2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid @ 2009 NYIAS

Description

MORE 2009 NEW YORK AUTO SHOW @ INSIDELINE.COM: www.edmunds.com The 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid is the German automaker's first production gas-electric hybrid, with a dual-mode system that matches exceptional power and torque with relatively good fuel economy. The hybrid crossover debuts this week at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The dual-mode system was developed in partnership with BMW, Chrysler and General Motors, and is similar in concept to the system used in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. In this particular application, Mercedes-Benz mates a gasoline engine — a specially designed 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 — with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), twin electric motors, four clutches and the company's 4Matic all-wheel drive. The combination delivers 335 horsepower and 381 pound-feet of torque, while returning 21 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway. Zero-to-60 acceleration takes 7.8 seconds, and top speed is just over 130 mph. In comparison, the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, which also uses a 3.5-liter V6, delivers a combined 295 hp and returns 28 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway for the all-wheel-drive edition. Both the Lexus and the Mercedes hybrids use nickel-metal hydride batteries. Mercedes-Benz says the ML450 Hybrid has a theoretical range of more than 500 miles on a single tank of gas. With its dual-mode system, the ML450 Hybrid can operate under pure electric power at low speeds, switching to the gasoline engine under mid-to-heavy throttle <b>...</b>

Keywords

2010, Mercedes-Benz, ML450, Hybrid, 2009, NYIAS, NYAS, New, York, Auto, Show, suv, car, motor, engine, Edmunds, Inside, Line

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