Yeah, but the RX400h has a 0-60 of 7.2 seconds; the ML320CDI is 2 seconds slower. The RX is not designed to optimize economy, obviously. Hybrids that are can achieve better than diesel economy, expecially in the City. Even the RX is rated at 30 mpg City.
FYI, my partner's 2004 Prius is simply amazing - very good power, seats 4 easily and handles the mountain highways very well. The various software algorithms they wrote into this thing area amazing. Back and forth to Whistler from Vancouver, it gets 5.2L/100 going uphill to Whistler and down to 2.8L/100 on the way back!
You raise good questions about hybrids. At this point it may be more about "doing the right thing" than an economic choice, but the situation should improve as hybrid costs come down and fuel prices go up. Lexus claims their batteries are good for the life of the car. They use lithium ion, which are safer and less risky for the environment, than lead acid.
Greg, Lexus gives 7.3 seconds for the 0-60. The ML320 CDI is 8.6 0-100 km/h, and should be a little less for the 0-60, so it's probably closer than a two seconds difference. City fuel economy is probably better in the Lexus, but on the highway the ML320 CDI has the advantage.
Jangr320, do you have a quote/source for this? As far as I know DaimlerChrysler partnered with GM to develop P1/2 hybrids using Allison transmission hybrids already running in a fleet of city hybrid buses. I've heard claims the buses saved more fuel so far than Toyota's Priuses, but I haven't checked that out yet.
You raise good questions about hybrids. At this point it may be more about "doing the right thing" than an economic choice, but the situation should improve as hybrid costs come down and fuel prices go up. Lexus claims their batteries are good for the life of the car. They use lithium ion, which are safer and less risky for the environment, than lead acid.[/QUOTE]
])
DelJ, just came across this article evaluating the hybrid bus program which may be of interest. They are mainly used in city stop and go.
Well, the numbers depend upon where you look, I guess. From GCF reprint of M-B press release they claim 9.4a 0-62:
I believe you are a bit mistaken here. The brakes wear down the same as a regular car, however the car utilises the potential energy from slowing down to build up the battery life.
As Wolfgang said, you may wish to experience an E320CDI sometime in the near future. I had one for a week for a review and it's so quiet inside that most of my family and friends had no idea that it was a diesel. From the outside, there is only some clatter when cold. After the warmup, it is quite and nowhere close to the noise that you hear from diesel pickup trucks. That is old old diesel technology.There is one adavantage for diesels : they make so much noise that you never have to use the horn....
Greg, the Mercedes-Benz press release dated 9/1/2005 giving 9.4 seconds was most likely in error. The correct number for the ML320 CDI is 8.6 seconds. Not sure if MB intentionally misled us or the competition, but it wouldn't be the first time they pulled something like this. [
]
DelJ, the above is the GM integrated starter alternator damper (ISAD) system supplied by Conti-Teves. It's a mild hybrid first offered on the 2003 GMC Sierra and saves up tp 15% depending on driving cycle. <a href="http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/cas/cas/themes/products/electric_drives/hybrid_drives/overview_hybrid_drives_en.html"> more ISAD info</a>
It is true that regenerative braking does not require that the foot brake be depressed as it is active whenever the throttle pedal is released. However it is only used when coasting to a stop and does not slow down the vehicle that much at all. What simply happens is that the vehicle does not freewheel quite as readily as a regular non-hybrid vehicle. The motor which is ordinarily used to power the drive wheels simply reverses its function and becomes a generator. The brakes still do need to be used as usual as the motor/generator does not provide <i>that</i> much resistance.
