The Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid is the first European full hybrid vehicle to be offered in the U.S. Featuring V8-like power with four-cylinder fuel economy, the ML450 Hybrid features two electric motors and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine that work together to efficiently move the SUV.

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Located closer to the gasoline engine, the second electric motor is set up specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83 hp and 173 lb.-ft of torque. 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 runs on the electric drive only. The ML450 can drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph. On hard acceleration, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and it works seamlessly with the two electric motors for excellent performance.

The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine -- for example, when coasting up to a red light -- and re-starts it during acceleration.

Fuel economy for the ML450 Hybrid is rated at 21 miles per gallon around town and 24 mpg on the highway -- making it 46 percent more fuel-efficient than the V8-powered ML550 model.
The liquid-cooled, high-voltage nickel metal hydride battery is located under the rear cargo area. It weighs 183 pounds and features 240 cells for a total electrical output of 45 kW.

The ML450 Hybrid is capable of running on just electric power at low speeds and at a complete stop. The air conditioning system runs off of an electrical compressor, meaning that it doesn't turn off when the gas engine turns off.

The attributes of the traditional M-class SUVs such as ride quality, refinement, luxury, and style still apply to the ML450 Hybrid, which offers performance in all of these areas equal to that of the conventionally powered variants.

The hybrid version fulfills the same crash test requirements and offers outstanding active safety with stability control systems such as ESP, ABS and BAS, as well as 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The integration of the hybrid technology requires no additional packaging space that would in any way compromise comfort or functionality. The space available in the passenger cabin is every bit as generous as before and the trunk capacity remains fully intact.

Options on the ML450 include full leather seating, lighting package, illuminated door sills, Parktronic, wood/leather multifunction steering wheel, heating steering wheel, 20-inch wheels, rear seat entertainment system, and heated front seats.

From the outside, the ML450 Hybrid is recognizable by its modified hood, the BlueEFFICIENCY logo on the fender and by the hybrid badge on its tailgate.