Available in the U.S. in March with a starting MSRP of $95,865 (includes $875 destination charge), the new Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG stands for efficiency and performance, exclusivity and a superlative driving experience. The estimated combined fuel economy for the high-performance SUV is 16 mpg, marking a 33-percent improvement over its predecessor. The basis for low fuel consumption and top-class performance is provided by the AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine with an output of 518 hp and torque of 516 lb-ft, representing an increase of 15 hp and 44 lb-ft over its predecessor.
The available AMG Performance package boosts the V8 engine's power output to 550 hp and its maximum torque to 560 lb-ft. The newly developed ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM provides active roll stabilization while the AMG-specific design and the broad scope of standard equipment and appointments produce a highlighy attractive overall package.
The new ML63 AMG showcases exceptional new technology. The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine features spray-guided direct injection with piezo injectors, ECO stop/start system, an all-aluminium crankcase, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air-water intercooling and alternator management. With a displacement of 5461 cc, the eight-cylinder engine generates a maximum power output of 518 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the AMG Development Package these values rise to 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. This difference in power and torque results from an increase in the maximum charge pressure from 14.5 to 18.9 psi.
Both variants of the ML63 AMG enable sports-car performance: acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes 4.7 seconds and 4.6 seconds respectively, while the top speed stands at 155 mph (electronically limited). With or without AMG Performance Package, fuel economy remains unchanged.
Key data at a glance:
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ML 63 AMG
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Displacement
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5461 cc
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Bore x stroke
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3.86" x 3.56"
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Compression ratio
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10.0 : 1
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Output
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518 hp at 5250 rpm
550 hp at 5750 rpm*
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Max. torque
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516 lb-ft at 1750-5000 rpm
560 lb-ft at 2000-5000 rpm*
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Engine weight (dry)
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449 lbs
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Fuel consumption, NEDC combined
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16 mpg combined
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Acceleration 0-60 mph
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4.7 s
4.6 s*
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Top speed
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155 mph**
174 mph*
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*With AMG Performance package **Electronically limited
Efficient and versatile: AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed Transmission
Power delivery to all four permanently driven wheels is via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. Featuring three driving programs and a rev-matching function during downshifts (Sport and Manual Mode), the outstanding gearbox offers amazingly broad scope. In "Controlled Efficiency" (C) mode the ECO stop/start function is active, shutting down the eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is stationary. The "C" mode also delivers smoother acceleration and transmission characteristics with comfortable, earlier gear changes. Pulling away in this mode usually begins in second gear. A green "ECO" symbol in the AMG instrument cluster indicates to the driver that the ECO stop/start function is active.
In the Sport (S) and Manual (M) modes the ECO stop/start function is deactivated and the engine-transmission combination displays far greater agility. A brief and precise interruption of ignition and injection during upshifting under full load additionally provides for shorter shift times here.
Enhanced efficiency and driving dynamics
As efficiency-enhancing measures, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission incorporates a new fuel-economy torque converter, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and thermal management system for transmission oil. Axle gears with minimal friction loss, electric steering, an optimized belt drive, on-demand control of all accessory drives and an intelligent lightweight design also helps to reduce fuel economy even further. The new ML63 AMG is 99 pounds lighter than its predecessor despite the increase in power and the more comprehensive range of standard equipment.
As on the previous model, Mercedes-AMG uses a dedicated transfer case for the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive which distributes the engine power at a ratio of 40 : 60 to the front and rear axle in the interests of high driving dynamics. Furthermore, the AMG sports suspension with AIRMATIC Air Suspension, independent damper struts, automatic level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS) - features for the first time in combination with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilization. This system, which is standard equipment on the ML63 AMG features active stabilizers on the front and rear axles to compensate for body roll and cornering. In addition to enhanced agility and responsive handling, the system also improves stability for added safety, especially at higher speeds.
Roll stabilization, damping and suspension adapt instantaneously to the prevailing driving situation, offering both optimum ride comfort and maximum stability. The driver is able to choose at the push of a button between the three suspension modes "Comfort", "Sport" and "Manual". The air suspension system is speed-sensitive, lowering the body at higher speeds to minimize drag while increasing stability.
The AMG-specific elastokinematics at the front axle and the more robust stabilizer bar on the rear axle improve steering precision. The enhanced drive train provides optimum power transmission and hallmark Mercedes reliability. The standard 4ETS electronic traction control system provides for optimized grip in slippery conditions.
AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance braking system
Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering features speed-based power assistance and helps to save fuel because it only consumes energy when the driver actually moves the steering wheel. The ML63 AMG comes with 20 - inch 5-spoke alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish and fitted with 265/45 R 20 high performance tires. Also available are optional 295/35 R 21 tires on 21-inch AMG alloy wheels. The AMG high-performance braking system provides for the shortest possible braking distances and high fade resistance, featuring ventilated and perforated brake discs at all four corners. Sizes are 15.4" x 1.4" (front) and 13.6" x 1.0" (rear).
Specific AMG styling with trim in matte silver chrome
The design of the new ML63 AMG exudes self-confidence, athleticism and power. The AMG bodystyling dominates the front view. Beneath the radiator grille with louvers in high-gloss paint finish and the prominent Mercedes star is a large cooling air intake. Together with the two outer air intakes, the central radiator grille provides for an effective flow of air to the water, engine oil, charge-air and transmission oil coolers. Fitted at the bottom of the AMG front apron is a trim strip in matte silver chrome, which lends breath to the front end while blending with the frames of the daytime running lights and into the side air intakes. Bixenon headlamps offer a premium and exclusive look in combination with the standard Lighting Package. The AMG front skirt is integrated with the distinctive front fenders, which are 0.4 inches wider on either side in order to accommodate the large AMG alloy wheels in elegant fashion. "V8 BITURBO" badges identify the vehicle as the flagship AMG model in the M-Class. AMG illuminated sill panels establish a visual link between the front and rear of the vehicle.
Another eye-catching feature is the AMG rear skirt highlighting the black diffuser. The openings emphasize the vehicle's width, as does the trim strips in matte silver chrome - which reflects the design of the front skirt and frames the AMG sports exhaust system.
In contrast to the other M-Class variants, the ML 63 AMG features two sets of chrome twin tailpipes. Delivering the full and distinctive eight-cylinder AMG soundtrack.
Exclusively appointed, sporty interior
Sporty character and premium quality define the interior of the high-performance SUV from AMG. This is evident in the standard designo premium leather AMG power sports seats offering excellent lateral support, as well as the four-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel. The latter ensures excellent vehicle control with perforated leather grips, aluminium shift paddles and a rim flattened on the bottom. Aluminium trim and the piano-lacquer retractable cover in the center console highlight the interior's dynamic and exclusive flair. The standard designo premium 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 trim are also finished in designo premium leather with double topstitching.
The distinctive instrument cluster with color TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is exclusive to the ML 63 AMG.
Other standard equipment includes:
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AMG illuminated door sills in stainless steel
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AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
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COMAND system with hard-drive navigation & SIRIUS real-time traffic & weather
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10-way power front seats w/door-mounted controls plus driver and passenger memory with 4-way lumbar support
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harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system
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HD radio
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Bluetooth audio streaming
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USB port
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7" display with central COMAND controller
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4.5" color instrument cluster display
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Power lift gate
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Multi-color ambient lighting
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Power sunroof w/express open and close
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Heated & active ventilated front seats
The AMG Performance package includes:
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Top speed of 174 mph
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AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA grips
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Increased output +32 hp / 44 lb-ft
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Red brake calipers
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Carbon fiber engine cover
designo is standard equipment
The standard designo features on the ML63 AMG include premium leather upholstery on the AMG sports seats.
This is available in a choice of designo auburn brown, designo porcelain and designo black. Features also include AMG badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats as well as velour floor mats with the designo logo embossed and black designo leather edging. Further choices include designo trim pieces in black piano lacquer and the designo wood/leather steering wheel in black piano lacquer.
Safety of the very highest caliber
In line with the Mercedes-Benz brand philosophy, the 2012 ML63 AMG is based on the Mercedes-Benz concept of Real Life Safety, derived primarily from what happens in a real accident situation. The extremely robust occupant cell and the front and rear crumple zones form an effective basis for the occupant protection system. Nine airbags, activated on demand in accordance with the nature and severity of the accident, can reduce the loads exerted on the occupants. In addition to active safety systems such as the standard Brake Assist (BAS) or the optional BAS PLUS, which can help to prevent an accident or reduce its severity, the new M-Class features further enhanced passive safety measures to help protect pedestrians.
Both active safety and driver fitness are improved by assistance systems already familiar primarily from the S- and E-Class. Standard equipment includes the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the anticipatory safety system PRE-SAFE®, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, as well as ADAPTIVE BRAKE, the ESP® electronic stability program and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist. Further active assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available as additional equipment.
Safety is further enhanced by new standard features such as LED daytime running lamps, fiber-optic / LED tail lamps, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and a driver's side knee airbag.
