The Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID will make its West Coast debut at the L.A. Auto Show. The car boasts 46% better fuel economy compared to a V8-powered ML550 model. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two electric motors and sophisticated electronics.

Each magneto-electric motor is integrated within the modified automatic transmission and has a specific purpose. One pulls away under electric power while the other is specifically for acceleration. While using both electric motors, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 horsepower and 381 pound-feet of torque. The ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only during parking and low-speed operation. When being driven solely on electric power, the car has a maximum speed of 34 mph. Powering the electric motors is a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that’s enclosed under the rear cargo floor. Photo gallery after the jump!

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