The new Mercedes-Benz ML 63
AMG stands for efficiency
and performance, exclusivity
and a superlative driving
experience. Returning 23.9
mpg (NEDC combined, 276 g CO2/km),
the high-performance SUV
boasts a 28 per cent
improvement in efficiency
over its predecessor. The
basis for this better fuel
consumption and top-class
performance is provided by
the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo
engine with a maximum power
output of 525 hp and maximum
torque of 700 Newton metres,
representing an increase of
15 hp and 70 Newton metres.
The optionally available AMG
Performance package boosts
the V8 engine's power output
to 557 hp and its maximum
torque to 760 Newton metres.
The newly developed ACTIVE
CURVE SYSTEM for active roll
stabilisation, the AMG-specific
design and the broad scope
of standard equipment and
appointments provide for a
highly attractive overall
package.
The new ML 63 AMG comes with
a fascinating 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 charge
air cooling and generator
management, for example.
With a displacement of 5461
cc, the eight-cylinder
engine generates a maximum
power output of 525 hp and
700 Newton metres of torque.
In conjunction with the AMG
Performance package these
values rise to 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 0-62 mph
is achieved in 4.8 seconds
and 4.7 seconds if fitted
with the AMG Performance
Package, while the top speed
stands at 155 mph
(electronically limited).
With or without AMG
Performance package, the
NEDC fuel consumption level
of 23.9 mpg (276 g CO2/km)
remains the same. The AMG
Performance package further
includes an engine cover in
high-quality real carbon,
callipers in red painted
finish and the AMG
Performance steering wheel
in nappa leather/DINAMICA.
The key data at a glance:
|
|
ML 63 AMG |
|
Displacement |
5461 cc |
|
Bore x
stroke |
98.0 x 90.5 mm |
|
Compression
ratio |
10.0 : 1 |
|
Output |
525 hp at 5250 rpm
557 hp at 5750/rpm* |
|
Max torque |
700 Nm at 1750-5000
rpm
760 Nm at 2000-5000
rpm* |
|
Engine
weight (dry) |
204 kg |
|
Fuel
consumption, NEDC
combined |
23.9 mpg |
|
CO2
emissions |
276 g/km |
|
Acceleration
0-62 mph |
4.8 s
4.7 s* |
|
Top speed |
155 mph** |
* with AMG Performance
package; ** electronically
limited.
Efficient and
variable: AMG SPEEDSHIFT
PLUS 7G-TRONIC
Power transmission to all
four permanently driven
wheels is performed by the
AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS
7G-TRONIC system. Featuring
three driving programmes and
an automatic
double-declutching function
for downshifting, this
seven-speed automatic
transmission offers a
fascinatingly broad scope of
variability. In "Controlled
Efficiency" mode (C) 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
comfortable and 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) driving programmes 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,
electronic steering, an
optimised belt drive,
demand-responsive control of
all ancillary units and
pumps and an intelligent
lightweight design all help
to further reduce fuel
consumption. The new ML 63
AMG is 40 kilograms lighter
than its predecessor –
despite the increase in
power and the more
comprehensive range of
standard equipment.
As on the previous model,
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 sports
suspension with AIRMATIC
package, 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
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 driving modes
"Comfort", "Sport" and
"Manual". The fully
load-bearing air suspension
system is speed-sensitive,
lowering the body when
higher speeds apply 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.
Safety of the very
highest calibre
In line with the
Mercedes-Benz brand
philosophy, the new ML 63
AMG represents 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 occupant compartment,
together with the front and
rear deformation zones,
forms an effective basis for
the occupant protection
system. 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- and E-Class. The standard
equipment package includes
the drowsiness detection
system ATTENTION ASSIST, the
anticipatory safety system
PRE-SAFE® and a
tyre pressure loss warning
system, as well as adaptive
brake lights and the ESP®
electronic stability
programme. 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 launch in the UK in
Spring 2012. UK Pricing and
specifications are still to
be confirmed.
