Frankfurt Preview: Mercedes-Benz ML450 Two-Mode Hybrid
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Following on the heels of General Motors and Chrysler earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz will be showing their first Two-Mode hybrid application next week in Frankfurt. Like its partners, Mercedes will be putting the system into an SUV, in this case the ML450. The combined output of the ML will be 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Combined fuel efficiency should be 30.5 mpg (US).
They haven't specified which gas engine will be used although the output seems to imply a V-6 of about 3.5L. If that's the case they will be following the Lexus nomenclature practice of numbering their hybrids with the equivalent gas engine output (450 being comparable to a 4.5L V-8). The ML450 is scheduled to go on sale in 2009.
Gallery: 2008 Mercedes ML450 hybrid
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GoodCheer 11:22AM (9/07/2007)
"Two-Mode hybrid"
Could somebody elaborate on exactly what a Two-Mode hybrid is? Is that simply marketing-speak for a parallel hybrid?
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Sam Abuelsamid 1:21PM (9/07/2007)
The Two-mode is a parallel hybrid system jointly developed by GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW. You can read an explanation of how it's different here http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/05/02/the-gm-dcx-bmw-two-mode-hybrid-collaboration/
and here http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/05/01/abg-first-impressions-two-mode-hybrid-chevy-tahoe-and-gmc-yukon/
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Don 2:39PM (9/07/2007)
30 mpg for that thing?
I'll believe it when I see it.
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steven 4:43PM (9/07/2007)
@Don: Considering that you can already buy a version for this M-B SUV with 4WD that gets a 2007 EPA Hwy estimated of 27MPG (grated it IS an oil burner), how hard is it going to be to get one up to 30PMG combined? Considering that Toyota has a comparable sized 4WD SUV with older hybrid technology the gets 31 city/27 Hwy, moving to a more modern two-mode hybrid system has a very good shot at getting 30MPG or better. Heck just dropping the current model to 2WD will almsot get you there.
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Chris M 2:09AM (9/08/2007)
The Two Mode (Dual Mode) hybrid design is a "split path" hybrid similar to Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive. It uses two motor generators and several planetary gearsets and clutches, and can act like a CVT or a more conventional multispeed transmission (thus the dual mode moniker).
Dual Mode is more complex than Hybrid Synergy Drive, but can achieve slightly higher efficiency at high speeds.
Split path hybrids combine aspects of both parallel and serial hybrid designs, part of the engine power takes a parallel mechanical path, and part goes through a motor and generator like a serial hybrid.
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Chris Adams 7:14PM (9/10/2007)
"they will be following the Lexus nomenclature practice" - The Germans don't follow Lexus. Mercedes and BMW have been upping the #s on the back of their cars since the 80's based on the presence of turbos, or different tunings of the same engine.
Regarding the fuel efficiency comparisons, it looks like everyone, commenters included are using the old EPA #s. Yes, the '07 ML320 CDI *was* rated at 27 on the highway, but the '08 is only rated at 23 (LOL). This of course being measured by an EPA tester's 19 year old son at the wheel (feeding back data to his dad at the EPA), with A/C full blast in Los Angeles traffic. Hot rodding the guy in the X5 next to him. ;)
In all seriousness, I have one on order and have been researching the snot out of it. Most folks get in the high 20's out of the ML diesel, even close to 30 on the highway. If you go easy. EPA has their head up their @$$ with the new standards.
End rant.
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