The flagship model of Mercedes-Benz’s new M-Class range of off-roaders is kitted out with a scorching 6,3-litre V8 that will guarantee crunching performance to rival several supercars, and most performance SUVs, in the “paper battle”…
The flagship model of Mercedes-Benz’s new M-Class range of off-roaders is kitted out with a scorching 6,3-litre V8 that will guarantee crunching performance to rival several supercars, and most performance SUVs, in the “paper battle”…
This M-Class heads straight for the jugular with its 375 kW of power and peak torque of 630 N.m, on tap at 6 800 and 5 200 r/min respectively. With its new AMG equipment bearing the label of the most powerful naturally aspirated eight-cylinder used in standard production, this ML 63 AMG certainly has some lofty claims to meet.
On paper, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (facelifted in September last year) is the ML’s closest rival. Its turbocharged 4 511-cm3 engine produces 368 kW at 6 000 r/min and a peak torque figure of 700 N.m at 2 250 r/min. Porsche has claimed that the Cayenne Turbo is able to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 5,3 seconds and reach a top speed of 270 km/h.
The ML 63 AMG provides sportscar-rivalling performance – it sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just five seconds and reaches a maximum speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. However, its instrument cluster offers a menacing invitation with its red needled-speedometer promising speeds of up to 320 km/h.
By comparison, the previous generation ML 55 AMG produced a paltry 255 kW and 510 N.m, and Mercedes-Benz has stated that the new top-of-the-range version produces about 46 per cent more power and 23 per cent more torque than before.
Power is supplied to the four wheels via a Speedshift 7G-Tronic automatic transmission with a steering-wheel-mounted shift lever. Three shift modes, ranging from sport to comfort and manual, and each with their own shift characteristics, allow the AMG V8 to deliver its sporty performance just as you like it. Power is distributed to the front and rear axles in a 40/60 split .
The AMG sport suspension is based on Airmatic air suspension technology, and ensures high cornering speeds, stability and minimal body roll. A lever control system automatically lowers the suspension at higher speeds. Fitted with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, the powerful SUV also benefits from AMG’s high-performance braking system, which uses internally ventilated disc brakes all round.
To match its pace, the SUV’s safety equipment complies with the highest requirements. Standard features include the Pre-Safe preventative protection system, Neck-Pro active head restraints in the first seat row, dual-stage front, side and window airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners and belt force limiters for all the seats.
