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AMG Styling
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.
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).
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.
Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications