ML 63 AMG: Taking the pole position in the off-road segment

The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG is the new benchmark for sporty off-roaders. With its 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine, the new top-of-the-range M-Class model is the front runner in its competitive field. The all-new Mercedes-AMG off-roader is the very embodiment of a sporty and dynamic automobile, and its exclusive range of equipment fulfills even the highest expectations. The ML 63 AMG will celebrate its world debut at the International Motor Show and be introduced to the market in the second quarter of 2006.

Beneath the bonnet of the ML 63 AMG is a high-performance powerhouse: the new 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine. With an output of 375 kW/510 hp and a maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5,200 rpm, the drive unit is the world’s most powerful series-produced eight-cylinder aspirated engine. It ensures sports car-like performance, accelerating the off-roader from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and giving it a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Power is transmitted by an AMG SPEED-SHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with a DIRECT SELECT lever close to the steering wheel and shift programmes especially designed to conform to the AMG V8 engine’s sporty capabilities. The permanent all-wheel drive of the ML 63 AMG is also very sporty in nature.

To ensure maximum agility and cornering performance, the engine’s incredible output is transmitted to the front and rear axles in a ratio of 40:60. A stronger drive train ensures optimum power transmission and the level of reliability typical of Mercedes-Benz. The AIRMATIC air suspension is equipped with AMG-specific spring struts and a specially tuned Adaptive Damping System (ADS). The self-levelling suspension automatically lowers the car body at high speeds. Polished 19-inch light-alloy AMG rims with a five-spoke design and wide tyres measuring 295/45 R 19 ensure the vehicle always has a firm grip on the road.

AMG styling: Impressive appearance with wider fenders

The new ML 63 AMG’s unique standing is emphasized by its broad, powerful and crouching appearance. The high-performance off-roader’s powerful design is characterised by the eye-catching AMG styling with front and rear aprons, an AMG-specific radiator grille, wider fenders, stainless steel side running boards, and dimmed tail lights.

The vehicle’s sporty nature is also apparent in the car’s interior. The exclusive interior finishings include AMG sports seats with nappa leather upholstery; Alcantara inserts at shoulder level; heated multicontour seats; the ergonomic, leather-covered AMG sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons; AMG doorsills; and stainless steel sports pedals with rubber knobs. The look of the instrument cluster is just as dynamic, featuring distinct lettering, red needles and a 320-km/h speedometer scale. The ML 63 AMG also meets the most demanding safety requirements, and standard equipment includes the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®; the crash-responsive NECK-PRO headrests in the front seats; adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger; sidebags for the front seats; windowbags; and seat-belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats.

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

Mercedes’ new fire-breathing, 510-hp ML 63 AMG super-ute will soon be prowling the pavement, looking to take the mantle of baddest ute on the block from the Cayennes and X5s of the world. Power is supplied via an AMG-massaged, 6.3-litre V8 generating 510 hp at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 465 lb-ft 5200 rpm. Mercedes claims the engine as the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated production eight-cylinder. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h comes in 5.0 seconds with top speed limited to a maximum speed of 155 mph, according to Mercedes.

Talk to anyone at AMG, and he will tell you the target vehicle for the ML63 AMG is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Forget other sporty utes such as the Range Rover Sport, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, or the BMW X5 4.8is: AMG focused on one truck, and one truck alone. The ML63 was even developed on the fearsome Nordschleife of the Nürburgring, where it laps the 12.9-mile circuit in “about 8 minutes, 40 seconds.” Not so long ago, that was a good Porsche 911 time.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8
The heart of the ML63 is, like every product that comes out of Mercedes-Benz’s wholly owned tuning subsidiary in Affalterbach, the engine. In this case, it’s a 6.2-liter V-8 that is the first engine to be designed and built by AMG, rather than being a tuned Mercedes unit. The engine features a bedplate construction, wherein the crankcase is split at the crankshaft center line, as well as four valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, a variable intake manifold, and twin-wire-arc-sprayed cylinder bores, a new process that results in running surfaces for the pistons that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron liners. The upshot is an engine that makes 503 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque — numbers that, coincidentally (or not), better those of the 5.0-liter V-10 used by arch-rival BMW’s M division in the M5 sedan and M6 coupe.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Transmission, Suspension, and Wheels
The engine hooks up through a seven-speed automatic transmission that has manumatic shifting effected via the gearlever or buttons on the back of the steering wheel. The AMG transmission shifts 30 percent faster in sport mode and 50 percent quicker in manual mode here than in the ML500. Like the regular ML, power is transmitted to all four wheels, but in this application, the torque split is set at 40 percent front, 60 percent rear.

