The 6th through the 15th is the much coveted New York International Auto Show. This year we’re seeing many more luxury cars stepping foot into the green arena. With Flex Fuels and Hybrids, luxury carmakers are aiming to prove that you need not own a Toyota Prius to drive an environmentally clean car.
The Mercedes-Benz E320BLUETEC, which also was named the “2007 World Green Car,” is considered to have the cleanest burning diesel technology. It is also able to meet even the most stringent emissions regulations, such as the regulations in place in California. The BLUETEC achieves higher fuel mileage and can drive longer distances than other comparable gas powered luxury cars in its class.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 gives the ability to run on both gasoline and hydrogen, allowing for this luxury car to get great fuel mileage and run up to 400 miles. The new BMW captures the essence of BMW’s Clean Energy strategy where the car’s emissions using the hydrogen tank produces nothing but water vapor. None of the luxuries associated with the non-hydrogen BMW 7 series have been compromised, leaving you with a fuel-efficient green luxury car.
Saab 9-5 Aero BioPower Concept car is an ethanol based eco-friendly luxury car. While ethanol is considered to get less mileage than gasoline powered cars, ethanol is 30% cheaper than gasoline (and right about now that sounds really wonderful) combined with its low impact on the environment making it dually attractive. This car also runs on gasoline if an ethanol station is unavailable in your travels while the engine management system adjusts the timing and boost accordingly.
With the debate that many Hybrid engines are more expensive to maintain when the warranty runs out and that in the end the Hybrid engine is actually toxic for the environment, car makers moving forward to try out new ideas when it comes to clean fuel seems to be the way to go. Leave it to the luxury market to be the ones to lead the way.
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