Mercedes ML 450 Hybrid
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: MD
Mercedes ML 450 Hybrid
On November 16, Mercedes-Benz will launch the innovative ML450 HYBRID, the first European full hybrid vehicle to be offered in the U.S. Featuring V8-like power with four-cylinder fuel economy, the ML450 HYBRID features two electric motors and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine that work together to provide impressive hybrid power, fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon around town and 24 mpg on the highway.
The ML450 HYBRID joins the S400 HYBRID and our BlueTEC diesel models in our portfolio of fuel-efficient and environmentally compatible vehicles and will be offered 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 ML450 HYBRID fulfills the same crash test requirements and offers outstanding active safety with stability control systems such as ESP, ABS and BAS, as well as 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The integration of the hybrid technology has been engineered to require no additional packaging space that would compromise comfort or functionality. The space available in the passenger cabin is as generous as before and the trunk capacity remains fully intact. From the outside, the ML450 HYBRID is recognizable by its modified hood, the BlueEFFICIENCY logo on the fender and by the HYBRID badge on its tailgate.
The New ML450 HYBRID Boasts 46 Percent Better Fuel Economy
The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, optimized via the Atkinson cycle, two magneto-electric motors and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model.
Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each electric motor serves a specific purpose. Dedicated to pulling away under electric power, the motor on the transmission output shaft generates 80 hp and 192 lb.-ft of torque.
Located closer to the gasoline engine, the second electric motor is set up specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83 hp and 173 lb.-ft of torque. Working with both electric motors when full power is needed, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 hp and 381 lb.-ft. of torque.
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.
The ML450 HYBRID joins the S400 HYBRID and our BlueTEC diesel models in our portfolio of fuel-efficient and environmentally compatible vehicles and will be offered 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 ML450 HYBRID fulfills the same crash test requirements and offers outstanding active safety with stability control systems such as ESP, ABS and BAS, as well as 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The integration of the hybrid technology has been engineered to require no additional packaging space that would compromise comfort or functionality. The space available in the passenger cabin is as generous as before and the trunk capacity remains fully intact. From the outside, the ML450 HYBRID is recognizable by its modified hood, the BlueEFFICIENCY logo on the fender and by the HYBRID badge on its tailgate.
The New ML450 HYBRID Boasts 46 Percent Better Fuel Economy
The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, optimized via the Atkinson cycle, two magneto-electric motors and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model.
Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each electric motor serves a specific purpose. Dedicated to pulling away under electric power, the motor on the transmission output shaft generates 80 hp and 192 lb.-ft of torque.
Located closer to the gasoline engine, the second electric motor is set up specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83 hp and 173 lb.-ft of torque. Working with both electric motors when full power is needed, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 hp and 381 lb.-ft. of torque.
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.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,551
Likes: 230
From: San Francisco, CA
wow a total slap in the face to the RX450h.
atkison cycle 3.5 V6, Nickel metal hydride batteries under cargo, V8 performance just like the RX
funny though, 21/24 is hardly 4 cylinder economy
that is a lot of horsepower and torque. Wonder why they are launching this now when the new ML should be coming out soon.
atkison cycle 3.5 V6, Nickel metal hydride batteries under cargo, V8 performance just like the RX
funny though, 21/24 is hardly 4 cylinder economy
that is a lot of horsepower and torque. Wonder why they are launching this now when the new ML should be coming out soon.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,485
Likes: 0
From: Park Ridge IL
I doubt those are epa # and Mercedes over achives when it comes to fuel economy. My CLK500 gets around 28mpg hwy doing the avg 55-70. My ML500 manages 24 mpg on the highway and people with ML diesels are getting up to 31mpg highway.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,551
Likes: 230
From: San Francisco, CA
its just like the honda hydrogen car, clarity. I guess they are still monitoring consumer demand. I think they are confident in their tech seeing as how they are selling the S400 hybrid, though that is more of a mild hybrid. Benz does a lot of engineering mechanically. Plus they probably took apart 1 or 2 RX450hs. haha
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Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,534
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From: MD
MB 6 cylinders just aren't that great. Thankfully the E class got a bit of a boost in fuel economy, but it still doesn't have the power that the Tier 1 competition does.
