2010 Mercedes-Benz M Class news, pictures, and information

New Hybrid Joins M-Class Lineup

The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two magneto-electric motors and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce more than 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model.

Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each electric motor serves a specific purpose. Dedicated to pulling away under electric power, the motor on the transmission output shaft generates 80 hp and 192 lb.-ft of torque. Located closer to the gasoline engine, the other electric motor is set up specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83 hp and 173 lb.-ft of torque. Working wîth both electric motors when full power is needed, the gasoline engine develops 275 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that's hidden under the rear cargo floor. A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance.

During parking and low-speed operation, the ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only. On hard acceleration, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and it works seamlessly wîth the two electric motors for surprisingly good 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. When the ML450 HYBRID is at a traffic light, for example, the gasoline engine is off, but the AC compressor and §teering pump are operated electrically, so air conditioning and power §teering are fully operational.

A Silent Start function provides noiseless starting of the gasoline engine.

During braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the SÚV and recovering kinetic energy. Únder heavy braking, the vehicle's conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the car runs only on the electric motors.

Hybrids Ideal For Atkinson-Cycle Engine

Mercedes-Benz engineers optimized the 3.5-liter V6 engine for good fuel economy by taking advantage of the Atkinson principle. By delaying the closing of each intake valve, the intake stroke effectively becomes longer than the compression stroke, increasing thermal efficiency, which reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Although Atkinson engines inherently produce less low-speed torque and throttle response, they are ideal for hybrid vehicles because the electric motors compensate for this disadvantage by working wîth the V6 to provide excellent throttle response on acceleration. The Atkinson-cycle V6 engine has different cylinder heads, pistons and camshafts as well as modified variable valve timing control and a low-load oil pump for good fuel economy.

No Sacrifice in Convenience or Roominess

The ML450 HYBRID is differentiated by a HYBRID logo on the rear lift gate, a revised front hood wîth two power domes and unique five-twin-spoke 19-inch wheels. The new model has the same interior room, convenience and safety features as other M-Class vehicles.

On the COMAND display, the driver can choose to see the power flow between the battery, electric motors and the gasoline engine or a diagram showing fuel consumption and energy recovery. The tachometer is replaced by a special gauge that shows the powertrain mode and energy recovery rate.

BlueTEC Diesel SÚV Boasts Úp To 600-Mile Cruising Range

	Vital Stats
Engine : 3.0 L., 6-cylinder Power: 210 hp Torque: 400 ft-lbs Engine : 3.5 L., 6-cylinder Power: 268 hp Torque: 258 ft-lbs Engine : 5.5 L., 8-cylinder Power: 382 hp Torque: 391 ft-lbs Engine : 6.2 L., 8-cylinder Power: 503 hp Torque: 465 ft-lbs
7-speed Automatic

Another smart alternative for today's world, the ML350 BlueTEC diesel sport utility vehicle is rated at 18 miles per gallon around town and 24 mpg on the highway – 20 percent better fuel economy than the V6 gasoline engine, wîth powerful low-range torque and extremely low exhaust emissions as well. This latest generation of quiet, clean electronically injected CDI (common rail direct injection engines is changing consumers' dated perceptions about diesel engines. The ML350 BlueTEC diesel boasts impressive cruising range up to 600 miles at highway speeds, and the SÚV can do all that without sacrificing performance. With 210 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, its V8-like pulling power makes the ML350 BlueTEC diesel ideal for towing up to 7,200 pounds. The fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC comes wîth an AdBlue exhaust treatment system that helps the sport utility meet the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.

BlueTEC - A Modular Technology

First European Full Hybrid Offered in the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, ML450 HYBRID and Fuel Cell to Debut at L.A. Auto Show