km : Automotive News

You read that correctly--when Mercedes-Benz releases the ML450 Hybrid next week, you won't be able to actually purchase one. Instead, the vehicle will be offered only as a lease, although with two choices of duration. A 36-month lease will run $659 per month, while a longer 60-month lease is available at a rate of $549 per month. We're unsure what will happen to the cars after that, but we're guessing they won't go to another private owner. It's likely they'll be torn down and inspected for the sake of future development.

Powering the ML Hybrid is a 275-hp V6 engine mated to two-mode hybrid transmission--the same found in BMW's X6 and developed with GM and Chrysler. Because it beats the BMW to market, M-B is marketing it as the first European full hybrid offered in the States. It'll deliver 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. That's 46 percent better than an ML450, but we have to wonder why anyone would buy the hybrid when the ML350 Bluetec Diesel offers similar fuel economy, serious torque, and an actual Monroney on the side window at dealers. But we digress.

To differentiate the hybrid, Mercedes added a modified hood to clear the added electric components, a BlueEfficiency logo on each front fender, and a hybrid badge on the tailgate. Otherwise, it looks just like a normal ML, other than the large batteries hidden beneath the cargo floor.

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