Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG (W166)

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG interior

Welcome everyone to the all new Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, a more tamer version of the W166 Benz M-Class SUV that only a seasoned AMG enthusiast would love to take on other rivals such as the BMW X5 M, Audi Q7 V12 TDi, or even the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. There's no denying that every AMG credentials are added to the W166 as are the interior and now, the ML63 AMG sports a new 5.5L BiTurbo V8 engine (M157) that packs more POWERRRRRR than the previous one.

The direct injected AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine comes with 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 intercooling and alternator management. Normally, it churns out 386 kW (525 PS) of power and 700 Nm of torque but if you go for the AMG Performance package, this will churn out 410 kW (557 PS) of power and 760 Nm of torque. Consider this, this turbocharged engine has more POWERRRRRRRR than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo for sure! If you are overtaking this, you're about to yell POWERRRRRRRR!!!!! Zero to 100kph in 4.8 seconds and 4.7 seconds and top speed limited to 250 km/h. With or without AMG Performance package, you'll still expect the NEDC fuel consumption figure of 11.8L/100km. The ML63 AMG comes with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC with ECO start/stop function that distributes the power to all four wheels on a permanent basis and features three modes - Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M) - which can be selected at the push of a button on the centre console.

Aside from all that power, the ML63 AMG comes served with AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with newly developed ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilization. The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) adapts the damping forces at each wheel based on the current requirements. Varying on the driving situation, it lowers the body movement using a "skyhook" algorithm so as to ensure optimum ride comfort and outstanding handling safety.

Sadly, the ON&OFFROAD package is not available on the new ML63 AMG but the electronic traction system 4ETS in combination with ASR (acceleration skid control) provides good grip, even on slippery surfaces, while the standard-fit DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) automatically keeps the vehicle at the speed programmed using the cruise control stalk.

Available in 10 colors; Schwarz, Calcitweiß, Citrinbraun metallic, Diamantweiß BRIGHT metallic, Iridiumsilber metallic, Obsidianschwarz metallic, Palladiumsilber metallic, Perlbeige metallic, Tansanitblau metallic, and Tenoritgrau metallic.

My Comment:

The new ML63 AMG is not more of an offroader because it doesn't come with the ON&OFFROAD package but the 5.5L V8 engine with two massive turbochargers is more than enough to yell POWERRRRRR against the BMW X5 M, Audi Q7 V12 TDi, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. It would be more fun enough to be a high performance sport utility vehicle but obviously you have to be careful enough not to overdo it because you might tend to roll over like other SUVs do. Also, this SUV is not somewhat friendly if you were a soccer mom. It takes judgement to know more about the new ML63 AMG but this might end up in the "Seriously Uncool" list.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz A.G.