heavy-hitters, chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche and R&D head Thomas Weber, the BlueTec Hybrid concept version of the new GLK medium softroader was the main attraction, joined by petrol and diesel BlueEfficiency production versions of the C 180 Kompressor and C 200 CDI sedans.

The GLK concept showcased Mercedes' latest-generation diesel and hybrid technologies. It is powered by a revised version of the maker's new 2.2-litre twin turbo direct-injection diesels coupled with a hybrid module (fitted between the engine and conventional auto gearbox) and Mercedes' latest Lithium-ion batteries to deliver a total combined output of 165kW and 560Nm.

In doing so it records a claimed fuel consumption of just 5.9L/100km, says the car giant. This equates to a CO2 output of less than 160g/km.

Fitted with Mercedes-Benz AdBlue injection, the GLK BlueTec Hybrid also passes the world's toughest exhaust emission standards -- the USA's BIN5 regs and Euro VI.

The BlueEfficiency cars are, unlike the GLK, production ready. Like VW's BlueMotion and other brands' eco-models, Benz's BlueEfficiency mods include aerodynamic optimization, electric power steering, lower rolling resistance tyres, generator management and weight reduction measures.

In the case of the C 200 CDI Benz claims a reduction in fuel usage from 6.1 to 5.1L/100km. The C 180 K petrol BlueEfficiency variant records a 0.9L/100km reduction in consumption to post a figure of 6.5L/100km thanks to the full suite of changes plus a reduction in engine capacity (from 1796cc to 1597). Mercedes claims, however, the car's power and torque outputs are unchanged.

According to R&D boss Weber, Mercedes will roll out a total of 20 BlueEfficiency models across its full model line-up -- from A to S-Class. Fuel savings of up to 12 per cent are claimed.

One of the features of the BlueEfficiency models is a new "intelligent fuel economy display and shift indicator". Benz has dubbed it a "built-in fuel-efficiency trainer".

It wasn't all blue at Benz at the 78th Salon International de l'Automobile Geneve, however, with something for the world's few remaining petrolheads. In addition to the debut of the new SL range -- including the stunning SL 63 AMG (more here) -- Benz also showed off revised CLC, CLS and SLK models.

Mercedes-Benz Australia says the revised CLS and SLK models will make their way Down Under soon, with the revised CLC sports coupe to go on sale in Australia by mid-year.

The Carsales Network will attend the Palm Springs (USA) launch of the new SL range later this week. Look out for our launch review of the new range-topping sporty soon.

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