DaimlerChrysler Canada has just launched the diesel-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee. I attended a press conference and test drive earlier this morning, and I was very impressed with the motor. 215 hp @ 3800 rpm, 376 lb-ft of torque, 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway (Imperial gallons), 7,400 lb towing capacity, and low emissions. It's hard not to fall in love with this motor. It has the torque and power expected of an SUV plus the fuel economy that was always lacking in this class of vehicle. If you want an eco-friendly SUV, stop dreaming about hybrids and head on down to your DaimlerChrysler dealer to check out the diesel Grand Cherokee. It's a real world solution that is ready for sale right now.

The diesel used in the Grand Cherokee is the Mercedes-Benz 3.0L CRD (common rail diesel) that is also used in other Mercedes vehicles such as their ML320 SUV, E320 sedan, and will also be used in the Sprinter van. The 3.0L CRD's configuration depends on the particular chassis in which it is installed. For instance, the E320 sedan's 3.0L CRD will be equipped with the Bluetec system which is a collection of technologies designed to reduce and filter emissions to the point where the vehicle can pass the EPA's strict Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations, and California's LEV II requirements. This makes the E320 a true 50-state car for the United States. The 3.0L CRD in the Grand Cherokee, however, does not have the Bluetec system. It achieves its low emissions by the use of an advanced engine management system and an extremely efficient particular filtering system. It is not 50-state compliant but will pass all emissions tests in Canada and 47 U.S. states.

My first impression of the motor was that it was very quiet. I drive a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta TDI which is a quiet diesel but the Grand Cherokee's diesel was even quieter. The typical diesel rattle wasn't there at all. Even more surprising was that the exhaust smell was no where near as strong as the diesel exhaust I'm used to. Proof of the particulate filter's efficiency came when I ran my finger inside the exhaust pipe. No soot at all. Very impressive considering that the Jeep had over 1,000 km on it. DaimlerChrysler certifies it for use with B5 bio-diesel fuel and in fact, they leave the dealer lot filled with B5. The lack of consistent manufacturing standards for bio-diesel mixes greater than 5% is what is stopping DaimlerChrysler from giving the okay for higher bio-diesel mixes.

The Grand Cherokee drove like a gas-powered model. In around town driving, there was no significant difference between driving the diesel compared to a gas-burning V8. On the highway, stomping on the throttle produced a nice, throaty engine response that sounded more like a gas V8 and I had no doubt that the 376 lb-ft torque rating wasn't simply an idle boast. The 3.0L CRD can really move the Jeep. Dual over-head cams, a variable geometry turbo, piezo-actuated injectors...the engine is equipped with the latest in diesel technology and it feels absolutely great. Yet even with all this power, it achieves a fuel economy rating that is 30% better than the class average, and 40% better when pulling a heavy load.

Ironically, the diesel option costs less to buy, too. It's MSRP price is CAD$1500 more than the HEMI option, but because of the Green Levy applied to the HEMI, the diesel ends up costing less. But even if it didn't, the diesel could end up paying for itself in one or two years. Jeep has a cost comparison calculator that lets you see how it stacks up against the competition: http://www.jeep.ca/en/promos/grandcherokee_diesel/

Asked if they are planning on building diesel powered Wrangler JKs for the North American market, the media liaison said they might but it hinges on how well the diesel Grand Cherokee is received. Based on my experience today, I'll bet we'll see diesel Wranglers in two years.

The Mercedes 3.0L CRD.
I drove the Grand Cherokee to try out the diesel motor, but the GPS system really caught my eye...	...particularly when I shifted in to reverse and saw a rear camera view. Very cool!