Mercedes-Benz presents new hybrid ML 450

The new ML 450 HYBRID is the first full hybrid from a European manufacturer and was specifically developed for the North American market. Other debuts at the Mercedes-Benz press conference at the NYIAS include the facelifted U.S. version of the GL-Class, the sedan and the coupe versions of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which are celebrating a double U.S. premiere in New York, and the latest high-performance sedan to come from the Mercedes-AMG performance brand - the E 63 AMG.

All of these new models offer safety, comfort and driving pleasure at the very highest levels and are distinguished by their exceptional efficiency. The ML 450 HYBRID consumes almost 50 percent less than the ML550, although it boasts over 90 percent of the maximum power generated by the V8 model.

"It is our clear objective to make every model generation better in every respect. We pay particularly close attention to safety, comfort, efficiency and environmental compatibility - something clearly demonstrated by every single one of the models we are presenting in New York," says Dr. Klaus Maier, Head of Marketing and Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

One clear example of this is the new E-Class, which was launched very successfully onto the European market at the end of March.

"At its market introduction, we already had over 50,000 orders - a fantastic result in such tough times as these," continues Dr. Maier. "This proves that it is possible for an automaker to overcome a crisis when it offers attractive and desirable products - and Mercedes has plenty of those."

With the new four-cylinder engines offered in the European line-up, the ninth generation of the E-Class is up to 23 percent more fuel efficient than its successful predecessor, which commanded a market share of up to 30 percent within the business sedan segment. That this is also possible on the U.S. market is demonstrated by the Vision E 250 BlueTEC presented by Dr. Maier.

Vision E 250 BlueTEC - the most fuel-efficient and cleanest diesel technology
For this concept, Mercedes engineers have combined the all-new four-cylinder diesel engine with BlueTEC, the technology of the world's cleanest diesels. The outcome is the most fuel-efficient and cleanest diesel model in this vehicle class.

With a range of up to 18.86 km/l, it achieves a fuel efficiency that is better than most hybrid vehicles on the U.S. market. Thanks to highly effective exhaust gas treatment, the E 250 BlueTEC fulfills the U.S. Bin 5 and ULEV emissions standards, which are among the toughest in the world. At the same time, the four-cylinder offers a level of engine refinement and performance on a par with that of a six-cylinder, thanks to its high torque 500 Nm, seven-speed automatic transmission and Lanchester balancing shafts.

The new E-Class arrives on the U.S. market with the latest V6 and V8 gasoline engines - the E 350 (268 hp, 350 Nm) and the E 550 (382 hp, 530 Nm). These are complemented by the ground-breaking, 50-State compliant E 350 BlueTEC (210 hp, 542 Nm). All three engines are fitted as standard to the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission and boast further improvements in fuel efficiency.

New E-Class Coupe - powerful elegance and dynamic performance

The new E-Class Coupe boasts the same technology as the sedan version. Mercedes-Benz has created a special highlight its model range with the powerfully elegant design of the two-door coupe, while continuing a tradition that has repeatedly aroused enormous passion throughout the history of the E-Class.

The new E-Class Coupe is a very special combination of emotion and efficiency. With the classic coupe profile unhindered by a B-pillar and with fully retractable side windows, the new two-door provides a particularly sporty interpretation of the dynamic design of the new E-Class. At the same time, the most aerodynamic variant sets a new record in wind resistance. With a Cd value of 0.24, the coupe is the world most aerodynamic series production car.

ML 450 HYBRID - four-cylinder fuel consumption with eight-cylinder power

The ML 450 HYBRID is equipped with the latest in hybrid technology, which offers exceptional efficiency in both urban stop-and-go traffic and unhindered highway driving at increased engine loads and higher speeds.

Ernst Lieb, CEO and President of Mercedes-Benz USA says, "The intelligent control of the hybrid driveline automatically selects the optimum drive configuration. Depending on conditions, the ML 450 HYBRID can operate entirely on electric power or on the combustion engine alone or on a combination of both drives."

The performance figures for the ML 450 HYBRID (335 hp, 516 Nm) are at the level of a classic eight-cylinder SUV with permanent all-wheel drive. "Yet, its fuel consumption and its emissions are up to 60 percent lower," continues Ernst Lieb. Conceived specifically for the North American market, the ML 450 HYBRID achieves highway gas mileage of 10.2 km/l, making it the most efficient vehicle in its segment.

Classified as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle), the SUV complies with the strictest current U.S.emissions standard. At the same time, the ML 450 HYBRID guarantees a refined driving experience combined with increased driveline comfort with a system output of 335 hp and an overall torque of 516 Nm. The powertrain is controlled fully automatically, meaning that the driver can concentrate on the traffic and enjoy the driving experience of the ML 450 HYBRID without additional operational effort.