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"The 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid seemingly offers the best of both worlds, at least if your two worlds include high power and high efficiency. By combining an Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V-6 with two electric motors and 4Matic all-wheel drive, the ML450 Hybrid boasts a combined output of 335 bhp (DIN) and 381 lb.-ft. of torque, along with a claimed city/highway mpg rating of 21/24.   The two-mode hybrid system in the ML450 allows for electric-only driving, combustion-engine-only driving, or a combination of the two. The control system automatically selects the optimum configuration depending on the driving conditions, the onboard computer making calculations 160 times per second.   The hybrid driveline&amp;#039;s transmission unit consists of two electric motors, three planetary gearsets and four clutches. The two electric motors are integrated into the transmission casing. The motor located closest to the engine is designed specifically to add higher performance. It puts out 83 hp and 173 lb.-ft. of torque. The electric motor situated at the output end of the transmission provides the motive force for pulling away from stoplights under pure electric power, and provides extra boost when needed. It generates 80 hp and 192 lb.-ft. of torque. The ML450 Hybrid uses a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack that&amp;#039;s liquid-cooled.   Mercedes redesigned its 3.5-liter V-6 for optimization with the Atkinson cycle, the principle of which is that the intake stroke is longer than the compression stroke. The V-6 has modified cylinder heads, pistons, camshafts and camshaft control. Total output for the V-6 is 275 bhp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, but due to the Atkinson cycle it achieves better fuel economy and reduced emissions. Mercedes also switched the air conditioning compressor and power steering to electric operation, to reduce drag on the combustion engine.   Inside the ML450 Hybrid, the COMAND display screen keeps the driver informed of what the hybrid drivetrain is up to. It can give readings on such things as the energy flow among the battery, the engine and the electric motors, while also providing the battery&amp;#039;s charge status and a diagram to indicate fuel consumption and energy recuperation. The tachometer has been replaced by a gauge showing total powertrain and recuperation output.   All this technology is great, unless it comes at the cost of interior room. But Mercedes says it was able to package the hybrid drivetrain (the battery pack resides underneath the cargo area) without any compromise to passenger space or cargo capacity.   The Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid will be built at M-B&amp;#039;s Tuscaloosa, Alabama, plant solely for North American consumption. It goes on sale in the U.S. this December, but Mercedes says price is still to be determined. Don&amp;#039;t expect all this technology to come cheaply. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/new-york-auto-show/news/a14627/2010-mercedes-benz-ml450-hybrid/>