Diesel Marathon Ends in Beijing

A convoy of 36 diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans arrived safely in Beijing this weekend after some 8,700 miles of driving, the conclusion to what Mercedes' parent DaimlerChrysler is calling the longest diesel marathon of all time. In a bid to demonstrate the reliability and economy of the company's diesel technology, DaimlerChrysler's "E-
Class Experience" sent 33 E 320 CDI and three of the newer E 320 BLUETEC sedans across nine countries in the hands of more than 360 drivers in only 25 driving days, traveling between the trek's sendoff point beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris France and the final destination in the Chinese capital.  

The cars performed remarkably well over the intercontinental journey. The "eBay" team car won the fuel economy contest with an average fuel economy of 32.7 mpg, while the record for lowest consumption over a single daily drive was set by the "German Taxi" team at 42.8 mpg. These numbers are even more impressive considering the extreme conditions of the drive - snow and unpaved roads in some cases - as well as up to three passengers and luggage per car. The cars were stock other than a suspension lift of two inches and winter tires to combat the poor road conditions.