Mercedes' U.S. boss, Ernst Lieb, reveals the automaker's first hybrid-electric vehicle, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450.
Better late than never, at least as far as Mercedes-Benz is concerned. Though the automaker has been putting most of its emphasis on clean, fuel-efficient diesels, it used the New York International Auto Show as the opportunity to unveil its first high-mileage hybrid-electric vehicle.
The ML450, which goes on sale for the 2010 model-year, “offers V-8 torque with 4-cylinder fuel economy,” declared Ernst Lieb, President of Mercedes’ U.S. sales subsidiary, during a NY press preview.
You’ll need a close look to spot the hybrid badge on the ML450, which relies on a two-mode gasoline-electric drivetrain system developed through an unusual joint venture with Chrysler, BMW and General Motors. The goal of the consortium was to overcome a fundamental problem with early hybrid systems, such as the drivetrain in the Toyota Prius, which provides a significant boost to mileage in-town, but can actually reduce fuel efficiency on the highway.
The hybrid SUV delivers 24 mpg on the EPA’s City cycle and 24 mpg on the Highway.
Mercedes officials claim the ML450 delivers V-8 performance I-4 fuel economy.
The V-6 engine, combined with a pair of electric motors housed in the transmission, develops a solid 335 horsepower and 381 foot-pounds of torque, only slightly less than the V-8-powered ML550.
Mercedes plans to sell the ML and subsequent hybrid-powered SUVs only in the U.S., according to global marketing chief Klaus Meier. The technology is meant to supplement, rather than replace Mercedes’ diesel offerings, which currently account for about 20 percent of its SUV sales, in the U.S.
The growing demand for high-mileage products threatens to disrupt the plans of luxury makers, like Mercedes-Benz. The challenge, added U.S. boss Lieb, is to deliver “responsible luxury,” the better fuel economy without sacrificing the performance and comfort that high-line buyers have come to expect.