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.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class W166

The W166 M-Class is the evolution of Mercedes-Benz's flagship SUV that combines efficiency, safety, agility, driving enjoyment and design, to cater the needs of today's market.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

The new exterior design is an evolution step further to commemorate the brand's 125th year and this new model perfects the angle of being a true luxury utility vehicle. It's been 14 years since the first M-Class came out in 1997 and the second generation came in 2005 but with this third-generation model, this has made to be somewhat special for the audiences and we're very proud to look at it.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class interior

The tale of the tape comes on the new interior. It looks very nice to look at it and this is just becoming a step further to deliver the best interior design on the best M-Class in history. However, there are some issues about the new interior. It still remains the five-seater capacity and why Benz never intend to put a third-row seat because of the added weight that ruins it? Still, it doesn't matter because this five-seater is somewhat classy enough for the VIP to get all cozy about. Surprisingly though, there are two monitors behind the front seats that are good enough to entertain the passengers like watching TV and movies. To perfect the interior experience, the available Harman Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound System provides the best sound that creates a lively environment for the M-Class' interior no matter how loud the noise is.

At the start, the new W166 M-Class is available in three engines. First is the M276 3.5L V6 Gasoline Direct Injection engine that produces 306PS/6500rpm of power, 370Nm of torque, 235 km/h of top speed, 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds, and combined fuel economy of 11.8km/L (8.5L/100km). Second is the OM651 2.1L Common Rail Diesel Injection engine that produces 204PS/4,200rpm of power, 500Nm of torque, 210km/h of top speed, 0-100km/h in 9 seconds, and combined fuel economy of 16.7km/L (6L/100km). Lastly, the OM 642 LS 3.0L V6 CRDi engine produces 258PS/3,600rpm of power, 500Nm of torque, 224km/h of top speed, 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, and combined fuel economy of 14.7km/L (6.8L/100km). Most of them are mated with a 7G-Tronic Plus.

To make the ride more comfortable for the new M-Class, the AIRMATIC full air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System provides the basis for excellent ride comfort on road combined with noticeably superior handling stability. The ADS II provides four levels of damping force that suits the road condition using skyhook algorithm. There are other features that can be proven to be more useful for the driver such as the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM and the ON&OFFROAD package.

The new M-Class is made to be more safer for everyone because of numerous features such as the Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control with Brake Assist Plus and PRE-SAFE brake, adaptive brake lights, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Attention ASSIST, Electronic Stability Program, Occupant protection system, and more safety features that makes it the safest SUV ever built.

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 W166 M-Class is here today and ready for tomorrow because of its well-sculpted exterior, tailor-made interior, perfect chemistry of performance and economy, comfort, and overall safety. The previous M-Class from the past never been concern about the welfare of others but the new M-Class addresses the welfare of others thanks to its numerous safety features. If we're itching for the ML63 AMG, please wait because next year, it will come.

The new M-Class is made to be more luxurious against the competition and this new model has potential to come to our shores soon.



Photo: Daimler AG.