- The redesigned 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG goes on sale in the U.S. in February.
- The new performance edition of the M-Class is powered by an AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine with an output of 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
- Another V8-powered M-Class model, the 402-hp ML550 will also be available in early 2012.
LOS ANGELES — The redesigned 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is one of two new V8-powered M-Class models that will reach U.S. dealers next year. Powered by a twin-turbo AMG 5.5-liter V8 rated at 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, the ML63 AMG will be formally unveiled next week at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Showand goes on sale in February.
An optional AMG Performance Pack boosts output to 550 hp and torque to 560 lb-ft, trimming 0-60 acceleration by a whisker, from 4.7 to 4.6 seconds, while bumping top speed from 155 mph to 174 mph. The package also bundles an AMG Performance steering wheel, carbon-fiber engine cover and red brake calipers.
The new ML63 AMG features a new active roll stabilization system integrated into the AMG sports suspension, which includes Airmatic air suspension, automatic level control and adaptive damping. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift Plus seven-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features include a leather interior with black headliner, AMG sport seats and a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom AMG steering wheel.
The AMG edition gets additional aero body bits, including deeper front and rear under-bumper aprons, more sculpted rocker panels under the doors and quad exhaust pipes.
The ML63 AMG will be joined in early 2012 by the less powerful ML550, which is rated at 402 hp and 443 lb-ft.
Making their North American debuts at the L.A. auto show are the SLS AMG Roadster, the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series and the SLK55 AMG.
Inside Line says: Impressive hardware under the handsome new M-Class shell.
Add A Comment »
easym1 says:
10:45 AM, 11/20/2011
This design is a step in the right direction.
jennyhop says:
05:55 AM, 11/17/2011
It's incredible guys! LA AUTO SHOW 2011 started yesterday and there are tons of high resolution photos of the 2012 Mercedes SLK55 AMG and many more! You've got to see it, it's amazing!
http://www.wisecarshopper.com/2011/11/17/this-year-la-auto-show-is-hosting-2012-mercedes-slk55-amg/
says:
01:58 PM, 11/16/2011
aesthetically speaking...this new version looks like a pussy compared to the old one...a shame, i used to think the old version was the best looking sports suv out there...compared to the cayenne, x5, x6, srt8. Why mercedes did you turn it into a large ugly gl?
chinesedriver says:
04:06 PM, 11/14/2011
Well... my point actually is... ML-class virtually has some sort of off-road capabilities. It has differential locks(mechanic), and ride height control, and large approach and departure angles. You can go through daimler media website and there are bunch of photos showing those ML off road tests. However, the exterior design of the AMG version erased those off road capabilities....
alaskanroads says:
01:57 PM, 11/14/2011
Im just not digging this new M-Class at all. Idk what it is but I just dont like it.
panamera4 says:
10:20 AM, 11/14/2011
I like it, but not more than the X5 M or Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne is the only one in the luxury performance SUV segment that has a modicum of offroad capabilities.
I also feel like this generation of the ML is much more feminized (with it's swooping tail lights and soft curves) compared to the angular masculine lines of the last generation, post facelift, sport and AMG models.
cardrvr says:
10:17 AM, 11/14/2011
Looking at the front: hmm, it does look like a Mercedes vehicle.
Looking at the rear: WTF, who let the designers from SsangYong design the tail lamps for this M-class???
rayzor says:
08:42 AM, 11/14/2011
non kidding about all those fake vents, WTH!!! And what's with the 4 spoke steering wheel on a AMG?
gtr_fan says:
06:32 AM, 11/14/2011
There is a market for high performance SUV's. However, MSRP will likely be greater than 100K. Except for the cachet of having a MBZ, why would you get this rather than JEEP Grand Cherokee SRT-8? They have almost identical 0-60 times. They share the same DNA. MSRP for GC SRT-8 is going to be around 60-65K. In fact, the SRT-8 will likely be cheaper than a ML550 and still outperform. Make no mistake about it, no one is going to take their ML 550 off roading. If you wanted to, you can buy a lower ranger GC anyway.
scottyscooter says:
05:06 AM, 11/14/2011
A super fast SUV? *yawn*