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| ML63 AMG |
Mercedes-Benz is also touting the active curve system, which is available on the stock ML350 that puts out (yawn) only 302 horsepower and 270 lb. ft. of torque. At the same time the system increases driving stability and thus safety, especially at high speeds. The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine features spray-guided gasoline direct injection with piezo injectors, ECO stop/start system, an all-aluminum crankcase, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air-to-water charge air cooling and efficient 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 Performance Package, these values rise to 550 hp and 560 lb-ft. Power delivery to all four permanently driven wheels is from the AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed automatic transmission. The "C" mode also delivers smoother acceleration and transmission characteristics with comfortable, earlier gear changes. A green "ECO" symbol in the AMG instrument cluster indicates that the ECO stop/start function is active. The AMG Performance Package also includes an engine cover in high-quality genuine carbon fiber, calipers painted in red and the AMG Performance steering wheel in Premium leather/DINAMICA.
A sports car in SUV clothing, the ML63 AMG is anabolic in its athleticism. Stock, the 5.5-liter V-8 biturbo cranks 518 horses and 516 pound-feet of torque -- or 550 horses and 560 pound-feet with an optional AMG performance package. The 13th model year ML63 AMG also uses a similar three-mode drive system and start/stop technology that, in its default "controlled" mode, shuts down the engine to save fuel when the car's stopped and restarts it as soon as the brake pedal is released.
In "sport" and "manual" modes, the AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed automatic transmission is designed to be more dynamic and responsive and can be operated with paddle shifters. That more involved driving experience is enhanced with an electromechanical speed-sensitive sports steering feature and Mercedes' new active curve system, making its debut here as an improvement to the all-wheel-drive SUV.
On the ML63 AMG, the air suspension, independent damper struts, automatic level control and adaptive damping system are all combined for more active roll stabilization when cornering and traveling at high speeds. Drivers have the option of choosing between three different suspension modes -- comfort, manual and sport.
Mercedes has added a matte silver chrome trim and wider front fenders to accommodate 20-inch AMG alloy wheels. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG will be available at U.S. dealers in March.--Mercedes-Benz is revealing its next-generation ML63 AMG at the Los Angeles auto show, bringing hot-rod attitude to its brawny SUV. Standard equipment includes a leather interior set off with a black headliner, AMG bodywork and sports seats.
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