The suspension and the brakes have been beefed up to cope with the additional power over the ML500. AMG has modified the Airmatic air-spring suspension, making it 100 percent stiffer at the front and 60 percent harder at the rear, with special Bilstein damper struts all around. The suspension automatically lowers at higher speeds. Larger vented and cross-drilled brakes are fitted. In Europe, the ML63 has 295/45-section tires on 19-inch-diameter rims as standard, and there are also optional 295/40s mounted on 20-inchers. The 20s may be standard in the U.S., but final specifications weren’t available as of this writing.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Design and Styling
Aside from the sexy wheels, the ML63 is distinguished by an aggressive body kit. This features flared fenders, stainless-steel running boards, an AMG specific grille, deeper front and rear fascias with projector-style front fog lamps, and a pair of twin chrome-tipped exhausts. It makes the ML look a whole lot wider and meaner, which was doubtless the intention.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Interior
Inside, there’s a chunky AMG sport steering wheel and sport seats that are covered in Nappa leather with Alcantara shoulder bolsters. Other racy touches include stainless-steel pedals with rubber studs and an AMG gauge cluster that incorporates a lap timer, just perfect for those lightning-quick trips to the mall.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Performance
And they will be quick. Mercedes claims the ML65 sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds and will top out at an electronically governed 155 mph. We saw an easy 140 mph on a Spanish autopista, with the ML still spearing toward the horizon — and other, slower road users. At these speeds, you can almost see the gas gauge plummeting to zero because those 503 horses are propelling a large trucklike object that weighs 5094 pounds. The new engine is stupendous, with a strident growl under hard throttle and nearly instant response at any engine speed: 369 pound-feet of torque (or 79 percent of the maximum) are available from 2000 to 7000 rpm.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Road Manners
The ML63 actually feels like a Mercedes Benz of yore, in that it crushes the road surface into submission. It goes down the highway with real authority, in part due to meaty, well-weighted steering and in part due to damping that is firm but well controlled. We’re not sure how well it will cope with broken pavement in the American Snowbelt, but it felt at home on the shiny new blacktop of Andalusia. The ML63 brakes with authority, too, and is super stable at speed.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Handling
On twisting mountain passes, it does amazingly well for a big truck — but you won’t confuse its responses with those of a 911 or any other proper sports car. It rolls a bit more than a Cayenne Turbo and doesn’t have quite the steering feel of the Porsche, but it turns in neatly, grips well, and is reasonably entertaining and very capable.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Conclusion
In reality, the AMG engineers are right. The only real competition to the ML63 AMG is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, because BMW and Range Rover’s top sporty utes aren’t as hard-core and have less than 400 horsepower. Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing yet, but AMG prices are typically 35 percent above the highest-priced model in a particular line. In this case, that would put the ML63 AMG at about $70,000 when it goes on sale this month, undercutting the BMW X5 4.8is and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Cultivated diesel power

The M-Class, the trendsetter among modern off-roaders, is further extending its leadership position with a new engine. The ML 420 CDI 4MATIC engine is equipped with a 225 kW/306 hp V8 diesel engine with the latest generation of CDI technology. Superlative performance combined with modest fuel consumption are two of the strengths of this all-wheel drive vehicle. To further minimise on the already low level of exhaust emissions, this powerful engine is fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter and complies with the EU4 standard. Interested customers can order this model with immediate effect, starting at a price of Euro 65 540.- (Euro 56 500.- net). Deliveries are scheduled to start in October 2006.

Barely a year after the market launch of the M-Class in summer 2005, the ML 420 CDI 4MATIC now rounds off the range of diesel-engined models. This latest design of V8 diesel engine in the ML 420 CDI with four-valve technology, bi-turbo charging and variable turbine geometry gives this off-roader a truly exciting temperament. The torque output of the 4.0 litre engine has risen to 700 Newton metres and is available across an engine speed range of 2000 to 2600 rpm. Upgrade measures have boosted power from 184 kW/250 hp in the previous model of ML 400 CDI to a new high of 225 kW/306 hp. This delivers blistering performance, from a standing start and for intermediate sprints, for example when overtaking. The ML 420 CDI 4MATIC surges from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds and forward thrust does not flatten out until the top speed of 235 km/h. When accelerating from 60 to 120 km/h in third gear, the ML 420 CDI 4MATIC only needs 6.0 seconds. Its high power reserves not only make for impressive sprints but also, operating in conjunction with the standard, seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, it delivers relaxed driving in high speed ranges and low fuel consumption figures. If driven economically, the diesel-engined model only consumes 9.1 litres of fuel every hundred kilometres while average fuel consumption amounts to a modest 11.1 l/100 km. These favourable fuel economy figures, coupled with a tank capacity of 95 litres equip the ML 420 CDI 4MATIC with an impressive cruising range of almost 900 kilometres without a visit to a filling station. This model also outperforms the EU4 limits and operates with a zero-maintenance diesel particulate filter which reduces what were already low exhaust emission levels by a further 99 percent.

