The ML450 Hybrid is being launched Monday, November 16th! Mercedes has just given us the leasing options.

There will be a 36 month lease at about $140 more per month than an ML350 4matic. The other option is a 60 month lease, which includes a 5 year, 100,000 mile warranty, that will be about $85 more per month than the comparable ML350.

The ML450 Hybrid is a VERY limited production vehicle. If you are interesting getting one you should act soon to secure a production spot.

I had been very curious about the fuel filler flap release button on the ML450 HYBRID that the local Mercedes-Benz technical specialist has been driving. I finally got an answer!

In order to comply with the PZEV emissions standards – zero evaporative emissions – this button triggers the fuel tank to depressurize before the cap is removed so that vapors don’t escape. The ML 450′s increased fuel efficency means that the fuel tank isn’t opened as often as it would be in a non-hybrid so increased pressure could build up and therefore needs this extra step!

Just a little Mercedes minutiae…that I enjoy!

Mercedes-Benz has just told us that the 2010 ML450 HYBRID is now scheduled for release in December. It will be a very limited production vehicle due to the limited availability of the necessary batteries. Also, “In order to maximize availability and ensure that we have a sufficient replacement inventory to guarantee the highest level of customer satisfaction, the ML450 HYBRID will be available as lease only without the ability to purchase.” They expect that the ML450 HYBRID lease payment will carry a premium over the ML350 4Matic of $20-$120 per month. Actual payments will be released when the vehicle is released in December.

The order banks are open and there are currently vehicles available. Now is a good time to get on board if you want to lease one of the most technologically advanced green cars in the market!

A 2010 ML450 Hybrid was dropped off at the dealership yesterday! It was picked up by one of the Mercedes-Benz technical executives but I was excited to get a sneak peak. It looks a lot like the 2010 ML350 that was dropped off right afterwards but it does have a few striking differences.

Sculpted Hood – It has a very angular power dome hood that looks fantastic. It had to be that way to make room for the 180 pounds of extra electronics under the hood.

Under the hood – The engine cover is pretty extreme. The battery is in the back where the spare tire would be so this has run-flats.

Fuel Door Release Button – I don’t yet know why this is the only Mercedes that has one!

I was able to go for a test drive and the ride is fantastic! Much like the diesel, if you didn’t know it was hybrid you really wouldn’t notice any difference in the way it drives. It is obviously a little quieter when the gas motor is off but with the radio on you can’t tell when it turnes the engine on and off. The power was fantastic. It didn’t feel heavy or lacking in any way. The brake feel is different than our other vehicles because they are electric but it stopped just fine.

I look forward to introducing the first Mercedes Hybrid to a new group of clients!

The 2010 GLK, E sedan and E coupe are already here and the rest of the 2010 models will be arriving soon. Mercedes-Benz has just given us the official pricing and release dates.

Model	Release Date	Base Price
C300 Sport/Luxury	July	$33,600/$35,300
C300 Sport/Luxury – 4MATIC	July	$37,100/$37,300
C350 Sport	August	$39,750
C63 AMG	August	$57,350
CL550 4MATIC	August	$110,400
CL600	August	$154,400
CL63AMG	August	$145,200
CL65 AMG	August	$207,170
CLS550	September	$72,400
CLS63 AMG	September	$97,950
E350 BlueTEC	March 2010	TBA
E350 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$51,100
E550 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$58,800
GL350 BlueTEC	September	$59,950
GL450 4MATIC	July	$60,950
GL550 4MATIC	August	$82,850
ML350 BlueTEC	September	$49,700
ML350 4MATIC	July	$48,200
ML350 2WD	July	$45,700
ML450 HYBRID	December	TBA
ML550 4MATIC	August	$56,750
ML63 AMG 4MATIC	August	$91,050
R350 BlueTEC	September	$50,800
R350 4MATIC	September	$49,300
S400 HYBRID	August	$87,950
S550	August	$91,600
S550 4MATIC	August	$94,600
S600	August	$149,700
S63AMG	August	$133,550
S65 AMG	August	$201,150
SLK300	October	$46,900
SLK350	October	$51,900
SLK55 AMG	October	$66,650

For those of you who have been trying to decide between a 2009 and a 2010 this should help.

The New York Times recently reviewed the new ML450 Hybrid that will be arriving at Atlanta Classic Cars this December.

“The gas-electric version of the popular ML-class S.U.V. easily beats the mileage of the regular 6- and 8-cylinder models: 21 miles a gallon in the city and 24 on the highway”

“Even in the barely crawling traffic, I returned to the New York auto show at the Javits Center showing 22 m.p.g. on the trip computer, convinced I could have done much better in a longer test.”

“Mercedes is hoping that its luxury buyers are more receptive to a midsize S.U.V. hybrid, which officials said would be priced between current V-6 and V-8 models: Figure roughly $51,000 to start.”

“Drivers can select an economy mode that maximizes mileage, or a sport mode that mimics having eight conventional gears, which can be operated by steering-wheel paddle shifters.”
Read the full New York Times Review of the 2010 ML450