E350: 268 HP, 18/26 MPG (7AT)
535i: 300 HP, 17/26 (6AT)
GS350: 303 HP, 19/27 (6AT)
A6: (AWD) 300 HP, 18/26 (6AT)
TL-S: (AWD) 305 HP, 17/25 (5AT)
MkZ: 263 HP, 18/27 (6AT)
So while the MB 3.5L isnt the most inefficient engine, it also doesn't have the most power and for comparison to AWD vehicles, the E 350 4matic recieved a rating of 17/24. It just seems like you should get more than 268 HP. Perhaps their vehicles need to lose some weight.
Looking at the ML
350: 268 HP, 16/21 or 15/20 (AWD)
550: 382 HP, 13/18 (AWD)
Bluetec: 210 HP, 18/25 (AWD)
So 21/24 for a vehicle slotted in between the 350 and 550 is reasonable, it just isn't as exciting the 450h. I also noticed that the bluetec which used to command a premium of $1000 now is $4000 more than the base M class.
E350: 268 HP, 18/26 MPG (7AT)
535i: 300 HP, 17/26 (6AT)
GS350: 303 HP, 19/27 (6AT)
A6: (AWD) 300 HP, 18/26 (6AT)
TL-S: (AWD) 305 HP, 17/25 (5AT)
MkZ: 263 HP, 18/27 (6AT)
So while the MB 3.5L isnt the most inefficient engine, it also doesn't have the most power and for comparison to AWD vehicles, the E 350 4matic recieved a rating of 17/24. It just seems like you should get more than 268 HP. Perhaps their vehicles need to lose some weight.
Looking at the ML
350: 268 HP, 16/21 or 15/20 (AWD)
550: 382 HP, 13/18 (AWD)
Bluetec: 210 HP, 18/25 (AWD)
So 21/24 for a vehicle slotted in between the 350 and 550 is reasonable, it just isn't as exciting the 450h. I also noticed that the bluetec which used to command a premium of $1000 now is $4000 more than the base M class.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 3
From: Alberta
[QUOTE=SLegacy99;5005178]
Looking at the ML
350: 268 HP, 16/21 or 15/20 (AWD)
550: 382 HP, 13/18 (AWD)
Bluetec: 210 HP, 18/25 (AWD)
So 21/24 for a vehicle slotted in between the 350 and 550 is reasonable, it just isn't as exciting the 450h. I also noticed that the bluetec which used to command a premium of $1000 now is $4000 more than the base M class.[/QUOTE]
Keep in mind that while the ML Bluetec has only 210 hp, it has 400 lb/ft of torque.
Like bad co mentioned earlier, Mercedes it seems has a tendency to underate their mileage. We have over 11 000 miles on ours and have got 24.5 mpg combined since purchase. We routinely get 32 mpg on the highway.
Interesting that the Bluetec is that much more in the USA. Here in Canada the Bluetec bases for only $1500 more than the regular 350.
The diesels seem to be being embraced better up here. It is next to impossible to find one on a dealer lot. I will be waiting until March for a GL or Q7 diesel as all the ones here or on the way are already sold.
Looking at the ML
350: 268 HP, 16/21 or 15/20 (AWD)
550: 382 HP, 13/18 (AWD)
Bluetec: 210 HP, 18/25 (AWD)
So 21/24 for a vehicle slotted in between the 350 and 550 is reasonable, it just isn't as exciting the 450h. I also noticed that the bluetec which used to command a premium of $1000 now is $4000 more than the base M class.[/QUOTE]
Keep in mind that while the ML Bluetec has only 210 hp, it has 400 lb/ft of torque.
Like bad co mentioned earlier, Mercedes it seems has a tendency to underate their mileage. We have over 11 000 miles on ours and have got 24.5 mpg combined since purchase. We routinely get 32 mpg on the highway.
Interesting that the Bluetec is that much more in the USA. Here in Canada the Bluetec bases for only $1500 more than the regular 350.
The diesels seem to be being embraced better up here. It is next to impossible to find one on a dealer lot. I will be waiting until March for a GL or Q7 diesel as all the ones here or on the way are already sold.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,534
Likes: 0
From: MD
[QUOTE=CDNROCKIES;5005224]
Yes the diesel ML is a different animal. It is built for towing not for speed.