The enhanced power rating of this new V8 diesel engine was achieved primarily through use of the third generation of common rail high-pressure fuel injection, capable of maximum injection pressures of 1600 bar with ignition pressure raised to 175 bar. Optimized flow conditions also help to improve conditions in the charge cycle and the two newly designed exhaust turbochargers with variable turbine geometry operate even more effectively than every before. With up to five diesel injection points per injection cycle, special perforated nozzles, a new design of piezo injector with more precise fuel injection times and an upgraded exhaust recuperation system, substantial improvements have been made in emission levels. Engine development specialists have reduced noise with an optimised chain drive, a rigid crankcase with generously proportioned engine mountings and additional acoustic baffle plates. The quadratic ratio of bore to stroke and opposing motion on the balancing shaft deliver low-noise operation.

Excellent drive dynamics under all conditions

The 4MATIC permanent four-wheel drive system equips the ML 420 CDI with superior drive dynamics under any conditions. In conjunction with the independent coil spring suspension, ultra-precise parameterised steering and the proven Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), this enables the ML to deliver compelling standards of handling, previously the sole preserve of sports saloons. The optional AIRMATIC air suspension system with the ADS adaptive damper system further enhances ride comfort and active safety. On challenging terrain, the driver is assisted by electronic drive dynamic control systems such as 4ETS, the specially developed off-road ABS system, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) or the Hill-Start Assistant.

Another optional extra, the Off-Road Pro Technik package, substantially extends available options while driving right off the beaten track. It employs a reduction ratio (2.93:1) in the transfer transmission and multi-disc locks with a locking action of up to 100 % on the reinforced rear axle to achieve this, while the centre differential ensures that virtually any natural off-road obstacle can be negotiated. This system also provides an extended adjustment range for the AIRMATIC system which increases ground clearance by an additional 291 millimetres. The driver can select Drive and AIRMATIC modes using two rotary knobs on the centre console. The centrale info display then provides continuously updated information on the prevailing operating mode.

With another optional extra for this class of vehicle, the forward-looking occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, Mercedes-Benz is once again raising safety standards to a new, high level. The trump card offered by this system is the ability to network passive and active safety systems. PRE-SAFE® uses the sensors on drive dynamic control systems such as ABS, the BAS braking assistant or ESP® and optimises the protection function offered by passive safety elements in driving situations with the potential to cause an accident.

Comprehensive range of standard equipment

The ML 420 CDI 4MATIC features a convincing range of standard equipment which assures the owner of superlative comfort and high standards of functionality under any operating conditions. Here is an overview of the main equipment details:

4MATIC permanent four-wheel drive

Seven-stage 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT, direct-shift action with steering wheel gearshift buttons and a selector lever on the steering column

Drive dynamic systems ESP®, BAS, 4-ETS, DSR, ABS with special function of Off-Road ABS

Parameterised steering

Ligh-alloy 8 J x 18 wheels with 255/55 R 18 tyres

Tyre pressure loss warning device

Central locking with remote control

Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter

Windscreen wipe/wash system with rain sensor

Driving light assistant

Electrically adjustable multi-contour seats at front

Steering column with mechanically adjustable length and height

Multi-function steering wheel, leather

Radio Audio 20 with CD drive and 8-speaker sound system

“ARTICO” upholstery combination in alpaca grey, black or kashmir beige

Hardwood interior trim panels in “poplar birds-eye look”

THERMOTRONIC multi-zone luxury climate control system

Automatically dipping rear-view and outside mirrors

Safety net to screen off luggage compartment

Available as optional extras:

Bi-xenon headlight system with active cornering light, turning light and high-pressure cleaning system

PARKTRONIC

PRE-SAFE®

Sidebags on 2nd row of seats

DISTRONIC distance control system

iPod Interface Kit

LINGUATRONIC voice control system

AIRMATIC with ADS adaptive damping system

Off-Road-Pro Technik package with reduction ratio, 100 % multi-disc lock for centre and rear differentials, modified AIRMATIC (up to 291 mm additional ground clearance, fording depth of up to 600 mm), additional under-drive protection, manual mode for 7G-TRONIC.

