Opting for the fuel-efficient diesel version of some cars or trucks could save you a lot of money. Or not at all. Over 35 vehicles that are available in gasoline and diesel form, the firm found just eleven models for which the cost of ownership was lower compared to the gasoline counterpart. 2,754 higher than their gasoline counterpart. 5,390鈥攑roved an insurmountable barrier toward long-term payoff in some models. Meanwhile, gas prices are down, while pump prices for diesel haven鈥檛 been falling at quite the same rate. As of this week, U.S. 3.42 per gallon. And in general, higher refining and distribution costs for U.S. 鈥檛 fall, proportionately, as much at the pump due to the sustained low price of crude oil. But going with the diesel version likely does pay off if you鈥檙e considering it on a luxury model. Of all the vehicles for which Vincentric found diesel at an advantage, all but one were German luxury-brand models.

Opting for the fuel-efficient diesel version of some cars or trucks could save you a lot of money. Or not at all. Over 35 vehicles that are available in gasoline and diesel form, the firm found just eleven models for which the cost of ownership was lower compared to the gasoline counterpart. 2,754 higher than their gasoline counterpart. 5,390鈥攑roved an insurmountable barrier toward long-term payoff in some models. Meanwhile, gas prices are down, while pump prices for diesel haven鈥檛 been falling at quite the same rate. As of this week, U.S. 3.42 per gallon. And in general, higher refining and distribution costs for U.S. 鈥檛 fall, proportionately, as much at the pump due to the sustained low price of crude oil. But going with the diesel version likely does pay off if you鈥檙e considering it on a luxury model. Of all the vehicles for which Vincentric found diesel at an advantage, all but one were German luxury-brand models.

Mercedes-Benz in particular ended up posting plenty of diesel deals because of a strategy that makes its BlueTec diesel models the 鈥榚ntry鈥?models in several of its vehiclelineups. Diesel pays off for luxury but not mainstream models? The Ram ProMaster Diesel 1500 is the only mainstream-brand diesel model that managed to make the cut in offering a cost-of-ownership savings over five years. Surprisingly, 鈥楾DI鈥?diesel versions of the the Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, and Beetle didn鈥檛 make the cut; neither did the VW Touareg SUV or the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel sedan. Diesel versions of full-size pickups from Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, and Ram also didn鈥檛 show a payoff for going diesel. Vincentric鈥檚 calculations factor in a wide range of costs well beyond fuel cost鈥攖hings like insurance premiums, and estimated maintenance expenses. Which diesels pay off vs. Click through the following pages to see the five models鈥攊f you鈥檝e already decided on the model鈥攚ith which you save the most going for the diesel version.

4,060 in fuel savings over the gasoline model鈥檚 17/21-mpg rating. Diesel models are definitely the way to go if you tow, too. 2,300 will factor, almost directly, into a lower cost in ownership for the 328d鈥攚hich, by the way, is rated at a stellar 32 mpg city, 45 highway. 908 more than the equivalent xDrive35i. 2,400 over five years. The diesel was already our value pick of the lineup; and now that the ownership estimates show that as well it鈥檚 the first model to home in on if you like the X5. 2,841 in fuel costs with diesel over five years, Vincentric estimates. Drivability is great, too; 4Matic all-wheel drive is available with the diesel with a penalty of just a few mpg; and the engine is so smooth that your passengers might not even suspect it鈥檚 a four-cylinder diesel. Get the Monitor Stories you care about delivered to your inbox. 471 lower than the gasoline V-6-powered GLK350. 40k base price makes the BlueTec diesel version an especially attractive proposition for driving a luxury vehicle but keeping running costs down鈥攁nd it makes the GLK in particular a good value among luxury crossovers.

Even the third row can accommodate adults, as long as they鈥檙e of average size or smaller. However, the available massaging and fan-ventilated front bucket seats are the best places to spend time in the GLS. Inside, the GLS looks similar to the GL, but an all-new infotainment system, three-spoke steering wheel, and interior colorways betray it as a 鈥?7 model. The center screen adopts the modern, mounted-tablet look, standing out from the dashboard rather than being integrated into it. It鈥檚 a change this author likes very much, but others on the trip criticized the iPad-inspired styling, and admittedly, we wonder how long such a trend will be in style. Will the dash tablet look as dated in 20 years as car phones do today? Behind the wheel, the GLS feels very much like it did when it was called the GL, but that鈥檚 not intended as an insult. It retains its predecessor鈥檚 soothing freeway demeanor, surprisingly sporty handling, and impressive powertrain smoothness. The latter point is most commendable when considering the diesel V-6鈥檚 inherent imbalance and the 9GTRONIC transmission鈥檚 numerous gears, but driving the GLS confirms the engine and transmission operate imperceptibly in almost all driving conditions.