2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG | PH Review
The progenitor of the 'sporty SUV' gets a third iteration. We find out what the latest 5.5-litre biturbo version is like
Mercedes' AMG brand has been going from strength to strength in recent years. The likes of the SLS and increasingly capable hot versions of the C-Class and E-Class have really raised the awareness of AMG. But while the cooking M-Class might not be the most obvious AMG model in the showroom, it has been a quiet success story.
Mercedes claims to have been the 'inventor of the performance 4x4' with the 1999 ML55 AMG and it has sold more than 24,000 worldwide since, enjoying a loyal following.
The German firm will be hoping that success continues when this new ML63 AMG arrives in showrooms in July. It certainly looks the part, an improvement on the standard M-Class (not the prettiest of 4x4s - especially at the rear). The front wings are 10mm wider to accommodate the massive 20-inch 265/45 tyres and if any pedestrian was still in any doubt about the ML's intentions, there is V8 BITURBO in chrome lettering between the front wheel and door.
As that badging suggests, under the ML63's bonnet is the same 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 as seen in the AMG versions of the E-Class and CLS. That means 525hp, a 0 to 62mph time of 4.8 seconds and a 155mph limited top speed, not to be sniffed at considering the ML tips the scales at a shade over 2.3 tonnes.
There's also the optional AMG Performance package, giving you 557hp and lowering that 0-62mph time to 4.7 seconds, but denting your bank balance by an extra £6,500. It doesn't damage the 23.9mpg combined average fuel economy, though.
Of most interest among the changes are AMG's decision to alter the 4Matic four-wheel-drive system to deliver the power 40:60 to the front and rear axles (as opposed to 50:50 before) and also the new active anti-roll bars as part of Mercedes' Active Curve System.
It would be easy to dismiss both as small print on what is after all, still a big 4x4, but it doesn't need to say Vettel in your passport for you to notice the difference. Along with reasonably direct steering, the ML remains respectably flat even when cornering enthusiastically, and you rapidly forget just how big a car this is.
Few owners will throw their ML63 down a country road in the same manner as, say, a GT3, or expect the same kind of feedback, but the level of body control and pace that you can maintain remains astonishing. Encouraging you further to hustle the ML63 is the gorgeous engine note, which has a lovely full-throttle induction noise.
Even the ride quality is reasonable. That can't be said of cars with the Performance package though. It might get you an even more alluring exhaust note, but the larger 21-inch wheels and the liquorice-thin 295/35 tyres ruin the ride for little discernible gain.
Mercedes claims that it wanted to make a significant step up in terms of the interior feel and materials and it has succeeded. The dashboard and switchgear are a noticeable improvement on M-Classes of old (just as well, given the AMG's hefty price tag) and there's a good amount of space front and rear. A 1200-watt, 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo is optional.
At double the price of the big-selling turbodiesel M-Class, nobody would pretend that the ML63 AMG isn't an extreme choice. Like the supercharged Range Rovers and Cayenne Turbos of this world, this is not a car for everyone. Which is exactly how we like it. If you can brave the fuel bills and are in the market for one, though, we reckon this is one of the best.
SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES ML63 AMG
Engine: 5461cc V8 twin-turbo
Power (hp): 525@5,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 516@1,750rpm
0-62mph: 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Weight: 2345kg
MPG: 23.9mpg (NEDC Combined)
CO2: 276g/km
Price: from £85,000 (est)
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Performance orientated SUV's are of course rather silly cars, one could argue, but if anyone seriously takes that view then they are looking at the wrong website.
If you don't think cars like the M class equipped with stonking big V8's are wonderful, go look at Whatcar? website instead. You do not belong here.
Of course, practical issues such as fuel economy mean that most of us would have to buy the diesel. But I am very happy to know that somewhere out there, people exist who choose a petrol V8 over a diesel.
We should thank them all and buy them a drink.
Anyone who would seriously suggest that a V6 diesel is preferable to a V8 in ANY car, let alone an SUV, is just wrong. Plain old wrong. As simple as that. We only choose diesels because we feel we have to.
There are plenty of people who have to drive "big and heavy" because they have kids,trailers, boats, horseboxes, crap to move around. Why should these people be forced to sacrifice performance?
If they can pull a trailer with a boat on it AND enjoy a SUV with a V8, why should'nt they?
It is a mistake to assume that just because someone chooses a big car, they are not also interested in performance. Besides, the average buyer of a car like this probably has a GT3 in the garage as well.
They are ridiculously expensive to buy, cost a fortune to run, depreciate like a stone, you can't use more than a fraction of the performance on the road, but aren't exactly any good as occassional track day toys and the diesel version would make a much better job of being a workhorse... they just seem utterly pointless unless you're a footballer or live somewhere petrol costs peanuts (eg; Middle East).
If you are not bothered about the fuel costs, why would a diesel be better?
And if you choose to drive an SUV, what is wrong with wanting to drive the fastest and best handling, best braking version if you can afford it?
Why is owning the best handling, best braking, best performance model of a range of cars pointless if you can afford it?
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