[firstmb]

Hello All,

I am new to this forum and will be buying MB for the first time, actually planning to buy 2006 ML350. As all are, I am very excited and would like some more following details,

1. Estimated Price, MSRP?
2. Will the 3rd Row seats available as an option?
3. How soon the Hybrid Version will be available, Any point in waiting?

Your inputs are highly appreciated

thanks,

 

[GregW / Oregon]

1. I would guess it will be just a little more than the 2005, say $39,950 base.
2. Third row seats will not be available. You must move up to the R-Class (RST) or G-Class (G-Wagen).
3. Any info on a hybrid is very sketchy at this point. I would guess that they may accelerate it given Toyota's success with the Prius and forthcoming RX400h, but I would bet it's at least a year out.

 

[sosh]

Base price is roumored to be about $1000 more than the current ML350. They have definitly said no 3rd row seats at least in 06. MB has not released any info re a hybrid and it would not surprise me not to see any in the forseeable future in the M Class. Perhaps you may eventuaslly see one in the new very small A class that they may bring into the US. Remember MB is a luxury brand and people that buy hybreds are for the most part people that actually worry about gas prices and some are tree huggers.

 

[GregW / Oregon]

RE: ML Hybrid

sosh - 1/31/2005 2:39 PM

MB has not released any info re a hybrid and it would not surprise me not to see any in the forseeable future in the M Class. Perhaps you may eventuaslly see one in the new very small A class that they may bring into the US. Remember MB is a luxury brand and people that buy hybreds are for the most part people that actually worry about gas prices and some are tree huggers.

Read my post below (http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1198820&mid=1397770&fid=52#M1397770) and the linked article from Autocar. They already showed a 4x4 transmission w/ electric motors integrated at Detroit, and it is speculated the ML will be the first to get it. Lexus is a luxury brand and they are just releasing the RX400h, which is sold out for the forseeable future yet.

You don't seem to understand that luxury and conservation of resources are not mutually exclusive. As an architect, I know there is a huge movement toward "sustainability" in buildings, and the auto industry is getting on the bandwagon. Hybrids make a lot of sense for SUVs, since by their nature they tend to be inneficient (weight, all-wheel drive, aerodynamics, etc.).

Give people SUVs that don't make them feel irresponsible and they will sell extremely well. Especially, if like the Lexus, you actually get better performance and mileage at the same time (0-60 in 6.9 + 30mpg city).

 

[BlackHawk]

my mom has a 2002 C320 and has 1 more year left on her warranty until she will sell the car, mercedes hooked her and thats all she will buy now, but she wants a hybrid, only a hybrid a mercedes hybrid, she is into saving money anywhere she can, I told her to buy a S55, but she said "the insurance would be to high"