Traded in my '12 Cayenne Turbo for a '12 ML63 AMG...
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2020 G63
Traded in my '12 Cayenne Turbo for a '12 ML63 AMG...
I just drove home a 2012 ML63 AMG this weekend, and I am thrilled with it.
A little background - I didn't expect to buy a new car, as my 2012 Cayenne Turbo was only 4 months old and I waited 4 months to take delivery after placing my order (the Cayenne replaced my 2011 E550 because I became a dad and needed a bigger "family" car, hence my username).
We were picking up my wife's new CLS 550 and this ML caught my eye. I saw what I thought was an ML with a mean looking body kit. I had no idea the ML63 had yet been released, so I walk around the car and saw the AMG badge on the back. I couldn't resist examining the "competition" for myself.
First impression, I thought it looked like an amazing SUV. My salesman unlocked the door and I could immediately tell the quality of the interior was top notch. As soon as the salesman started the engine, I was floored! Way louder than my Porsche, but not obnoxiously so.
After hearing the exhaust and taking it for a drive, I couldn't hand the keys to my Porsche over fast enough. I now have a beautiful Black on Black ML63 AMG and I couldn't be happier.
Mercedes and AMG knocked this one out of the park.
For those of you who will read this thread while comparison shopping, here is what I liked about each of these similar SUV's:
2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo: It drives like a sports car, but with the room and utility of a (crossover) SUV. I say crossover, because although my kid's car seat fit, the back end is severely lacking in cargo space. Also, it feels way more like a car than an SUV. The interior is like a cockpit with buttons galore and really similar to the Panamera. The touchscreen PCM is really nice and functional. The ride is tight and sporty and the seats hug you in place. Fine for a guy, but my wife was not really a fan!
2012 ML63 AMG: It has everything that I really needed and wanted when I was replacing my E550 for an SUV - space and power. More of both than my Cayenne had. Also, the ML63 doesn't seem strange with a car seat in the back. The front seating area is comfortable and roomy. The ride is smooth and the exhaust sound is the perfect level of background noise in the cabin. A perfect combination of power and luxury at a better price point than the Cayenne Turbo.
A little background - I didn't expect to buy a new car, as my 2012 Cayenne Turbo was only 4 months old and I waited 4 months to take delivery after placing my order (the Cayenne replaced my 2011 E550 because I became a dad and needed a bigger "family" car, hence my username).
We were picking up my wife's new CLS 550 and this ML caught my eye. I saw what I thought was an ML with a mean looking body kit. I had no idea the ML63 had yet been released, so I walk around the car and saw the AMG badge on the back. I couldn't resist examining the "competition" for myself.
First impression, I thought it looked like an amazing SUV. My salesman unlocked the door and I could immediately tell the quality of the interior was top notch. As soon as the salesman started the engine, I was floored! Way louder than my Porsche, but not obnoxiously so.
After hearing the exhaust and taking it for a drive, I couldn't hand the keys to my Porsche over fast enough. I now have a beautiful Black on Black ML63 AMG and I couldn't be happier.
Mercedes and AMG knocked this one out of the park.
For those of you who will read this thread while comparison shopping, here is what I liked about each of these similar SUV's:
2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo: It drives like a sports car, but with the room and utility of a (crossover) SUV. I say crossover, because although my kid's car seat fit, the back end is severely lacking in cargo space. Also, it feels way more like a car than an SUV. The interior is like a cockpit with buttons galore and really similar to the Panamera. The touchscreen PCM is really nice and functional. The ride is tight and sporty and the seats hug you in place. Fine for a guy, but my wife was not really a fan!
2012 ML63 AMG: It has everything that I really needed and wanted when I was replacing my E550 for an SUV - space and power. More of both than my Cayenne had. Also, the ML63 doesn't seem strange with a car seat in the back. The front seating area is comfortable and roomy. The ride is smooth and the exhaust sound is the perfect level of background noise in the cabin. A perfect combination of power and luxury at a better price point than the Cayenne Turbo.