COMAND APS with integrated radio, CD/DVD drive, DVD navigation, telephone operation and off-road menu which can be combined with TV tuner and reversing camera

Back seat entertainment system with LCD monitors behind the front seat headrests (optional central LCD monitor in the centre console), DVD player, 2 headsets

KEYLESS-GO

Passive safety of the highest standard

The monocoque steel body shell provides the ideal foundation for passive occupant protection systems. An exceptionally robust passenger cell surrounds the passengers like a protective cocoon. In contrast, the front and rear sections are designed to crumple, thereby absorbing as much collision impact energy as possible. The comprehensive restraint systems are the ideal complement to the protective potential of the M-Class:

Adaptive airbags for driver and passenger

Sidebags for driver and passenger, also available as an option for the rear row of seats

Windowbags for all three rows of seats

Three-point automatic seatbelts on all seats with mechanical height adjustment at front with seatbelt tensioners and belt force limiters, and with the outer seats on the back row equipped with integral seatbelt tensioners and belt force limiters

ISOFIX child seat mounting on rear row of seats

Electronic airbag control unit with special collision impact sensors

Rollover sensor

Crash-active headrests NECK-PRO available on request

US American crash test passed with flying colours

The M-Class achieved an outstanding result in the crash test conducted by the “National Highway Traffic Safety Administration”. This success story became one of the first ever models of SUV to gain the highest possible score of five stars in the head-on and side impact collision tests. Following a string of successes in all vehicle classes in a tremendously diverse global range of safety tests, Mercedes-Benz has once again proven that there is really just one star you need to have on your car.

With its score of 5 stars for head-on and collision crash tests, the M-Class has assumed an absolutely dominant position in the SUV vehicle segment. In the US American version of the NCAP test (New Car Assessment Program), vehicles are evaluated after a head-on collision with a solid wall at a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h). The SINCAP test (Side Impact New Car Assessment Program) calls for a collision involving a flexible barrier weighing 1368 kilograms striking the side of the vehicle beside the front seat passengers at a speed of 38.5 mph (62 km/h). These results provide grounds for optimism about the forthcoming Euro-NCAP tests, due to be carried out in the near future.

A calming effect: Trailer Stability Assist

Vehicles like the ML 420 CDI 4MATIC are ideally suited to the towing of trailers. No matter whether a caravan, a boat trailer or a horsebox is hooked up to the towbar hitch on the M-Class, the driver can stay relaxed even while negotiating critical driving situations. Deep ruts in the motorway, side winds or abrupt evasion manoeuvres on country roads will not disturb the equilibrium of towing load or driver. This is because, right from the design stage, the suspension, brakes and steering system were built to cope with the stresses and strains of towing a load. Anyone ordering an ML Class from the factory with a towbar hitch will also enjoy the benefits of the new Mercedes-Benz Trailer Stability Assist, or TSA for short. This is an additional function on the Electronic Stability Program ESP® which provides greater safety when driving with a trailer. TSA is able to detect the onset of those much-feared pendulum movements quickly and effectively and counteracts them swiftly. To do this, it employs the sensors from the ESP® system to apply the brakes in a targeted and alternating manner to individual wheels, thereby stabilising the vehicle and trailer combination.

A convincing model range

Alongside the tremendous pulling power of the V8 diesel in the ML 420 CDI 4MATIC, the range includes a further two diesel engines. The basic V6 unit in the ML 280 CDI delivers 140 kW / 190 hp while the identically sized ML 320 CDI delivers 165 kW/224 hp. Two petrol engines are also included in the ML 350 and ML 500, delivering 200 kW/272 hp and 225 kW/306 hp respectively. Customers with exceptionally demanding requirements will tend to opt for the ML 63 AMG 4MATIC which, with a power output of 375 kW/510 hp, is the flagship of the model series. Here are the individual prices:

ML 280 CDI 4MATIC € 46 922 (net € 40 450)
ML 320 CDI 4MATIC € 49 532 (net € 42 700)
ML 420 CDI 4MATIC € 65 540 (net € 56 500)
ML 350 4MATIC € 48 836 (net € 42 100)
ML 500 4MATIC € 64 090 (net € 55 250)
ML 63 AMG 4MATIC € 96 164 (net € 82 900)

Mercedes-Benz may be about to change the names of some of its most popular SUVs in an effort to harmonize the various nameplates ahead of the rollout of several all-new high-riding models. According to reports out of Germany, the transition will start with the facelifted M-Class due out later this year as a 2015 model.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the facelifted M-Class will be renamed the GLE-Class, helping to align it with the E-Class in Mercedes’ hierarchy of models. Then, for the 2016 model year, Mercedes will launch its BMW X6 rival, which instead of being an M-Class Coupe, as currently thought, will be labeled the GLE-Class Coupe.

The next-generation GLK-Class will also be affected, with its name said to be changed to GLC-Class to align it with the C-Class. It's expected to be launched late next year, as a 2016 model. If a version with coupe-like styling is launched, expect this model to be called the GLC-Class Coupe.

There’s been no mention if the G-Class and GL-Class models will also be affected. While it’s likely the G-Class will keep its name due to its iconic status, it’s possible the GL-Class gets rebranded a GLS-Class to align it with the S-Class family. At the other end of the spectrum sits the GLA, aligned with Mercedes' A-Class.