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The New Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

15 November, 2011

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Efficiency and superlative performance

The new Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG stands for efficiency and performance, exclusivity and a superlative driving experience. Running on 11.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined, 276 g CO2/km), the high-performance SUV undercuts its predecessor by 4.7 litres, or 28 percent. The basis for low fuel consumption and top-class performance is provided by the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a maximum power output of 386 kW and maximum torque of 700 Newton metres, representing an increase of 11 kW and 70 Newton metres. The optionally available AMG Performance package boosts the V8 engine's power output to 410 kW 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.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, notes: "Like its predecessors, the new ML 63 AMG sets new standards in terms of performance, exclusivity and a superlative driving experience – plus the efficiency factor, which is acquiring ever greater emphasis at Mercedes-AMG. As the inventor of the high-performance SUV, we remain true to the philosophy which we introduced in 1999 with the ML 55 AMG and continued in 2005 with the ML 63 AMG."

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 386 kW and 700 Newton metres of torque. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these values rise to 410 kW 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 level of 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres (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

386 kW at 5250 rpm
410 kW 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

11.8 l/100 km

CO2 emissions

276 g/km

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.8 s
4.7 s*

Top speed

250 km/h**

* 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.

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

Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering features 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 light-alloy wheels in format 9 x 20, painted titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, fitted with tyres in size 265/45 R 20. Tyres in size 295/35 R 21 on AMG light-alloy wheels in size 10 x 21 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 MG 63 AMG exudes self-confidence, athleticism and power. The AMG styling dominates the front view: under the radiator grille with louvres in high-gloss paint finish and the large Mercedes star is a large cooling air intake on which the number plate is positioned. 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 driving lights 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 fenders, 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 top 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 highlighting the black air outlet openings. The outlet openings emphasise the vehicle's width similarly to the trim strip in matt silver chrome, which cites the design of the front apron 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. Typical of an AMG is the distinctive full eight-cylinder sound.

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 flattened bottom rim. Aluminium trim elements and the piano-lacquer retractable cover in the centre console highlight the interior's special 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.

Visionary: AMG as the inventor of the high-performance SUV

The new ML 63 AMG from Mercedes-AMG represents the third generation of the high-performance sport utility vehicle. The company from Affalterbach was the first to identify the potential of powerful and exclusive off-road vehicles and is recognised as the founder of the high-performance SUV segment. It all began in 1999 with the ML 55 AMG: with a power output of 255 kW, the top-of-the-range M-Class model powered by an AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine achieved a level of performance previously undreamt-of in this class, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h. The unusual combination of high-calibre drive, excellent off-road capabilities, outstanding ride comfort, unparalleled safety and a spacious interior delighted AMG customers throughout the world. Over 11,000 ML 55 AMGs were sold between 1999 and 2003.

The follow-up ML 63 AMG which was presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2005 continued the success story that had begun with the ML 55 AMG. With its AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generating an output of 375 kW and 630 Newton metres of torque, it again set the benchmark in its segment. The performance of the ML 63 AMG was in the sports-car league: the top-of-the-range AMG model accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Over 13,000 were sold in total between 2006 and 2011. In all, AMG's sales figures for its high-performance SUVs total over 24,000 to date.

The new Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG will be launched in Australia during June 2012.

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