2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Pricing Announced

The new Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG offers power and efficiency, running on 11.8 liters of fuels per 100 km (3.1 gallons per 62 miles) making it 28% more efficient than its predecessor. The cost for the ML 63 AMG in Europe is set at €108,885 EUR, available in the U.S. in March with a starting MSRP of $95,865 (includes $875 destination charge), positioning it perfectly between the BMW X5M and the BMW X6M. For an additional €7,021 EUR, you can get an additional 2 hp from the AMG Performance Package which includes more than just the hp upgrade. The AMG Performance package boosts the V8 engine’s power output to 410 kW (557 hp) and its maximum torque to 760 newton meters.

The new ML 63 AMG comes with an exciting technology package: the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo 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 intercooling and alternator management. With a displacement of 5461 cc, the eight-cylinder engine generates a maximum power output of 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 newton meters of torque. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these values rise to 410 kW (557 hp) and 760 newton metres. This difference in power and torque results from an increase in the maximum charge pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar.

Both variants of the ML 63 AMG enable sports-car performance: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.8 seconds and 4.7 seconds respectively, while the top speed stands at 250 km/h (electronically limited). With or without AMG Performance package, the NEDC fuel consumption figure of 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres (276 g CO2/km) remains the same.

Key data at a glance:

*With AMG Performance package **Electronically limited

Efficient and variable: AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC

Power is transmitted to all four permanently driven wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. Featuring three modes and an automatic double-declutching function for downshifting, this seven-speed automatic transmission offers a fascinatingly broad scope of variability. In “Controlled Efficiency” (C) mode the ECO start/stop function is active, shutting down the eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is stationary. “C” also stands for a gentle accelerator and transmission characteristic with early gear changes; start-up generally takes place in second gear here. A green “ECO” symbol in the AMG instrument cluster indicates to the driver that the ECO start/stop function is active.

In the Sport (S) and Manual (M) modes the ECO start/stop function is inactive and the engine-transmission combination displays far greater agility. A brief and exactly defined retardation of ignition and injection during upshifting at full load additionally provides for shorter shift times here.

Enhanced efficiency and driving dynamics

As efficiency-enhancing measures, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission incorporates a new fuel-economy converter with centrifugal pendulum, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and a transmission-oil thermal management system. Friction loss-minimised axle gears, electric steering, an optimised belt drive, and demand-responsive control of all ancillary units and pumps all help to further reduce fuel consumption.

As previously, Mercedes-AMG deploys a specially designed 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 RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with AIRMATIC package – consisting of 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 stabilisation. This system, which comes as standard, employs active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to compensate the body’s roll angles during cornering. In addition to enhanced agility and driving enjoyment, the system also improves driving stability for added safety at higher speeds in particular.

Roll stabilisation, damping and suspension adapt automatically 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 “Sport plus”. The fully load-bearing air suspension system is speed-sensitive, lowering the body at higher speeds in order to minimise drag while increasing driving stability.

The AMG-specific elastokinematics at the front axle and the more robustly designed rear axle stabiliser bar are responsible for improved steering precision. The enhanced drive train stands for optimum power transmission and hallmark Mercedes reliability. The 4ETS electronic traction control system which features as standard provides for optimised grip when low friction coefficients apply.

AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance braking system

Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering features variable vehicle speed-dependent power assistance and helps to save fuel, as the steering assist function only requires energy when the driver actually moves the steering wheel. The ML 63 AMG comes as standard with 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in 9 x 20 format, painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with tyres in size 265/45 R 20. Tyres in size 295/35 R 21 on AMG light-alloy wheels in 10 x 21 format 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 (front) and 345 x 26 millimetres (rear).

Specific AMG styling with trim in matt silver chrome

The design of the new ML 63 AMG exudes self-confidence, athleticism and power. The AMG bodystyling dominates the front view: under the radiator grille with louvres painted in high-gloss black and the large 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 matt silver chrome, which lends the front a wider appearance while harmonising with the surrounds of the daytime running lamps in the side cooling air intakes. The headlamps cut a particularly high-quality and exclusive figure in combination with the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS). The AMG front apron is integrated with the distinctive front wings, which are 10 millimetres wider on either side in order to accommodate the large AMG light-alloy wheels in elegant fashion. “V8 BITURBO” logos identify the vehicle as the flagship AMG model in the M-Class. Dynamically profiled AMG side sill panels establish a visual link between the front and rear of the vehicle.

Another eye-catching feature is the AMG rear apron with its simulated black air outlet openings. They emphasise the vehicle’s width similarly to the trim strips in matt silver chrome, which cite the design of the front apron and frame the AMG sports exhaust system. In contrast to the other M-Class variants, the ML 63 AMG features two sets of chrome twin tailpipes. The full and distinctive eight-cylinder sound is an AMG hallmark.

High-quality, sporty interior

A sporty character and premium quality define the interior of the high-performance SUV from AMG. This is embodied in the electrically adjustable AMG sports seats offering pronounced lateral support as well as the four-spoke AMG performance steering wheel, which ensures optimum control of the vehicle with perforated leather in the grip area, aluminium shift paddles and a rim with a flattened bottom section. Aluminium trim and the piano-lacquer retractable cover in the centre console highlight the interior’s dynamic and exclusive flair. 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.

The distinctively designed instrument cluster with colour TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is exclusive to the ML 63 AMG.

Other standard equipment includes:

• AMG door sills in stainless steel
• AMG floor mats
• AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
• Audio 20 CD radio with Bluetooth and USB interface
• EASY-PACK load compartment cover
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Headlamp cleaning system
• Electric sliding glass roof
• Heated seats for driver and front passenger

Exclusive optional extras are available from the AMG Performance Studio:

• AMG Performance package with increase in power of 24 kW (32 hp) and 60 newton metres more torque, AMG engine cover in high-quality genuine carbon fibre, AMG performance steering wheel with DINAMICA microfibre in the grip area, red-painted callipers
• 5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels (10 x 21) painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, fitted with tyres in size 295/35 R 21
• AMG performance steering wheel with DINAMICA microfibre in the grip area

Additional optional extras:

• Trailer coupling with electric unlocking
• Becker® MAP PILOT
• Electrically operated EASY PACK tailgate
• Rear Seat Entertainment System
• harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system
• Wood/leather steering wheel in nappa leather
• THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control
• Light package including Intelligent Light System
• Media Interface
• Memory package
• COMAND Online multimedia system
• Electric panoramic sliding glass sunroof
• Aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs
• TV tuner
• Wood trim including retractable cover in centre console made of wood

Safety of the very highest calibre

In line with the Mercedes-Benz brand philosophy, the new ML 63 AMG is the embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz holistic safety concept of Real Life Safety, which is derived primarily from what happens in a real accident situation. The extremely robust passenger compartment, together with the front and rear deformation zones, forms an effective basis for the occupant protection systems. Up to nine airbags, activated on demand in accordance with the accident type and accident severity, can reduce the loads exerted on the occupants. In addition to active safety systems such as the standard-fit Brake Assist (BAS) or the optional BAS PLUS, which can help to prevent an accident or reduce the severity of an accident, the new M-Class features further enhanced passive-safety measures to help protect pedestrians.

Both active safety and driver-fitness safety are improved by assistance systems that will already be familiar, primarily from the S-Class and E-Class. The standard equipment package includes the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the anticipatory safety system PRE-SAFE® and a tyre pressure monitoring system, as well as adaptive brake lights and the ESP® Electronic Stability Program. Active assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available as additional equipment options.

The new Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG will be launched in April 2012. Overview of prices (incl. 19% VAT):

ML 63 AMG: €108,885

AMG Performance package: €7021