The 2011 Mercedes ML450 HYBRID. A usable alternative to low MPG SUV’s. Bud why do we need it?
For 2011, fuel prices are starting to climb. Again. Looking forward, we can see a time when 10mpg gas guzzling SUV’s cant survive, when owners can no longer afford the small mortgage payment it might take to fill up your SUV for a month. However, we have gotten quite accustomed to the size and convenience of a big sport utility vehicle, and we don’t want to give that up. Is there a solution? Mercedes thinks so.
The 2011 Mercedes ML450 Hybrid is a big launch in the right direction. Featuring two electric motors working side by side with a 275 horsepower V6 gas engine, this little SUV can move!
With both the front and back electric motors working with the gasser, horsepower ratings of 335 hp and 381 lb ft torque. Not bad Mercedes. Not bad at all.
When the 2011 Mercedes ML450 HYBRID runs at slow parking lot or idle speeds, the gas engines shut off and let the electrics do all the work. but once the RPM’s climb and speed gets to around 35mph, the gas motor kicks in and really does some work with the 2011 Mercedes ML450 HYBRID, The hybrid system in the 2011 ML450 is actually quite seamless, with no detectable change in driving when the V6 gas engine kicks in. 0-60 times for the 2011 ML450 HYBRID is 6.4 seconds from a stop. Again, not bad for a hybrid SUV that weighs in at over 5,200 lbs.
On the inside, the 2011 Mercedes ML450 HYBRID delivers all that you would expect from Mercedes Benz. Subtle leather covers most surfaces, including the power adjustable front seats and the steering wheel. Dark cherry wood accents and subdues aluminum trim round out the interior aesthetics, making way for all the tech gadgets Mercedes tends to add in to their vehicles. The COMAND system is back for another year, offering a seamless interface into the MB Navigation System, AM/FM radio, MP3 player, and ipod jack. Adaptive cruise control and stability control, namely the ESP and BAS systems work in conjunction with the 4MATIC all wheel drive system to keep the big ML450 HYBRID planted to the rode, and a rear entertainment system keeps your passengers occupied.
2011 Mercedes ML450 Hybrid
On the outside, Mercedes has done little do differentiate the 2011 ML450 HYBRID from its stablemates in the ML Class, adding a slightly taller, vented hood and BlueEFFICIENCY badges on the fenders and back bumper. With a sticker price MSRP $55,790 you’ll find yourself wondering, just who needs a 275 horsepower hybrid SUV with seating for 5? The 2011 Mercedes ML450 HYBRID isn’t for everyone. But if you want a luxurious ride that lives up to Mercedes Benz stringent guidelines for comfort and usability, and you need an SUV that gets more than 10 miles per gallon while possessing enough horsepower to pass a semi, the 2011 Mercedes Benz ML450 HYBRID might just be for you.
