The Auto Writer

Mercedes (M-B) is stepping deeper into the hybrid game in a big way. Yesterday, M-B launched its ML450 Hybrid, recognized as the first European full hybrid vehicle to be offered for sale in the United States.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, optimized via the Atkinson cycle, two magneto-electric motors and cutting-edge hybrid electronics, M-B says that the hybrid will achieve a 46% percent improvement in fuel economy to the comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Specifically, Mercedes says that the hybrid will deliver I4 fuel economy (21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) while offering V8 equivalent power.

Lease Only

The new model will be available lease-only for $659 per month for 36 months and $549 per month for 60 months. The ML450 Hybrid is joining the S400 Hybrid and the automaker’s BlueTEC diesel models to round out the company’s fleet of highly fuel efficient, environmentally friendly models.

Mercedes says that the ML450 Hybrid meets the same crash test requirements as other models while offering superior active safety with stability control systems such as ESP, ABS and BAS, as well as its 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

In addition, the inclusion of hybrid technology has been schemed to require no supplementary packaging space that would imperil comfort or functionality. Mercedes claims that available cabin room is as large as before while trunk capacity has not been sacrificed.

As far as demarcating the model, the ML450 Hybrid is distinguished by its altered hood, the BlueEFFICIENCY logo fixed on the fender and by the HYBRID badge located on its tailgate.

Electric Power

The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that’s enclosed under the rear cargo floor. A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance.

During parking and low-speed operation, the ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only. The ML450 HYBRID can drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph. On hard acceleration, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and it works seamlessly with the two electric motors for excellent performance. The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine — for example, when coasting up to a red light — and re-starts it during acceleration.

During braking and coasting, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the SUV and recovering kinetic energy. Under heavy braking, the vehicle’s conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the SUV runs only on the electric motors.

Source: Mercedes-Benz USA