Thinking about buying a Mercedes-Benz ML450H? Compare it to a BMW X6 Activehybrid first!

 

The BMW X6 Activehybrid Overview

The new ActiveHybrid X6 represents the logical extension of the EfficientDynamics philosophy. This new full-hybrid design underscores BMW's goal of building environmentally conscious, fuel-efficient vehicles that still fulfill the company's insistence on providing an exhilarating driving experience.

While some companies clearly consider fuel efficiency and performance as conflicting goals, BMW has always viewed the two as parallel routes to the same destination. It's this alternate approach that defines the difference between compromise and The Ultimate Driving Machine.


The Mercedes-Benz ML450H Overview

Although both vehicles use similar full-hybrid designs, Mercedes-Benz's first hybrid differs from BMW's ActiveHybrid X6 in one significant way: Instead of a robust Twin-Turbo V-8, the ML450H features a small-displacement (3.5 liter), Atkinson-cycle V-6 as its primary power source. By concentrating on maximum efficiency, the company has produced a reasonably fuel-efficient SUV (EPA estimates are 21 City/24 Highway), but one that will likely suffer from a lack of power. Mercedes claims "V-8-like" performance for its 335 horsepower, but estimates of a 7.8-second 0-60 mph time mean the hybrid version lags far behind the 5.6 seconds produced by the V-8-powered ML550.

The main reason for this lackluster showing is the primary gasoline engine Mercedes chose for this full-hybrid vehicle. Atkinson engines alter the engine breathing in order to maximize fuel-efficiency, but the result typically reduces low-end torque. The twin-electric motors compensate for the reduced torque. Like the ActiveHybrid X6, the ML450H features a full-hybrid design, so low-speed driving is purely electric. Likewise, the ML recharges its lithium-ion battery pack via brake energy regeneration.



BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz 


What's Hot About The BMW X6 Activehybrid…

  • The ActiveHybrid X6 pairs BMW's superlative twin-turbo 4.4-liter direct fuel-injected V-8 with a 7-speed active transmission with dual electric motors.
  • The ActiveHybrid X6 boasts significantly better power, with 480 hp and a whopping 575 lb-ft of torque.
  • The power difference shows up in 0-60 mph acceleration, as the ActiveHybrid X6 posts a 5.4-second time.
  • The ActiveHybrid X6 features 15.2-inch front and 13.6-inch rear rotors, with aluminum calipers front and rear. Rotors are lightweight aluminum hubs with cast-iron rotors.
  • BMW Aero wheels are 20 x 10-inch front, 20 x 11-inch rear, with 275/40R front and 315/35R rear run-flat tires.
  • Preliminary mileage figures for the ActiveHybrid X6 are 17 City/19 Highway.
  • As part of its regular speedometer and tachometer, the X6 includes a power-flow meter, which indicates power usage and charging. BMW's iDrive also includes an 8.8-inch monitor with hybrid-specific displays that show Auto Stop/Start, charge condition and regenerative braking.
  • On the X6, standard equipment includes Napa leather with special stitching, navigation, Park Distance Control, leather dashboard, Comfort Access, Soft Close doors, Rear View Camera with Top View, 4-zone climate control, premium stereo and iPod/USB adapter.
  • The standard Head-up Display and optional High Beam Assistant are two features not offered by Mercedes.
  • 4 year/50,000 mile maintenance included warranty
  • 4 year/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance
  • 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty

 

What's Not Hot About Mercedes-Benz ML450H…

  • Mercedes-Benz offers a dual-motor 8-speed hybrid drive transmission, but only a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V-6 with no direct fuel-injection.
  • The ML450H puts out significantly less power and torque, with only 335 horsepower and 381 lb-ft. of torque.
  • Despite the claim of "V-8-like performance" Mercedes pegs the ML450h's 0-60 time at a lackluster 7.8 seconds.
  • Brakes on the ML450H are 13.0-inch front and rear, with 4-piston front and twin-piston rear calipers. Brake rotors are traditional cast-iron, which increases unsprung weight.
  • Wheels are same-size 19-inch front and rear, shod with 255/50R all-season tires all around, no run-flat capability.
  • To be fair, the ML450H returns better mileage figures, at 21 City/24 Highway.
  • Although it does offer some hybrid specific features and displays, M-B's COMAND navigation system includes only a 6.5-inch monitor, and Mercedes replaces the tachometer with a display showing powertrain mode and energy recovery, so there's no indication of engine speed.
  • Mercedes charges $1750 for full leather, while navigation, rear-view camera, iPod adapter, premium stereo and Keyless-Go all are part of the $5950 Premium II Package. Adaptive headlights ($970), Parktronic ($790) and heated seats ($740) are other items that are standard on the BMW.
  • The ML includes a standard rear-view camera, but M-B includes no other driver-assistance features.
  • 4 year/50,000 mile, no maintenance
  • 4 year/50,000 miles Roadside Assistance
  • 10 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty


 "It drives like the BMW of hybrids. It's seamless and doesn't have that laggy tip-in that is typical of most hybrids.

Steering has gone from hydraulic in the original X6 to electrical here, but it still transmits good road feel to the driver." AutoWeek

Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.

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Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.

We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.

Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.