ML 450 Hybrid, the first full hybrid Mercedes for Americans

And we then?

Mercedes has chosen not lounge in New York to present its ML 450 Hybrid by accident. This model is mainly for the U.S. market, it is also manufactured in this country, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. But mostly the word may not be correct. It would be more appropriate to write exclusively. At this day, the ML 450 hybrid is not intended to be sold in France. And it is not worth the call to go to a dealer french. It was in Stuttgart to claim that we must go. Nothing is sure yet, but the ML 450 hybrid would not be available in Europe.

Which we believe is a big Skandale! The availability of hybrid models is already low, so more European manufacturers do not sell their hybrid models in their own markets, it is never progress. We hope that Mercedes changed its original plan ... This is especially desirable that the ML 450h is the first full-hybrid (as Americans say) by Mercedes. Full-hybrid in the sense that if the S 400 hybrid is already available, and that the architecture of hybridization is very effective is a car that can accelerate only on the strength of its electric motor. What the ML 450 Hybrid can.

The technology that makes this possible is the famous bi-mode, jointly developed with GM and BMW, which was initiated in late 2004. Already used on big Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade (not them, not offered in Europe) and the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango (ditto), this technology is potentially superior to that used by Toyota and Lexus hybrids. Where the Japanese can make a difference however, is in the optimization, the fineness of the electronic management. But a plain reading of the characteristics, the dual-mode seems better.

Thus we can run at slow speed on the power of the electric motor at high speed and high speed through the immediate torque electric motor, but in these 2 cases, this will not necessarily be the same engine power to be used. That is the bi-mode, a mode of low speed operation, and a second high speed. The ML 450 Hybrid has a V6 petrol 279 bhp, the first electric motor of 85 hp and 235 Nm of torque, and a second 82-hp and 260 Nm Depending on need, self forward on the power of these 3 engines operating together, or gasoline engine with an electric motor only, or one electric motor (fuel cut), the recovery of energy lost in braking being with 2 electric concert.

But that's not all, since there are then 4 clutches to send the power of 3 motors to a 4-speed transmission offers fixed, variable and 2 reports. The fixed reports, engineering, offering the advantage of better performance compared to a transmission change, and this is another advantage of a system that seems so promising that it would be really nicht gut that the European clientele can benefit. The NiMH battery weighs 83 kg, and the voltage of 288 V, it has a capacity of 2.4 kWh. An indicator at the center of the dashboard gives its charge level.

Later consumption and CO2 emissions, the ML 450 hybrid has not passed the European approval, but Mercedes says it consumes almost half a ML 550 (388 hp), and even less than a ML 320 CDI (224 hp) on an urban setting. It is excellent for a machine with a combined 340 hp, with torque of 517 Nm However, it consumes more than a Lexus RX450h, but now specifies that the Mercedes has a permanent full drive, while the Lexus is more of a front-wheel drive with electric rear axle when needed. The Mercedes will be more versatile if we leave the beaten track or tow. Rest is needed before you can buy.