Filed under: Spy Photos (http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/), Hybrids/Alternative (http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/), SUVs (http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/), Green (http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/), Mercedes-Benz (http://www.autoblog.com/category/mercedes-benz/)
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/02/img_0407-570.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-450-hybrid/1330557/)
Click above for a gallery of ML450 hybrid spy shots


Thanks to an alert reader, we have a few snapshots of what appears to be a Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid prototype braving the snowy climes of suburban Detroit. At first glance, it doesn't appear all that different from a standard ML SUV, but the red HEV stickers on the rear, sides and hood of this tester gave its identity away. First previewed (http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/06/frankfurt-preview-2009-mercedes-benz-ml-450-hybrid/) at the Frankfurt Motor Show (http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/) all the way back in 2007, the German automaker has faced a number of obstacles bringing the hybrid to market, not the least of which was a lawsuit against battery maker Cobasys (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/daimler-considering-cancelling-hybrid-ute/) for reportedly breaking its contract to supply nickel metal hydride packs for the hybrid 'ute.

This SUV will be the first vehicle from Mercedes-Benz that uses the sophisticated hybrid drivetrain technology jointly developed with General Motors, Chrysler and BMW. Underhood lies a direct-injected 3.5L V6 that's mated to the two-Mode automatic transmission that the consortium will also be providing to BMW for use in the upcoming X6 ActiveHybrid (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/29/bmw-x6-activehybrid-to-arrive-by-years-end/). Thanks for the tip, Andres!

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-450-hybrid/)
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/mb_ml450_spy_1_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-450-hybrid/1330557/)http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/mb_ml450_spy_3_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-450-hybrid/1330559/)http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/mb_ml450_spy_4_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-450-hybrid/1330560/)http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/mb_ml450_spy_2_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-450-hybrid/1330558/)http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/mb_ml450_spy_6_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-450-hybrid/1330562/)
Reader Spy: Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hybrid spotted in Detroit (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/reader-spy-mercedes-benz-m-class-hybrid-spotted-in-detroit/) originally appeared on Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com) on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds (http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/).


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