What seems like decades ago in hybrid years, the culmination of a 2005 agreement between GM, Daimler, Chrysler, and BMW has resulted in yet another Two-Mode hybrid SUV. The 2010 Mercedes Benz ML 450 hybrid was scheduled to reach dealer showrooms on 11/16/09 and based on my recent Google search, it appears they have (I found two listed at MBWestood.com in Boston, MA - priced at $67,595 each).

Although the vehicle’s MSRP on MBUSA.com is $55,000, you apparently can’t actually “buy” this sport utility, at least not yet. According to MB spokesman Rob Moran, Mercedes has decided to offer the ML450 hybrid through lease options only due to a limited supply of available hybrid batteries. For now, you can choose between a 3 year lease at $659/mo. or a 5 year lease for $549/month (although I didn’t find specific lease details such as the minimum required down payment).

The ‘10 ML450 gets its power from a V6 gas engine and two electric motors. Together they combine for 335 horsepower, yet still qualify the Benz as a super ultra low emission vehicle. It has full-time four wheel drive and is rated at 21 mpg in town and 24 miles per gallon on the open highway.

Here is a test drive video from Popular Mechanics.

Another ML450 hybrid video here shows this M-Class hybrid running in all electric mode, including how the engine shuts completely down when stopped. In my opinion, the speed and distance at which you can travel under battery power only isn’t quite this good (at least not in other 2-mode hybrid SUVs)- but that is why they call it marketing.

From Mercedes: Equal parts pragmatist and environmentalist, the landmark ML450 hybrid SUV delivers decidedly earth-friendly fuel economy and emissions while preserving the legendary versatility, handling and performance of the M-Class. And thanks to compact, full-hybrid technology, you won’t find an ounce of compromise in comfort or cargo space, either.

ML450 test drive from autoblog