New products: Mercedes ML 63 AMG: Up to 557 hp in the super SUV

With the new edition of the ML 63 AMG, Mercedes promises better performance and lower consumption.

Compared to the previous model, the output of the 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine has increased by 15 hp to 525 hp. The maximum torque of the high-performance engine has also increased by 70 Newton meters to 700 Newton meters. For those who still don’t have enough, AMG offers a performance package that increases performance to 557 hp and 760 Newton meters.

Mercedes ML 63 AMG: almost five liters less fuel consumption

The extra power is achieved by increasing the maximum boost pressure from 1.0 bar to 1.3 bar. In both versions, the average consumption per 100 kilometers is 11.8 liters SuperPlus. This means that the performance-enhanced new ML 63 AMG consumes 4.7 liters of petrol per 100 kilometers less than its predecessor – at least on paper.

In 4.7 seconds to 100 km/h

AMG has been offering the ML in a performance-enhanced version since 1999. The now third generation of the SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. With the performance package, AMG specifies an acceleration to 100 km/h of 4.7 seconds. The power transmission from the V8 biturbo to the four driven wheels is handled by a seven-speed automatic transmission with three different gears that can be set at the push of a button.

Start off in second gear

In program “C” starting is always in second gear, the gears change early and only here is the start-stop function activated when stationary. This gear is designed to drive as efficiently and economically as possible. The driving programs “S” (sport) and “M” (manual) ensure shorter shift times when shifting up under full load, the throttle response is much more agile and the start-stop function is deactivated here.

Roll stabilization for the SUV

The AMG sports suspension with air suspension, automatic level control and adaptive damper control is combined with active roll stabilization for the first time in the ML 63. Active anti-roll bars are used on the front and rear axles. These compensate for the lateral inclination of the body when cornering. In addition, the air suspension works depending on the speed and lowers the body at higher speeds. This reduces air resistance and increases driving stability at the same time. As with the transmission, the driver can also select the three different programs “C, S, M” for the chassis.

Striking appearance

Visually, the ML 63 AMG clearly stands out from its series brothers. Large cooling air inlets, a special AMG front apron, daytime running lights and the special front fenders, which are pulled ten centimeters further outwards than the normal fenders, catch the eye. 9 x 20-inch aluminum wheels with 265/45 tires (a 21-inch version is also available for an extra charge) and side skirts adorn the side view of the AMG. Two chrome exhaust tailpipes and the new apron complete the visual impression at the rear.

A lot comes standard

Electrically adjustable sports seats, sports steering wheel, aluminum pedals, leather upholstery, a separate instrument cluster with color TFT monitor, electric glass sunroof, seat heating for driver and front passenger and a radio with 20-disc CD changer including Bluetooth and USB interface are included as standard in the Mercedes ML 63 AMG.

A good 115,000 euros for the full program

Market launch for the Mercedes ML 63 AMG is in April 2012. The price for the luxury SUV is 108,885 euros. For the performance-enhancing AMG Performance Package, the customer has to shell out an extra 7021 euros.