2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hybrid Review

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-class ML450 Hybrid is the first fully-hybrid European vehicle ever available in the United States. It features a 3.5L 275hp gasoline-powered Atkinson V6 that combines forces with two separate magneto-electric motors. Add in the most-modern hybrid computer technologies and you have a recipe of efficient power that's difficult to equal - let alone outdo. In fact, its 46% more fuel efficient than the comparably-powered V8 ML550.

The Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid for 2010 operates with a highly-sophisticated 2-Modal hybrid system. Each magneto-electric motor serves its own unique purpose. Both motors are fully integrated into an automatic transmission that has been modified to accommodate them. One is located near the output shaft on the transmission. Generating 80 horses and 192 lb-ft of twist, its purpose is to generate momentum solely with electric power. Gentle acceleration of up to 34 miles per hour can be achieved.

The second magneto-electric motor on the 2010 Hybrid Mercedes-Benz M-Class is located in close proximity to the gasoline V6. Creating another 83 horses and 173 lb-ft, it is designed to efficiently assist the gas engine during periods of hard acceleration. The overall performance of the system is rated at 335 horses and 381 lb-ft of mid-revving torque. Owners happily experience V8 power with 4-cylinder efficiency.

Underneath the floor in the rear cargo area of the Mercedes-Benz hybrid ML450, a 228-volt Nickel/Metal/Hydride battery is housed. It is liquid-cooled and controlled by a very sophisticated hybrid computer system. The system has a perpetual job of calculating and recalculating optimal vehicle operating conditions. It's so diligent about its work that it performs these calculations 160 times every second. It has the capacity to perform 50,000,000 separate computations per second. The result is environmentally-responsible, big power that's optimally efficient. EPA estimations for fuel economy are reported at 21/24 mpg urban/rural.

Officially released in the United States on November 16 of 2009, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-class ML450 Hybrid is not for sale; you can only lease it - at least for now. There are two options for the special lease program: $659 monthly for 36 months or $549 monthly for 60 months. Besides the incredible new hybrid technologies offered, the ML450 features all of the luxury, comfort and safety that you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz. 5-Star safety ratings from the NHTSA have been awarded largely due to standard safety features including ESP, 4MATIC AWD, BAS, ABS and PARKTRONIC Park Assist to name just a few.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hybrid is available now - and presents a very exciting new option for a European, 2-modal hybrid masterpiece. Definitely check one out today.