Mercedes-Benz to Launch ML450 HYBRID 4MATIC in US on 16 November

13 November 2009

Mercedes-Benz will launch the ML450 HYBRID (earlier post) in the US on 16 November. Mercedes-Benz will offer the two-mode ML450 HYBRID as part of a special lease only option (no purchase) for a monthly lease price of $659 per month for 36 months and $549 per month for 60 months.

The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, optimized via the Atkinson cycle, and the two-mode hybrid system to produce 46% better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. EPA rating is 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.

Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each of the two electric motors serves a specific purpose. Dedicated to pulling away under electric power, the motor on the transmission output shaft generates 80 hp (60 kW) and 192 lb-ft (260 N·m) of torque. Located closer to the gasoline engine, the second electric motor is set up specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83 hp (62 kW) and 173 lb-ft (235 N·m) of torque. Working with both electric motors when full power is needed, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 hp (250 kW) and 381 lb-ft (517 N·m) of torque.

The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 2.4 kWh 288-volt NiMH pack that’s enclosed under the rear cargo floor.

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.