2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

The ML63 AMG is the potent, sport-focused model of Mercedes-Benz's M-Class mid-size luxury SUV range. Though the wisdom of a high-performance variant of a big, heavy and aerodynamically challenged SUV is debatable, customer demand is strong, and Mercedes has responded with the most powerful ML63 AMG to-date. 

The winding canyon roads above Malibu give insight directly into the soul of the beast. Console-mounted buttons summon more sporting personalities from the suspension and transmission. While Comfort mode is preferable around town, Sport and Sport+ modes tighten things up and allow for faster reactions. To accomplish this complete manipulation of the ML63's dynamics, AMG uses active damping control, active anti-roll bars, and airbags instead of coil springs. Sport mode is the best compromise for anything but the smoothest of roads. Directional changes happen fast and predictably on undulating switchbacks. The SUV never achieves the light, tossable feeling of a sports car, but rather beats physics into submission with big contact patches and intelligent suspension. In tight quarters, physics battles back, throwing hairpins and big braking areas at the heavyweight powerhouse. Even the best engineers haven't mastered anti-mass technology, and all those pounds want to obey Newton's First Law of Motion.

2013 Mercedes Benz ML 63 AMG Front Profile In Motion When things start to get a little too hot, the vehicle understeers and bleeds off speed with squealing front tires grinding outside of the intended line. Suddenly all 2-and-half tons of high-riding SUV strong-arm the electronics and bring things back to reality. Even with a 40/60 front/rear power split, the stability control won't allow you to drive the car with the throttle. Once things start to get out of shape, the electronics call a timeout and reel things back in. It is amazing just how hard you have to push to find those limits, and the idea of any rational person finding them is unlikely.

2013 Mercedes Benz ML 63 AMG Rear Three Quarters In Motion Steering feel is surprisingly good through the contoured and sueded wheel. The seats are more than up to the task of holding passengers in place, and the bolsters don't get in the way of ingress and egress. Although the seats have the height adjustment of a barber's chair, even in their lowest position the height of the vehicle still gives a parade-float view of the road. Interior quality took a major leap forward in the redesigned ML, and the AMG version takes it another step farther. Material quality is luxurious and attention to detail abounds in spots only contortionists would be able to see. Even the doorjambs look as though they spent time in the design department to match the clean, uncluttered aesthetic. For those seeking something even more exclusive, Mercedes Designo can create custom interiors with contrasting leathers, rare trim materials, and even exclusive paints.

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
BASE PRICE	$94,500 (est)
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door, SUV
ENGINE ENGINES	5.5L/525-557-hp/516-561-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 32-valve V-8
TRANSMISSION TRANSMISSIONS	7-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT	5200 lb (mfr)
WHEELBASE	114.8 in
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT	189.6 x 76.4 x 68.9 in
0-60 MPH	4.8-4.7 sec (mfr est)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON	N/A
ON SALE IN U.S.	April, 2012