All new for this year, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE300d brings diesel power to the luxury brand's latest midsize crossover. The Mercedes-Benz GLE300d makes the vehicle's 4MATIC all-wheel drive a standard feature, and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The KCM Stainless Steel High Pressure Crossover (HPX) line connects the driver side and passenger side High Pressure Oil Rails together. This results in a more balanced High Pressure Oil system with fewer pressure spikes (see Injection Control Pressure graphs below).
IMPORTANT NOTE - PLEASE READ:
The High Pressure Oil System operates from 500psi to over 3000psi. Components of this system must be designed to handle these pressures on a CONTINUOUS basis. In addition to pressure, the high temparatures of the engine oil and underhood environment, high pulsation rate of the high pressure oil system and the general expansion, contraction and vibration of a running Powerstroke make for a tough operating environment. The proper design of a High Pressure Crossover line is far more than just picking some hose with a high enough pressure rating and having some fittings crimped on or bending up a tube and attaching it to the engine! Make sure the HPX line you purchase is an ENGINEERED SOLUTION and not just a 'slapped together' hose or tube!
The KCM S.S. HPX line IS an Engineered Solution! Chris Kersey of KCM has a degree in Manufacturing Engineering with a minor in Metalurgy. He has extensive experience designing and manufacturing MISSION CRITICAL weapons components for the military. Chris used the same tools and experience when he designed his HPX lines...see below for details:
•Designed by an ENGINEER
•Designed using SOLIDWORKS CAD/CAM Software
•'Stress Analysis' Tested using COSMOS (Now Solidworks Simulation) Software
•Tested for THOUSANDS OF MILES before ever offered for Sale
•Manufactured using High Grade MIL-SPEC S.S. Tubing and Fittings
•THOUSANDS of units in operation Without a Single Design Related Failure!
If you're comparing the KCM HPX line to those offered by our competitors at a lower price, and wondering why this line is more expensive, now you know!
The Mazda CX-5 is a well-known and respected crossover in the U.S. market. There is a lot to like from its excellent standard tech features, high-quality interior, and powerful engine options. However, not all of the CX-5‘s trim levels are quite so popular. This is where the Diesel trim level comes in. According to Motor1, Mazda just killed the Diesel trim for the U.S. market for unsurprising reasons.
What is a Mazda CX-5 Diesel?
The recipe for the Mazda CX-5 Diesel is a simple yet expensive one. According to Motor1, the diesel-powered variant arrived for the 2019 model year. Under the hood lives a 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged engine. Total power output is rated at 168 hp and 290 lb-ft. Unfortunately for buyers, this variant of the CX-5 was offered exclusively as a top Signature trim with all-wheel drive. As a result, Motor1 reports that this crossover carried a wallet-killing base-rice of $42,045.
However, this Mazda CX-5 Diesel had a decent upside over a standard Signature model. Since the current Signature models come standard with a more powerful turbocharged engine, their fuel-efficiency suffers. A gas-powered CX-5 Turbo with AWD consumes 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. In contrast, Motor1 reports that the diesel variant featured estimated consumption figures of 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Aside from the obvious powertrain differences, both of these models were identical elsewhere. Regardless, it seems the diesel-powered variant never truly caught on.
Why did Mazda kill off this model?
RELATED: The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Is Easy to Love According to Car and Driver
If you take one look at the U.S. crossover market, you’ll quickly realize that diesel-powered models are virtually nonexistent. According to CarsDirect, GM already killed off the diesel-powered Equinox and GMC Terrain, leaving few options available.
Crossover Disney Shows
It should come as no surprise then that the Mazda CX-5 Diesel is being kicked to the curb for poor sales figures. According to CarsDirect reporting a message from Mazda spokesperson Justin Pagtalunan, “After evaluating consumer demand, Mazda will no longer offer the Skyactiv-D diesel engine in the US market.”
According to CarSalesBase, sales for the Mazda CX-5 remain fairly strong in the U.S. As a matter of fact, 146,420 units of the crossover found new homes in 2020 despite a global pandemic. Unfortunately, Mazda does not offer a sales breakdown by trim levels. Regardless, the diesel-model sales must’ve been fairly poor to pull the plug in less than two model years.
Aside from the Mazda CX-5, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that around three percent of brand-new vehicles in the U.S. feature a diesel powertrain. As a result, it won’t surprise you to learn that Mazda plans to continue utilizing this discontinued powertrain in other markets across the world.
Crossover Disease
Should you buy one in 2021?
While the Mazda CX-5 Diesel had a fairly high base price when new, the used market is filled with these crossovers. One quick look on AutoTrader reveals that you can find one of these diesel-powered crossovers for less than $30,000. If we consider that these models are just two years old and carried a $42,045 base price, there are some serious savings available.
Additionally, it is worth reiterating that all of the diesel models feature the highest trim available. As a result, if you’re shopping around for a used CX-5, a fuel-efficient diesel may be the way to go.
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