Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hybrid Car

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Mercedes' midsize M-Class SUV was significantly redesigned last year with exterior and interior styling changes, slight efficiency boosts, new and upgraded features and one of the first diesel models clean enough to be sold in all 50 states. The evolution of the M-Class continues for 2010 with the introduction of a hybrid model. Competitors include the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Land Rover LR4.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Exterior

Almost all the exterior changes for 2009 made the M-Class look lower and broader. The grille was lower and the fog lights were farther apart, for example. The stainless-steel skid plates — front and rear — pulled the eye downward. One exception was the side mirrors, whose signal lights grew and spread, threatening to overtake the entire mirror enclosure. The headlamps gained a new shape, and the taillights incorporated smoked lenses.

* Standard roof rails, optional crossbars

* Dual exhaust outlets

* Standard 19-inch wheels; 20- and 21-inch rims optional

* Optional front and rear parking sensors

 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Interior

The M-Class accommodates up to five occupants. The powered front seats include a driver's-side four-way power lumbar adjustment. A 60/40-split rear seat creates a level load surface when folded. Cargo volume totals 29.4 cubic feet with the seats up and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The optional Comand interface — which controls the optional navigation system, the stereo and other functions — was upgraded last year with new menus and additional features.

* Optional leather-seating package

* Optional front and rear heated seats

* Optional heated steering wheel

* Optional Harman Kardon audio

* Optional backseat entertainment system with two screens

The technology in the new ML450 Hybrid gives the SUV the ability to move on electric power alone at low speeds, which is one of the reasons Mercedes estimates it will get 21/24 mpg city/highway, which would make it the most efficient M-Class available.

The ML450 Hybrid features a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 275 hp and two electric motors that are part of the SUV's transmission. Total system output is 335 hp. One electric motor is designed for acceleration from a standing stop while the other one is meant for on-the-move acceleration. When more power is needed, the gas engine starts automatically.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

This M-Class has a number of familiar hybrid characteristics. The engine sometimes turns off when the car comes to a stop and starts again when the vehicle begins to move. The ML450 Hybrid also features regenerative braking, capturing energy that would otherwise be lost as heat and instead using it to replenish the hybrid system's high-voltage battery pack.

The ML450 Hybrid is distinguished from its siblings by some exterior styling cues, including its liftgate badge, a different hood and special 19-inch wheels. Inside, occupants can monitor the hybrid system's operation and fuel economy with the optional Comand screen on the dash.