Motorists in the US can count down the hours until the launch of the new Mercedes ML450 HYBRID.

The German manufacturer will offer the two-mode hybrid as part of a special lease option from Monday, with a monthly lease price of $659 for 36 months and $549 for 60 months.

The vehicle uses a 3.5litre V6 petrol engine and a two-mode hybrid system to produce 46 per cent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Its EPA rating is 24mpg highway, 21mpg city.

The two electric motors each have their own purpose – one is dedicated to pulling away under electric power and is located on the transmission output shaft where it generates 80hp and 260Nm of torque; the other is located closer to the petrol engine which it is used specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83hp.

With a total system performance of 335hp and 517Nm of torque, the electric motors are powered by a 288V NiMH pack that’s enclosed in the rear cargo floor. During both low speed operation and parking, the Mercedes ML450 HYBRID can run on electric drive only up to a maximum speed of 34mph.