World, Meet the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

Because you can never take the kids to the grocery store fast enough, Mercedes has graciously given us the 2012 ML63 AMG. This is not your soccer mom’s SUV. Wait a second, yes it is, just on steroids! The good folks from Stutgart have released all the photos and press releases, ahead of Wednesday’s LA Auto Show supposed debut. And we couldn’t be happier with the results. Check them out after the jump!

Making
its worldwide debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2012
Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG unites efficiency and performance, exclusivity
and an outstanding driving experience. The estimated combined fuel
economy for the high-performance SUV is 16 mpg, marking a 33-percent
improvement over its predecessor. The basis for the excellent fuel
economy and performance is the AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine with an
output of 518 hp and torque of 516 lb-ft, representing an increase of 15
hp and 44 lb-ft over its predecessor. The available AMG Performance
Package boosts the V8 engine’s power output to 550 hp and its maximum
torque to 560 lb-ft. The newly developed ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active
roll stabilization, the AMG design and the broad scope of standard
equipment and appointments produce a highly attractive overall package.
The 2012MY ML63 AMG will be available in US showrooms in Q1 2012.

Ola
Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, notes: “Like its
predecessors, the 2012 ML63 AMG sets new standards in terms of
performance, exclusivity and an outstanding 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 2000MY ML55
AMG and continued with the 2007MY ML63 AMG.”

The new ML63 AMG
showcases exceptional new technology. The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo
engine features spray-guided gasoline direct injection with piezo
injectors, ECO stop/start system, an all-aluminum crankcase, four valves
per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air-to-water charge air cooling
and efficient alternator management. With a displacement of 5461 cc, the
eight-cylinder engine generates a maximum power output of 518 hp and
516 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the AMG Performance Package, these
values rise to 550 hp and 560 lb-ft. This difference in power and torque
results from an increase in the maximum charge pressure from 14.0 to
18.8 psi. Both variants of the ML63 AMG deliver sports-car performance.
Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes 4.7 seconds and 4.6 seconds
respectively, while the top speed remains at 155 mph (electronically
limited) and at 174 mph with the AMG Performance Package. With or
without the AMG Performance Package, fuel economy remains unchanged. The
AMG Performance Package also includes an engine cover in high-quality
genuine carbon fiber, calipers painted in red and the AMG Performance
steering wheel in Premium leather/DINAMICA.

Efficient and versatile – AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed transmission

Power
delivery to all four permanently driven wheels is via the AMG
SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. Featuring three driving
programs and a rev-matching function for downshifting, this outstanding
gearbox offers amazingly broad scope. In “Controlled Efficiency” mode
(C) the ECO stop/start function is active, shutting down the
eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is stationary. The “C” mode also
delivers smoother acceleration and transmission characteristics with
comfortable, earlier gear changes. Pulling away in this mode usually
begins in second gear. A green “ECO” symbol in the AMG instrument
cluster indicates that the ECO stop/start function is active.

In
the Sport (S) and Manual (M) driving programs the ECO stop/start
function is inactive and the engine/transmission characteristics are far
more agile. A brief and precisely defined retardation of ignition and
injection during upshift at full load also delivers shorter shift times.

Enhanced efficiency and driving dynamics
For
added efficiency, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic
transmission incorporates a new fuel-efficient torque converter,
bearings designed for reduced friction loss and a thermal management
system for the transmission oil. Axle gears with minimal friction loss,
electronic steering, an optimized belt drive, on-demand control of all
accessory drives and an intelligent lightweight design also help to
reduce fuel consumption even further. The new ML63 AMG is 99 pounds
lighter than its predecessor – despite the increase in power and the
more comprehensive range of standard equipment.

As on the
previous model, Mercedes-AMG uses a dedicated transfer case for the
4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, which distributes engine power at a
ratio of 40:60 to the front and rear axle for improved dynamic
characteristics. Furthermore, the AMG sports suspension with AIRMATIC
Air Suspension, independent damper struts, automatic level control and
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is combined for the first time with the
ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilization. This system, which is
standard equipment on the ML63 AMG, features active stabilizers on the
front and rear axles to compensate for body roll during cornering. In
addition to enhanced agility and driving fun, the system also improves
stability for added safety, especially at higher speeds.

Roll
stabilization, damping and suspension adapt instantaneously to the
prevailing driving situation, offering optimum ride comfort and maximum
stability. The driver can choose at the touch of a button between the
three driving modes “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Manual”. The air suspension
system is speed-sensitive, lowering the body at higher speeds to
minimize drag while increasing stability.

The AMG
elastokinematics on the front axle and more robust stabilizer bar on the
rear axle improve steering precision. The enhanced drivetrain provides
optimum power transmission and hallmark Mercedes reliability. The
standard 4ETS electronic traction control system provides the best
possible grip in slippery conditions.

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

Electromechanical
AMG speed-sensitive sports steering features speed-based power
assistance and helps to save fuel because it only consumes energy when
the driver actually moves the steering wheel. The ML63 AMG comes with
20­inch 5-spoke alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss
finish and fitted with 265/45 R 20 high-performance tires. Also
available are optional 295/35 R 21 tires on 21-inch AMG alloy wheels.
The AMG high-performance braking system provides the shortest possible
braking distances and high fade resistance, featuring ventilated and
perforated brake discs at all four corners. Sizes are 15.4″ x 1.4″
(front) and 13.6″ x 1.0″ (rear).

