Mercedes-Benzs upcoming diesel SUVs have won the first consumer tax credit for diesel vehicles. The IRS has awarded Daimler AG credits for the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTEC, R 320 BlueTEC and GL 320 BlueTEC - all of which go on sale October 1st.

All three Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC diesel models will meet the new 50-state strict emissions requirements. Buyers of the GL 320 BlueTec will get the most tax credit of up to $1,800. Those looking to buy the R 320 BlueTEC and ML 320 BlueTec will get a tax credit of $1,550 and $900 respectively.

Power for the three models comes from a V6 diesel engine that makes 211-hp and a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft. That gives the R 320 BlueTEC?an estimated?fuel economy of 18/24 mpg (city/highway). The ML 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC do 18/24 and 17/23 respectively.

All get up 600 miles on the tank.

2009 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUVs (R, ML, GL):