Mercedes-Benz set to launch diesel-electric M-Class SUV later this year
01/23/2009, 8:58 AM
By Drew Johnson
Although Mercedes-Benz will soon launch a hybrid version of its S-Class sedan – the S400 BlueHYBRID – the big sedan wasn’t intended to be the company’s first production hybrid vehicle. A hybrid version of the automaker’s M-Class SUV was supposed to make production last June, but a supplier dispute ultimately derailed that plan. However, a new report indicates a hybrid M-Class is still in the works.
The M-Class hybrid will share the same hybrid drive system found in the S400 BlueHYBRID, but with one major difference – it will be diesel-powered. In fact, the hybrid M-Class with use the same 3.2L clean turbo-diesel found under the hood of the ML320 Bluetec.
According to Germany’s DPA, the M-Class hybrid will generate a combined 340 horsepower – making it very comparable in power to the V8-powered ML550. But thanks to electric motors helping in acceleration and even propelling the SUV exclusively at low speeds, fuel economy should be improved by about 30 percent. The ML320 Bluetec already achieves 18/24 mpg city/highway, so expect a healthy boost over those figures, particularly in city driving.
The hybrid M-Class is expected to hit showrooms sometime during the fourth quarter of this year, just after the S400 BlueHYBRID rolls into dealerships. Although the first M-Class hybrid will use a diesel engine, a gasoline version could also be on the way.
01/23, 9:12 AM
posted by:
fan
way to go for it, mercedes. launching them in the 4th quarter shows their confidence in the hybrid-technology… those are really gonna be put on a test in wintertime; and they WILL live up to the high expectations… and even exceed them…
01/23, 9:25 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Even in green, the M-class looks like an ugly POS.
01/23, 9:25 AM
posted by:
Zcarsales
Wow, its like they’re bringing back the WW 2 U-boat. Seriously, though; this is an idea that is long overdue.
01/23, 10:36 AM
posted by:
Jon Luc
Finally, something that MB puts on the market that makes sense.
01/23, 11:21 AM
posted by:
Kris K
LLN, their diesel has a displacement of 3.0 liters. But it´s nice to see that the manufacturers are getting into diesel-electric hybrids.
01/23, 11:31 AM
posted by:
gugy
Good move.
I hope they will do the same with the GL later on.
01/23, 2:04 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
Diesel-electric hybrids make the most sense of all, and offer the best fuel economy possible. The only downside is they are expensive.
01/23, 3:45 PM
posted by:
darx_ider
Brilliant idea… Why GM can’t do the same?
01/26, 7:12 AM
posted by:
Got Handling?
darx, probably because they are flat broke