AMG styling with trim in silver chrome matte finish

The
design of the new ML63 AMG exudes self-confidence, athleticism and
power. AMG styling dominates the front view. Beneath the radiator grille
with louvers in high-gloss paint finish and the prominent Mercedes star
is a large cooling air intake. Together with the two air intakes, the
central radiator grille provides effective airflow to the radiator, as
well as the engine oil, charge air and transmission oil coolers. Fitted
at the bottom of the AMG front skirt is a trim strip in matte silver
chrome, which lends breadth to the front end while blending with the
frames of the daytime running lights and into the side air intakes.
Bixenon headlamps offer a premium and and exclusive look in combination
with the standard Lighting Package. The AMG front skirt is integrated
into the distinctive front fenders, which are 0.4 inches wider on either
side to accommodate the large AMG alloy wheels. Prominent,
fender-mounted “V8 BITURBO” badges identify the vehicle as the top AMG
model in the M-Class. AMG illuminated sill panels feature dynamic
styling and establish a visual link between the front and rear of the
vehicle.

Another eye-catching feature is the AMG rear skirt
highlighting the black diffuser. The openings emphasize the vehicle’s
width, as does the trim strip in matte silver chrome – which reflects
the design of the front skirt and frames the AMG sports exhaust system.
In contrast to the other M-Class variants, the ML63 AMG features two
sets of chrome twin tailpipes, providing that distinctive AMG
eight-cylinder sound.

High-quality, sporty interior

Sporty character
and premium quality define the interior of the high-performance SUV from
AMG. This is evident in the standard designo premium leather AMG power
sports seats offering excellent lateral support, as well as the
four-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel. The latter ensures excellent
vehicle control with perforated leather grips, aluminum shift paddles
and a rim flattened on the bottom. Aluminum trim elements and the
piano-lacquer retractable cover in the center console highlight the
interior’s dynamic and exclusive flair. The standard designo premium
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 trim are also finished in designo premium leather with double topstitching.

The distinctive instrument cluster with color TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is exclusive to the ML63 AMG.

Other standard equipment includes:

    AMG illuminated door sills in stainless steel
    AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
    COMAND system with hard-drive navigation & SIRIUS real-time traffic & weather
    10-way power front seats w/door-mounted controls plus driver and passenger memory with 4-way lumbar support
    harman/kardon¨Logic 7¨surround sound system
    HD radio
    Bluetooth audio streaming
    USB port
    7″ display with central COMAND controller
    4.5″ color instrument cluster display
    Power lift gate
    Multi-color ambient lighting
    Power sunroof w/express open and close
    Heated & active ventilated front seats

The AMG Performance package includes:

    Top speed of 174 mph
    AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA grips
    Increased output +32 hp / 44 lb-ft
    Red brake calipers
    Carbon fiber engine cover

designo is standard equipment

The standard designo features on the ML63 AMG include premium leather upholstery on the AMG sports seats.

This
is available in a choice of designo auburn brown, designo porcelain and
designo black. Features also include AMG badges in the backrests of the
front seats and the outer rear seats as well as velour floor mats with
the AMG logo embossed and black designo leather edging.

Further
choices include designo trim pieces in black piano lacquer and the
designo wood/leather steering wheel in black piano lacquer.

Safety of the very highest caliber

In
line with the Mercedes-Benz brand philosophy, the 2012 ML63 AMG is
based on the Mercedes-Benz concept of Real Life Safety, derived
primarily from what happens in a real accident situation. The extremely
robust occupant cell and the front and rear crumple zones form an
effective basis for the occupant protection system. Nine airbags,
activated on demand in accordance with the nature and severity of the
accident, can reduce the loads exerted on the occupants. In addition to
active safety systems such as the standard Brake Assist (BAS) or the
optional BAS PLUS, which can help to prevent an accident or reduce its
severity, the new M-Class features further enhanced passive-safety
measures to help protect pedestrians.

Both active safety and
driver fitness are improved by assistance systems already familiar
primarily from the S- and E-Class. Standard equipment includes the
drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the anticipatory safety
system PRE-SAFE¨, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, as well as
ADAPTIVE BRAKE, the ESP¨electronic stability program and PARKTRONIC with
Active Parking Assist. Further active assistance systems such as Active
Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available as
additional equipment.

Safety is further enhanced by new standard
features such as LED daytime running lamps, fiber-optic / LED tail
lamps, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and a driver’s side knee airbag

Visionary – AMG is the inventor of the high-performance SUV

The
new ML63 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 recognized as the founder of the
high-performance SUV segment. It all began in 1999 with the 2000MY ML55
AMG. With a power output of 342 hp, the top-of-the-range M-Class model
powered by an AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine achieved a level of performance
previously unheard-of in this class, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph
in just 6.7 seconds. The unusual combination of high-caliber drive,
excellent off-road capabilities, outstanding ride comfort, unparalleled
safety and a spacious interior was well-received by AMG customers across
the globe. More than 11,000 ML55 AMGs were sold worldwide between 1999
and 2003.

The follow-up ML63 AMG, which was presented at the
Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2005, continued the
success story that began with the ML55 AMG. With its AMG 6.3-liter V8
engine generating an output of 503 hp and 465 lbs-ft of torque, it again
set the benchmark in its segment. The performance of the 2007MY ML63
AMG was in the sports-car league. The top-of-the-range AMG model
accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and had a top speed of 155
mph (electronically limited). More than 13,000 units were sold worldwide
between 2006 and 2011. In all, AMG’s sales figures for its
high-performance SUVs total more than 24,000 to date.

The 2012MY Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG will be launched in Q1 2012.

What do you think? Will the ML 63 AMG beat the BMW X5 M to the grocery store and back? Shout off in the forums!

Content provided by mbusa.com