Frankfurt preview: 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid
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Yet another pending debut has sprung up on the interwebs, and (surprise!) it's one more vehicle to give credence to Frankfurt's green-theme. The Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid will be packing a two-mode hybrid drivetrain that was co-recreated by BMW, GM and M.B., producing 340 HP and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, all while delivering over 30 miles-per-gallon.
Sales are expected to begin in 2009, and we think it would look great parked along side the Benz boyz C 63 AMG Estate. Stay tuned for more, we're packing our bags now.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
PRESS RELEASE:
ML 450 HYBRID: first German two-mode petrol hybrid SUV on the market
Mercedes-Benz will also be presenting the ML 450 HYBRID, due to be launched on the market in 2009 as the most economical two-mode petrol hybrid SUV worldwide. Its innovative two-mode hybrid system enables electric driving and satisfies the highest comfort demands. With a combined system output of 250 kW/340 hp and a combined maximum torque of 480 Nm, the ML 450 HYBRID consumes just 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres - equivalent to CO2 emissions of 185 g/km.
Product highlights at this year's International Motor Show in Frankfurt also include the new C-Class Estate, which combines functionality with stylish design and hallmark Mercedes refinement. Mercedes-Benz will also be exhibiting various C-Class BLUETEC versions -- with and without hybrid -- which are due to be launched successively.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
http://www.theobjectreport.com 7:42PM (9/06/2007)
Holy smokes, this is the first time I,ve seen this. I owned an ML320 SUV about six years ago and loved it. Such a fantastic SUV. We moved out of state and sold it. I bought a Ford Explorer 96, to replace it. I must say I was impressed with the Ford as well. BUT, I must have one of these new 450s. Beautiful
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thetruck454 8:04PM (9/06/2007)
so does this mean they use the same 4spd auto as well? They go from a 7spd to a 4spd. They must have made the 2 mode transmission a 4 speed because more gears too up too much space and they needed room for the electric motors.
Snark 8:33PM (9/06/2007)
And the point of a V8, large displacement engine mated to a hybrid drivetrain is....what? Why isn't this mated to a diesel or even petrol V6, or for that matter any engine that makes a pretense of economy?
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Daniel 10:34PM (9/06/2007)
I always wondered why some companies do that, mostly Lexus. It's as if the extra "motor" is only for extra power. Then again, I guess the V8 doesn't need to push as hard? (if that makes any sense)
Du 9:35PM (9/06/2007)
The Two Mode ISN'T a 4 speed. It has 6 "Modes" two of them are EVT based (that's Electronic Variable Transmission, meaning they can have infinite gearing) and four of them are "Fixed Gears."
So it is basically a CVT with 4 Fixed options for when you don't want to be in CVT mode. It acts like a CVT 75% of the time.
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66coronet 1:01AM (9/07/2007)
" co-recreated by BMW, GM and M.B."
What about Chrysler Div??????????????
30MPG, That's alot better than the hybrid hemi durango will get.
Like one person already said. Why didn't they put it with a diesel? Like the 3.0Lcrd bluetec. ML320CDI
It's like they really do not want good fuel mileage. This may even help in diesel emissions if they did this. Cut down inner city diesel fumes.
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66coronet 3:40AM (9/07/2007)
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/hybrid.html
"two-mode hybrid drivetrain that was co-recreated by BMW, GM and M.B" So now they cut Chrysler out of Co development.
I agree with a previous person, why not a diesel 3.0L crd or 2.2L crd hybrid?
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why not the LS2/LS7? 3:06AM (9/07/2007)
30mpg, well, we're getting somewhere now.
Now put it in a wagon instead of an SUV and you'll have a vehicle that really makes some sense.
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iamhoff 3:43AM (9/07/2007)
If Toyota can't get more than mid to high 20s out of a 3.3L V6 pushing out 208 hp plus the added power from the electric motor in the Highlander Hybrid, how in the hell can MBZ pull 30 out of the ML Hybrid? Unless they're playing from Lexus' hybrid handbook and calling out what the power figures SHOULD equate to in terms of displacement. Maybe it's not running the V8 and is instead running a 2.8L or 3.5L V6. Wish the press release had some more tech deets.
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Don 2:29PM (9/07/2007)
Over 30 mpg? Bullshit.
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mdm-adph 5:02PM (9/07/2007)
It does seem rather high... but I'd think that a well-built engine, coupled with a modern transmission should be able to get around 30 mpg and still have great power -- look at Camaro Z28's from around 1999-2000. I've heard of people getting 30 mpg out of those, easy, while putting out 350hp+.
Imp 12:59PM (9/08/2007)
Makes a Cayenne look like a lump of poo.
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