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From: UG
2013 ML63 AMG PP
Nice write up. It's good to hear a comparison with the Porsche Cayenne Turbo especially from someone who just got a 2012 model. Congratulations and please feel free to post very many pictures of the exterior! :-))
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Please post some pics. I too am thinking of this switch.
I have had an '11 and now a '12 Cayenne Turbo. I recently took delivery of my first F car after waiting six months for her to be built and delivered. Have just been thinking I don't need an SUV that is 145k SUV too.
Loving the styling and interior of both, but have been so impressed with what MB has been doing.
Just concerned that I will lose some of the sportiness of the drive from the Cayenne Turbo to the AMG. What are your experiences in cornering, drive and acceleration? How would you compare the transmissions?
Lastly, where are the pics?
Congrats!
J
I have had an '11 and now a '12 Cayenne Turbo. I recently took delivery of my first F car after waiting six months for her to be built and delivered. Have just been thinking I don't need an SUV that is 145k SUV too.
Loving the styling and interior of both, but have been so impressed with what MB has been doing.
Just concerned that I will lose some of the sportiness of the drive from the Cayenne Turbo to the AMG. What are your experiences in cornering, drive and acceleration? How would you compare the transmissions?
Lastly, where are the pics?
Congrats!
J
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Denver, CO
'09 SL Black, '12 ML63, '13 SL63, '14 E63 Wagon, '14 458 Italia
Awesome - welcome to the club! I actually saw a[nother] black ML 63 on I-25 south around I-225 yesterday - the driver seemed to be older, so I doubt it was you. You should come to the Great Indoors (Park Meadows) meets on Saturday mornings!
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Denver, CO
'09 SL Black, '12 ML63, '13 SL63, '14 E63 Wagon, '14 458 Italia
Wanted to tell you about this mod, as it corrects a substantial annoyance (being poked in the arm by the door locks):
They're screw on / off. We need two pairs of the front (A0007660228) to do all four doors. I order mine from getmercedesparts dot com - just drop the "A" when searching by P/N.
They're screw on / off. We need two pairs of the front (A0007660228) to do all four doors. I order mine from getmercedesparts dot com - just drop the "A" when searching by P/N.
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wheels
Wanted to tell you about this mod, as it corrects a substantial annoyance (being poked in the arm by the door locks):
They're screw on / off. We need two pairs of the front (A0007660228) to do all four doors. I order mine from getmercedesparts dot com - just drop the "A" when searching by P/N.
They're screw on / off. We need two pairs of the front (A0007660228) to do all four doors. I order mine from getmercedesparts dot com - just drop the "A" when searching by P/N.
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2020 G63
I will have to make it down there for the meet up. I'm out of town this weekend, but perhaps the next one. I'll keep my eye out for your ML as well!
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 87
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2020 G63
Wanted to tell you about this mod, as it corrects a substantial annoyance (being poked in the arm by the door locks):
They're screw on / off. We need two pairs of the front (A0007660228) to do all four doors. I order mine from getmercedesparts dot com - just drop the "A" when searching by P/N.
They're screw on / off. We need two pairs of the front (A0007660228) to do all four doors. I order mine from getmercedesparts dot com - just drop the "A" when searching by P/N.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 87
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2020 G63
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Canada
2011 Mercedes E550 4M, 2003 BMW X5 4.4i
I'm thinking of getting a 2013 Cayenne GTS and it seems you prefer the ML over the Cayenne. I've seen vids on youtube of the new Panamera GTS and the exhaust is AMG-like. Haven't heard the Cayenne GTS but hopely should sound similar to the Panamera. I recently test drove a 2012 C63 AMG sedan and found it too smooth for my tastes. It felt surprisingly similar to my E550 and didn't feel any faster or powerful. The C63 did however sound better but was still too quiet for my tastes.
