Mercedes 2010 ML450 Hybrid just became available to the public

2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid 4Matic Launches Today for Lease Only

The ML450 Hybrid combines Mercedes’ 3.5-liter V-6 (running on the Atkinson cycle) with two electric motors to produce a combined output of 335 hp and 381 lb-ft of torque. The sophisticated transmission allows the SUV to be powered solely by the electric motor at speeds up to 34 mph, and helps the ML450 Hybrid achieve a fuel economy rating of 21/24 mpg (city/highway).

2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid 4Matic Launches Today for Lease Only ? Automotive News & Car Rumors at Automobile Magazine

 

hahaha. good one.

I completely agree with you that they should offer a 4-cylinder version, but I think they should "also" offer a 4-cylinder version. What I like about this 335hp version (and the BMW version) is that it shows the general public that hybrids don't have to be "wimpy." I've heard over and over from people that "I hate hybrids. They are wimpy." I explain the environment and a lot of people just don't care. Sure, a good 50% of the population does care about the environment, but there is a very large chunk of the population (perhaps the other 50%) that just don't care (for varying reasons, but that's a whole different discussion for a different thread). These powerful SUV hybrids are paving the way for compromise vehicles (half-way between a Prius and one of these "21/24mpg" hybrids. Think of this as the beginning of changing the public's viewpoint of hybrids. Once we can change people's minds, then automakers introduce 200hp 35mpg hybrids (like the Lexus HS250h, for example). Then, by the year 2015, technology will permit a 200hp car to get 51mpg, and the public will be buying them just like any other car. Those of you that are paving the way by driving a Prius today will be driving PHEVs that get 100mpg by then.

 

Just like the Insight 1, the public wasn't ready for the Accord V6 hybrid. Honda seems to have a reputation for mis-timing the market when it comes to hybrids. It's 2009 now (following $4.50 gasoline in 2008), and currently with $3.00 gasoline (here in CA), the public is now ready for a V6 hybrid. But just like Honda screwed up in discontinuing the Insight 1 just before gasoline went to 3, then 4 dollars per gallon, Honda appears to have pulled the plug premature on the Accord V6 also. Honda is not exactly the best example when it comes to hybrids.
The GS450h certainly is a muscle car! It's one sweet ride. Toyota never marketed it to the masses though, and it is/was expensive. It was limited production and it's sales volume cannot be an accurate indication of "general public" demand.