Video: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID

The latest carmaker to jump into the Hybrid-SUV bandwagon is Mercedes-Benz which chose the New York Auto Show to perform the world debut of the ML450 HYBIRD. The Lexus RX450h challenging Merc is powered by a two-mode hybrid system mating a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson cycle engine with two electric motors for a total output of 335 horsepower and a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg which is around 47 percent lower than that of the 382HP ML550, but still lags behind its Japanese rival which returns 29mpg. Hit the jump to watch the ML450 HYBRID in motion.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

New 24MPG Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID Unveiled at NY Show, Still Pawned by Lexus

Created essentially for the 'wanna feel politically correct', hybrid-hungry consumers of the North American market, the ML450 HYBRID made its world premiere at the New York Auto Show. The luxury SUV is powered by a twin-mode hybrid drivetrain that combines a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson cycle engine with two electric motors for an output of 335 horsepower and 381 lb-ft (517Nm) of peak torque.

As any hybrid that respects itself, the depending on conditions, the ML 450 HYBRID can operate entirely on electric power or on the gasoline engine alone or on a combination of both drives. The overall result in terms of consumption is a highway gas mileage of 24 mpg and a city fuel economy of 21 mpg, while its combined economy of 22 mpg is around 47 percent lower than that of the ML550.

And no, Mercedes-Benz has not managed to better Lexus when it comes to fuel economy as the 295HP RX450h AWD model returns an estimated 30 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on highway and a combined figure of 29 mpg.

As for performance, the ML450 HYBRID goes from zero to 60mph (96 km/h) in 7.8 sec and has a top speed of 131mph or 210 km/h. Lexus has yet to announce performance figures for its new hybrid RX, but for the record, the previous-gen 268HP RX400h accelerated from standstill to 60mph (96 km/h) in 7.3 seconds and had an electronically limited top speed of 112mph or 180 km/h.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Mercedes to Reveal facelifted GL-Class and production ML450 Hybrid in New York

The 2009 New York International Auto Show that will be open to the public April 10-19, will host the world debut of three new Mercedes-Benz models. Aside from the E63 AMG uber sports sedan that you can check out here, the German automaker will also premiere the restyled 2010 GL-Class SUV and the production version of the ML450 HYBRID. Also on show will be the 2010 model year E-Class Sedan and Coupe, both of which are making their debut in North America.

Though Mercedes has not released any photos of the 2010 model year GL-Class, the German automaker did reveal that the renamed GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are distinguished by their restyled grille, bumpers, wheels and new lights, including LED taillights. As for the GL350 BlueTEC which replace the current GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, Merc said that it boast lower exhaust emissions as well as 20-30 percent better fuel economy.

The production version of Mercedes' ML450 HYBRID combines an electric motor with a 3.5-liter V6 engine for a total output of 335HP offering improved fuel efficiency over the full-size ML550. Like the Prius, the ML450 HYBRID can operate -at low speeds- as a zero-emission vehicle when powered by its electric drive alone.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com