Though supplier issues threaten to delay the official launch, Mercedes-Benz continues to develop and test the 2010 ML450 Hybrid - its first SUV with hybrid powertrain.

Thanks to the partnership inked in 2005, the ML450 Hybrid, like the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids, will also use a form of GM's 2-Mode hybrid transmission. In base form, the ML450 Hybrid will use a 3.5-liter V-6, although our sources suggest a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 could be offered - at least in Europe. As neat as that idea sounds, we think the gas version will be plenty efficient: Mercedes says the ML450 Hybrid delivers an impressive 30.5 mpg combined.

Should Mercedes find a supplier able to produce batteries in a timely fashion, the ML450 Hybrid could arrive at dealers as early as the fall of 2009.


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M

IMO they should put it in the GLK first, would make it much more popular with the house wives like the Lexus RX hybrid.

If it's a 350 V6 why in the world would they call it a 450? They aleady use the 450 moniker to designate vehicles with the 4.5 litre engine.

should be ML400.

Saw one of these things a year and a half/two years ago. The house on the hood seems to be smaller.