Mercedes ML450 Hybrid 4Matic Goes to the US

The American arm of Mercedes-Benz has just debuted the first European full hybrid vehicle in the United States. The Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid 4Matic joins the S400 Hybrid and the BlueTEC diesel models in the American lineup 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 car is fitted with ESP, ABS and BAS, as well as 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and it can be easily recognized thanks to the modified hood, the BlueEFFICIENCY logo on the fender and by the HYBRID badge on its tailgate.

The ML450 Hybrid 4Matic is equipped with a 275 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, optimized via the Atkinson cycle, two magneto-electric motors that work together to provide 21 mpg in town and 24 mpg on the highway. 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.

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. The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine and restarts 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 are also used. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the SUV runs only on the electric motors.