2010 Mercedes-Benz M Class

New Hybrid Joins M-Class Lineup

Mercedes-Benz is launching an innovative ML450 HYBRID model for the 2010 model year. Featuring V8-like power with four-cylinder fuel economy, the ML450 HYBRID comes with two electric motors and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine that work together to provide impressive hybrid power with fuel economy estimated at 21 miles per gallon around town and 24 mpg on the highway.

For 2010, the new ML450 HYBRID (335 total hp, 381 lb.-ft. of torque) joins the ML350 BlueTEC diesel (210 hp, 400 lb.-ft.), the gasoline V6-powered ML350 (268 hp, 258 lb.-ft.), the V8 ML550 (382 hp, 391 lb.-ft.) and the high-performance ML63 AMG (503 hp, 465 lb.-ft.). All 2010 M-Class models now feature burl walnut interior trim, a steering wheel covered in premium leather and a new monitoring system that shows individual tire pressures.

The New ML450 HYBRID Boasts 30 Percent Better Fuel Economy

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 with 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 with 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 steering pump are operated electrically, so air conditioning and power steering are fully operational.

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

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 with 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 with 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

BlueTEC - A Modular Technology

BlueTEC is a modular system that includes an oxidation catalyst and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions – the last type of exhaust gas that's higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. The ML350 BlueTEC diesel uses a NOx storage converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions.

The AdBlue system injects an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides. Its tank only needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during routine maintenance intervals (typical oil-change intervals are 10,000 miles).

Fresh From a Smart Restyling

The Mercedes-Benz family SÚV is fresh from last year's smart restyling. Redesigned front bumpers incorporate headlights with a distinctive step along the lower edge that continues around a larger, lower grille that holds three silver lamellas. Angular air intakes, widely set fog lights and chrome trim help give the M-Class line a broader, more aggressive face. A recontoured rear bumper with recessed reflectors and a stainless-steel skid plate that wraps around its dual exhausts also gives the M-Class a confident stance. Larger outside mirrors provide even better visibility.

Inside, door panels boast an upholstered center, while redesigned seats feature a sportier design and a standard driver's four-stage power lumbar support. Framing the chronometer gauges, a four-spoke steering wheel features multi-function audio and telephone controls and shift paddles.

In Command with COMAND

The latest COMAND system features a large 6.5-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD / DVD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car's audio system. It can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface, Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, and an enhanced voice control system.

The COMAND screen can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or memory card. The new system also includes a large hard drive that can display maps and directions for the optional GPS navigation system, which can be set up for SIRIÚS-XM traffic info and Zagat restaurant ratings as well.

M-Class models can also be equipped with an optional 610-watt digital harman / kardon Logic7 audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated DVD player with dual-source capability.

PRE-SAFE® Gives M-Class Reflexes to Protect Occupants PRE-SAFE® is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact. The PRE-SAFE system tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact.

Whenever the PRE-SAFE system is triggered, the side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.

4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive Sets a Trend

Most M-Class models come with the proven Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive (the ML350 is also available with rear-wheel drive). As modern all-wheel-drive systems become more refined, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time four-wheel drive provides year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads.

The latest Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system is cleanly integrated into the automatic transmission so it fits right into the standard body and utilizes the existing front suspension. Fuel efficiency has been improved, due to a number of innovative measures that minimize the energy needed to turn the extra gears and shafts.

The Mercedes-Benz Alabama Plant

Along with the R-Class and GL-Class, the M-Class sport utility vehicle is produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which began production in 1997 with the first-generation M-Class. Since 2001, more than $600 million has been invested to expand the facility for production of the three SÚV lines.

Source - Mercedes-Benz

First European Full Hybrid Offered in the U.S.

On November 16, Mercedes-Benz will launch the innovative ML450 HYBRID, the first European full hybrid vehicle to be offered in the Ú.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 provide impressive hybrid power, fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon around town and 24 mpg on the highway.
The ML450 HYBRID joins the S400 HYBRID and our BlueTEC diesel models in our portfolio of fuel-efficient and environmentally compatible vehicles and will be offered as part of a special lease only option (no purchase) for a monthly lease price of $659 per month for 36 months and $549 per month for 60 months.




The New ML450 HYBRID Boasts 46 Percent Better Fuel Economy

The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, optimized via the Atkinson cycle, two magneto-electric motors and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce 46 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.



The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that's enclosed 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. The ML450 HYBRID 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.

During braking and coasting, 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 SÚV runs only on the electric motors.

Source - Mercedes-Benz

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

All-New SLS AMG Supercar, Fuel-Cell-Powered F-Cell, and New Hybrids Share the Spotlight
The 563-horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTEC and the fuel-cell-powered F-Cell will be making their North American debuts at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public December 4-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Mercedes-Benz will also launch its first hybrid SÚV - the ML450 HYBRID- as well as the impressive SPLITVIEW dual-content viewing technology.





F-Cell for Fuel Cell Electric Power
Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-Cell will make its North American debut at the L.A. Show. The F-Cell car has a range of about 240 miles and, running on compressed hydrogen, boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 86.6 city-highway combined miles per gallon. In 2010, 200 production F-Cell cars will be delivered to customers in the Ú.S. and Europe as part of a special lease program.


BlueTEC - The World's Cleanest Diesels
Sharing center stage with the F-Cell and the SLS AMG, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTEC is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 210 horsepower, an impressive 400 lb.-ft. of torque and approximately 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. Now with revolutionary AdBlue injection that makes diesel exhaust super-clean, the E350 BlueTEC will be available in all 50 states in Spring 2010.



ML450 HYBRID Boasts 46 Percent Better Fuel Economy
Making its West Coast debut at the L.A. Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two electric motors and sophisticated electronics to produce more than 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each magneto-electric motor is dedicated to a specific purpose - one for pulling away under electric power, the other specifically for acceleration. With both electric motors, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 horsepower and 381 pound-feet of torque.

Source - Mercedes-Benz