Mercedes-Benz ML450 dimensions

In the search for the optimum hybrid system for the Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, the developers were already sure of one thing right from the concept phase: a Mercedes-Benz SUV with a hybrid drive would have to share the same typical make attributes as any other Mercedes car. Essential components such as the greatest possible active and passive security, optimum ride convenience and ease of operation, uncompromising reliability over a long period and luxury workmanship with select materials would have to be on a par with a comparable, conventionally powered standard-production car. And all combined with the greatest possible efficiency. At the same time, the drive system should be testimony to the company's high-tech strength and cutting-edge technology. These goals demanded a full development cycle - the kind of workflow any new model family designed from scratch would undergo. Until the Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid reached series-production maturity, the developers and technicians clocked up a total of four million kilometres, taking in some of the world's most extreme climatic conditions to prove the system's reliability, be it in the sub-zero Arctic circle, the searing heat of arid desert regions or in the sweltering, humid temperatures of the tropics. The work was supplemented by an extensive test-rig programme and detailed simulations as part of the Digital Prototype. An hight-priority objective during development was to optimally match the different subsystems within the powertrain. System matching allows the different drive modes to be easily used while the buyer is driving.

The two-mode hybrid technology in the Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, whose drive architecture supports purely electric operation and purely combustion motor operation or any mix of the two, takes its lead from the fundamental work undertaken by the Global Hybrid Cooperation. This group brought together research and development work undertaken by the companies Daimler AG, BMW Group, Basic Motors and Chrysler.

due to two-mode hybrid technology the Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid boasts tangible benefits: its performance figures are on a par with a traditional eight-cylinder SUV with permanent all-wheel drive while fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced by up to 60%. The car developed specifically for the US sphere provides 'city' fuel consumption of 21 mpg and 'highway' consumption of 24 mpg, making it the most efficient car in its segment. With its SULEV (super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) classification, the SUV meets the most stringent emissions traditional for cars with a combustion motor currently applicable in the US. At the same time, the Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid with a system output of 250 Kw (340 hp) and a combined torque of 517 newton metres guarantees a superlative driving experience combined with an improved level of ride convenience. The driver can concentrate fully on the traffic and enjoy the Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid driving experience without having to select add-on functions as the drive management system is fully automatic. The functionality of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system is also fully retained.