Spy photographers have spotted a prototype of the Mercedes ML320 Hybrid testing in Northern Sweden. The gold-colored prototype spotted –now more free from the heavy camouflage and black-out treatment– gives us our best look yet at the revamped ML.
The rear-end displays a taped-over Hybrid badge, and slightly obscured tail-lights which appear to have brighter LED technology within the current model’s tail-lamp housings. The rear bumper has also been reworked for a cleaner tail- end look.
The ML’s new front bumper consists primarily of a larger center intake below the grille, and reshaped fog lamps, while the grille appears to be unchanged. New side-view mirrors round out the visual changes.
It appears that the Hybrid ML will utilize Mercedes 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 diesel engine, in conjunction with Mercedes new dual-mode Hybrid system co-developed with GM and BMW. The torque-rich diesel (398 lb-ft at a low 1600 rpm) already enjoys a strong mileage advantage over petrol-powered competitors, so the Hybrid model’s electric-assist should be one of the more compelling entries in the growing ranks of the supposed new wave of green machines.
02/20, 6:15 PM
posted by:
C6Racer
Yay, another hybrid… not.
02/20, 6:52 PM
posted by:
anyclearer
ya, another hybrid……for real, more company’s need to get in the game
02/20, 7:58 PM
posted by:
corvette
kind of reminds me of the equinox.
02/20, 8:39 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
This SUV is a stunner. I love it.
02/20, 8:58 PM
posted by:
MikeFX
Looking at the front end, you can see where Honda got the idea for the wacky nose of their current CR-V.
02/20, 9:32 PM
posted by:
autonut
It is a briliant technological combo. Diesels are a bit slow with start up acceleration and hybrid tranny will help; diesel engine is less bothered by heavy weight 6 speed tranny with electric motors and additional batteries. It should be best of all worlds, at least in theory.
02/20, 10:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
…clatter clatter clatter
(silence)
…clatter clatter clatter
(silence)
…clatter clatter clatter
(silence)
Oh yeah, this could be a hoot to live with.
Better stock up on the Rob Zombie CDs to keep you sane.
02/20, 11:45 PM
posted by:
nestle_s
Cool and diesel hybrid! But still Hybrid vehicles are too hyped up and costly. Isn’t GM releasing their SUV hybrids? (which i hear is 50K or more north in price. i dont remember how much but i know it is costly!) with a Silverado hybrid truck?
02/21, 12:19 AM
posted by:
murderedout
Again, Hybrids are useless in Rural areas.
02/21, 12:48 AM
posted by:
murderedout
smalllimpdick, people who have lots of money live in rural areas, Unlike you who lives in the ghetto projects, crammed next to some crackhead. At least I can go outside and take a piss, without worring about some nigglet looking over my shoulder. Go collect some more food stamps and welfare checks you dumbass nigger.
02/21, 12:58 AM
posted by:
murderedout
Looks like that ****y city smell and smog killed many of your brain cells, limpdick. You will never win a debate with me!
02/21, 3:54 AM
posted by:
mg198242
Hot car –> hot debates…
I think they still use covers just to show us that is a testbed car or a project in works, otherwise without any covers nobody would guess that’s the new version of ML, Hybrid ML.
02/21, 7:12 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Murderedout the tranny-fan just woke up. What’s shakin’ ass-spelunker? Took a few minutes off of swallowing someone’s purple portobello to write something on LLN?
02/21, 8:48 AM
posted by:
AdminStar
murderedout -
You comments posted on Feb21 at 12:48p wasn’t the first like that on this site, but are definitely unacceptable and very insulting to the multitude of readers that frequently read the articles and responses.
The topic is about a vehicle and not your stereotypical opinions about who has responded and where other members live. If you haven’t already been banned or suspended, please remember to keep your racist comments to yourself and stay on topic.
02/21, 9:22 AM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
SOUNDS LIKE WHAT EVEERY BODY HAS BEEN ASKING FOR.
Diesel efficiency X hybrid efficiency = a very expensive incredible complicated efficient and clean powertrain. Not exactly aimed at the masses.
MB will have to start recruiting at MIT for mechanics.
Tahoe is first Hybrid too show no # gain in transition to hybrid. Expect same here.
02/21, 9:39 AM
posted by:
AdminStar
I agree, SwerveEarly. There have been a lot of comments asking when an automaker was going to successfully combine a diesel engine with a hybrid system. This reported powertrain seems like the best opportunity to take advantage of the diesels low-end torque and comparable fuel consumption (vs a petrol engine), and the hybrid transmission ability to offer electric boost in both city and highway conditions.
I actually would’ve like to have witnessed a test using VW’s V10 TDI and the 2-mode hybrid transmission. Maybe an aftermarket (or independant) shop will try different automaker’s engines with the 2-mode system.