The Enviro-meter:
There is one thing that bothers us about the C300 flex-fuel. Mercedes hasn't put any kind of flex-fuel/E85 compatible signage on the entire vehicle. Badges stuck to the body aren't necessary, but at the very least, some kind of sticker on the fuel door, or even a color-coded fuel cap would help the owner know/remember that he could put E85 in the tank. That would be helpful. At this point, the only mention of the car's dual-fuel status is in the owner's manual.
Here's how the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Flex-fuel’s environmental impact tallies up, according to fueleconomy.gov:
- Petroleum Oil Consumption: 16.3 barrels of crude annually burning premium gasoline—compared to 5.3 barrels for E85.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 8.7 tons/year on premium gasoline, where E85 totals 7.4 tons/year (driving an average of 15,000 miles per year).
- EPA Air Pollution Score: not available
Details and Specs:
Technical Features: 7-speed automatic transmission, dual fuel capability, 3.0-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine
Safety Features: 24-hr. roadside assistance program, dual two stage front airbags, side airbags mounted in front seat backrests, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, electronic stability program, anti-slip regulation, antitheft alarm, tire pressure monitoring system
Interior Features: power sunroof with express open/close, panorama sunroof, dual-zone climate control with dust filter, 8-way front power seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, heated front seats, rain sensing wipers, multimedia package (7-inch retractable color display, navigation system, 6-disc CD changer, voice control)
Exterior Features: auto-dimming and power folding mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, dual exhaust with two chrome outlets