Mercedes-Benz's Diesel Cars Get IRS Tax Credit Approval up to $1,800

Just a couple of weeks before Mercedes-Benz rolls out its new line-up of BlueTEC diesel vehicles, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) granted the German automaker the Qualified Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, qualifying the ML 320 BlueTEC, R 320 BlueTEC, and GL 320 BlueTEC buyers for tax breaks up to $1,800. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified to the IRS that the BlueTEC vehicles meet the strict emission requirements. So far, this is the first time that the IRS has granted the tax break to diesel vehicles. -Continued

According to the IRS, buyers of the ML 320 BlueTEC are eligible for a $900 tax credit, purchasers of the R 320 BlueTEC may qualify for a $1,550 tax credit, and purchasers of the GL 320 BlueTEC for a $1,800 tax credit depending on their individual tax status.

The vehicles, which are the first diesel passenger vehicles to meet all 50 state emissions requirements and get up to 600 miles to the tank, are equipped with a 211 HP 3.0-liter V6 diesel unit. According to Mercedes, all three models will go on sale on October 1st.