So, if you’ve always wanted a seriously fast German SUV, another option just popped over the horizon.
Mercedes-Benz boasts that the new ML 63 AMG has a 28 per cent improvement in efficiency over its predecessor. What we do care is the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine that makes 525 hp and maximum torque of 700 Nm, with an optional AMG Performance pack that boosts it to 557 hp and 760 Nm. And it comes with something called the Active Curve System for body roll stabilisation – you will need that when you sling a school bus around a fast corner. Mercedes-Benz claims that it is 40 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, well…
The engine features spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, ECO start/stop system, an all-aluminium crankcase, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air-water charge air cooling and generator management, for example. Both variants of the ML 63 AMG enable sports-car performance: acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in 4.8 seconds, 4.7 seconds if fitted with the AMG Performance Package, while the top speed stands at 249 km/h (electronically limited). The AMG Performance package further includes an engine cover in high-quality real carbon, callipers in red painted finish and the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA.
All four wheels are driven, with the power going through an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic gearbox. Featuring three driving programmes – “Controlled Efficiency” mode which activates the start/stop function, gentle accelerator and transmission characteristics and of course, Sport (S) and Manual (M) driving programmes that throw fuel consumption figures out of the window and all that power in your face.
The four-wheel drive runs a 40 : 60 power ratio. Furthermore, the AMG sports suspension with AIRMATIC package, air suspension, independent damper struts, automatic level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS). The Active Curve System employs active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to compensate the body’s roll angles during cornering. The driver is able to choose at the push of a button between the three driving modes “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Manual”. The fully load-bearing air suspension system is speed-sensitive, lowering the body when higher speeds apply in order to minimise drag while increasing driving stability.
Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering features vehicle speed-dependent power assistance. The ML 63 AMG comes as standard with 5-spoke light-alloy wheels in format 9 x 20, painted titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, fitted with tyres in size 265/45 R 20. Tyres in size 295/35 R 21 on AMG light-alloy wheels in size 10 x 21 are optionally available. The AMG high-performance braking system provides for the shortest possible braking distances and high fade resistance, featuring ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round in size 390 x 36 mm (front) and 345 x 26 mm (rear).
Inside, the new ML offers AMG sports seats offering pronounced lateral support as well as the four-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel, aluminium shift paddles and a flattened bottom rim. The standard leather upholstery includes contrasting double topstitching and AMG badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats. Dashboard, armrests and door panelling in AMG-specific design are finished in ARTICO man-made leather with double topstitching. If that’s not enough, you can further customize the ML to your liking with the Designo option.
The standard equipment package includes the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the anticipatory safety system PRE-SAFE® and a tyre pressure loss warning system, as well as adaptive brake lights and the ESP® electronic stability programme. Active assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available as additional equipment options.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, notes: “Like its predecessors, the new ML 63 AMG sets new standards in terms of performance, exclusivity and a superlative driving experience – plus the efficiency factor, which is acquiring ever greater emphasis at Mercedes-AMG. As the inventor of the high-performance SUV, we remain true to the philosophy which we introduced in 1999 with the ML 55 AMG and continued in 2005 with the ML 63 AMG.”
The new Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG will be launched in April 2012.