2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hybrid Concept

Lexus RX 400h Might Have Competition Sooner than Originally Thought

With all the flashing lights, booming music and bold sales projections that make up one of the worlds major auto shows, its often easy to overlook some items on display that may be subtle in presentation, but nevertheless more dramatic in overall significance to the automotive market and the world in general.

Take, for instance, the unique 4x4 transmission joined to a pair of integrated electric motors on the floor at Mercedes display during this years Detroit auto show. While journalists bustled about to get a better view of the second-generation M-Class, and the swanky CLS four-door coupe, the seemingly ordinary gearbox that sat on a lone pedestal amid the flashy metal got little attention.

In reality, it was a great deal more than a big hint that Mercedes-Benz is preparing a hybrid version of its all-new M-Class luxury sport utility to go up against the worlds only other hybrid luxury SUV, the Lexus RX400h.

At this years Detroit show, hybrids were the hot technology topic with many car manufacturers displaying their R&D teams finest efforts. General Motors led the way, debuting two concept cars, the GMC Graphyte and Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid, demonstrating the flexibility and advancements of its all-new Two-Mode Hybrid system, developed in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler.

The other half of that equation, DaimlerChrysler, chose to debut its hybrid powertrain in the M-Class, although M-B did not make any outright claims that their hybrid system is the same or even similar Two-Mode system shown earlier by GM. Nevertheless, it seems to share many of the same characteristics.

Benzs system, adapted to the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, features two separate electric motors attached to the open end of the gearbox. The motors develop 34 horsepower each, but ponies arent what matter when it comes to electric energy. More impressively, these little magnets can churn out 141 lb-ft and 221 lb-ft of torque respectively.

If the system on the Mercedes-Benz stand is indeed the same as being developed jointly with GM, the M-Class would be the first potential production candidate to receive the hybrid technology. The hybrid battery pack would most likely be located under the floor of the trunk or under the rear seats, as done in the Lexus SUV, while the electric components of the hybrid system could be linked to any one of the Ms advanced gasoline or diesel engines, including the new 272 horsepower 3.5-liter V6.

As with the Lexus RX 400h, an M-Class hybrid would be biased to improve road performance while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. During hard acceleration or passing, the electric motors would kick in to provide extra get-go, while in the silent zero-emissions mode the SUVs dual electric motors could provide all the necessary power to scoot around the city with only the need to resort to the main engine for recharging purposes.

While theres no official progress report on the joint DCX/GM hybrid project, according to company insiders, the system is nearly finished its development cycle. In order to uphold the quality and luxury standards of the three-pointed star, and to make the switch from gasoline to electric power as smooth as possible, the system is undergoing final tweaks. Expect to see a cleaner, greener hybrid M-Class available sometime next year.