Mercedes-Benz has launched the all-new ML450 Hybrid 4Matic which is the first European branded full hybrid vehicle to be offered in U.S. The ML450 HYBRID will offer V8-like power with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder through a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine that works together with two electric motors. It will feature the two-mode hybrid system co-developed by General Motors, BMW, Daimler and Chrysler.

The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and the two motors  that are electro-magnetic. Both electric motors are integrated within an improved automatic transmission. One motor is set up for boosting acceleration and the other is dedicated to pulling away under electric power. When both motors are working in a full trot, the system produces 340 horsepower and 381 feet-pound of torque.

The ML450 Hybrid can be driven solely on electric power up to a top speed of 34 mph. When we tighten grip on the acceleration pedal, the gasoline engine gets started automatically. It is also optimized to produce 46 percent better fuel economy than the V8-powered ML550 model. The giant SUV will return a fuel economy of 21 mpg around the town and 24 mpg for the highway. Fuel efficiency is improved through a set of sophisticated hybrid electronic technologies including stop-start functionality.

During coasting and braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, slows down the SUV and recovers kinetic energy. The SUV’s conventional brakes come into play during heavy braking. The recovered energy is stored in a liquid cooled, 288-V nickel-metal-hydride battery and gets reused when the SUV runs on the electric motors.

An interesting fact is the ML450 is not for sale but lease only. A Mercedes spokesman told it was mainly due to the limited supply of available batteries. The ML450 is offered under a special lease option for a monthly lease charge of $549 per month for 60 months and $659 per month for 36 months.