Spy photographers have spotted a prototype of the Mercedes ML320 Hybrid testing in Northern Sweden. The gold-colored prototype spotted –now more free from the heavy camouflage and black-out treatment– gives us our best look yet at the revamped ML.
The rear-end displays a taped-over Hybrid badge, and slightly obscured tail-lights which appear to have brighter LED technology within the current model's tail-lamp housings. The rear bumper has also been reworked for a cleaner tail- end look.
The ML's new front bumper consists primarily of a larger center intake below the grille, and reshaped fog lamps, while the grille appears to be unchanged. New side-view mirrors round out the visual changes.
It appears that the Hybrid ML will utilize Mercedes 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 diesel engine, in conjunction with Mercedes new dual-mode Hybrid system co-developed with GM and BMW. The torque-rich diesel (398 lb-ft at a low 1600 rpm) already enjoys a strong mileage advantage over petrol-powered competitors, so the Hybrid model's electric-assist should be one of the more compelling entries in the growing ranks of the supposed new wave of green machines.
Oooh, chrome roof rails and window sill trim. Nice. The side mirrors look bigger too.
My thoughts exactly- especially the mirrors. I just hope (and I am assuming they will) that those styling cues go on the gas/diesel models too as I'm still not ready to go hybrid.
__________________ 2000 ML430
Chrome grille, tailgate latch, logo on rims, instrument cluster rings - K&N air filter - Bosch Icon wipers - Hella projector headlights with HID - white LED lights on licence plate - handpainted pinstripe - designo Java Shift Surround - brushed aluminum roof rails
Location: Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 519
I definitely like the side mirrors. I find the existing ones acceptable, but a downgrade from my '00 ML320. The new wheel design looks great too. That prototype vehicle definitely has Airmatic as it is riding about the same height as mine does in Sport mode.
As far as the chrome window sills, I already have that, along with the LED taillamps
I do like the chrome roof rails, but suspect that they will be prohibitively expensive as a retrofit.
The hood design (not shown in this pic) is also changed, with a few more "curves" similar to that of the X5's hood.
Wow, highway efficiency of the already pretty good 320CDI engine, added passing power and in city/stop n go efficiency of the 2 mode electric powertrain.
Me wants! That could be quite the winning combination if they pull it off with typical MBenz refinement.
Excellent! Look at the 3 pointed star in the front grill....Distronic. Never seen that before on an ML, especially since this Hybrid model is not top of the line in terms of cost (as is the ML550 or ML63).
We've had Distronic on 2 models, and although it is cool, and actually (surprisingly) works, here in So. CA....not much chance to ever use it. Also, I think the solid Distronic 3 pointed star is somewhat ugly, compared to the traditional grill star.
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Spied: Mercedes-Benz ML Hybrid 
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