But while you may see more MPG in your Mercedes than the EPA states, this is true of most vehicles out there. Under the new system of testing my Legacy is rated for 24 Hwy. I average 30-34. And Ive spoke at length about the 400h's fuel economy. MB does not hold up well to the EPA testing, which is the controlled standard of comparison.
Looking at the ML
350: 268 HP, 16/21 or 15/20 (AWD)
550: 382 HP, 13/18 (AWD)
Bluetec: 210 HP, 18/25 (AWD)
So 21/24 for a vehicle slotted in between the 350 and 550 is reasonable, it just isn't as exciting the 450h. I also noticed that the bluetec which used to command a premium of $1000 now is $4000 more than the base M class.[/QUOTE]
Keep in mind that while the ML Bluetec has only 210 hp, it has 400 lb/ft of torque.
Like bad co mentioned earlier, Mercedes it seems has a tendency to underate their mileage. We have over 11 000 miles on ours and have got 24.5 mpg combined since purchase. We routinely get 32 mpg on the highway.
350: 268 HP, 16/21 or 15/20 (AWD)
550: 382 HP, 13/18 (AWD)
Bluetec: 210 HP, 18/25 (AWD)
So 21/24 for a vehicle slotted in between the 350 and 550 is reasonable, it just isn't as exciting the 450h. I also noticed that the bluetec which used to command a premium of $1000 now is $4000 more than the base M class.[/QUOTE]
Keep in mind that while the ML Bluetec has only 210 hp, it has 400 lb/ft of torque.
Like bad co mentioned earlier, Mercedes it seems has a tendency to underate their mileage. We have over 11 000 miles on ours and have got 24.5 mpg combined since purchase. We routinely get 32 mpg on the highway.
But while you may see more MPG in your Mercedes than the EPA states, this is true of most vehicles out there. Under the new system of testing my Legacy is rated for 24 Hwy. I average 30-34. And Ive spoke at length about the 400h's fuel economy. MB does not hold up well to the EPA testing, which is the controlled standard of comparison.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,551
Likes: 230
From: San Francisco, CA
While the MB 3.5 motor is low on hp and mileage figures, I did notice that the emissiosn ratings qualifies for PZEV in california, which I dont think any non hybrid Lexus qualifies for, which are usually ULEVII ratings
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
From: none
The ML450 HYBRID joins the S400 HYBRID and our BlueTEC diesel models in our portfolio of fuel-efficient and environmentally compatible vehicles and will be offered 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.
And damn you guys and affordable cars. $549 for 60 months?!? What's the downpayment though? 10%? Cause $549 is pretty damn good from a Canadian's perspective.
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Posts: n/a
Observed MPG really depends on driving habits... Thus "estimated"...
I've gotten as high at 28 and as low as 20... To a tank...
The diesel seems just as good here. As for leading only I have a feeling if they priced it the msrp would be at least 10 grand higher than the 450h
I've gotten as high at 28 and as low as 20... To a tank...
The diesel seems just as good here. As for leading only I have a feeling if they priced it the msrp would be at least 10 grand higher than the 450h
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,551
Likes: 230
From: San Francisco, CA
I think they will price it competitively.
Notice that last year 2009 models, the S550 started at 89K and now for 2010 it is in the low 90s. They then placed the S400h at 88K so replace that slot.
Seeing as how the MLh has output between the 350 and 550, Im guessing it would be in between, somewhere in the low 50s or maybe even high 40s
Also the S400 is available to buy.
Notice that last year 2009 models, the S550 started at 89K and now for 2010 it is in the low 90s. They then placed the S400h at 88K so replace that slot.
Seeing as how the MLh has output between the 350 and 550, Im guessing it would be in between, somewhere in the low 50s or maybe even high 40s
Also the S400 is available to buy.
unless someone's keeping a hybrid for a decade, NONE of them make sense financially over non-hybrid versions.
i mean this 3 yr lease is nearly $24k. let's see, assuming 36,000 miles in 3 years, at say 15mpg vs. 20, means 2400 vs. 1800 gallons, or a 'savngs' of 600 gallons, or about $2k. big whoop.
i mean this 3 yr lease is nearly $24k. let's see, assuming 36,000 miles in 3 years, at say 15mpg vs. 20, means 2400 vs. 1800 gallons, or a 'savngs' of 600 gallons, or about $2k. big whoop.