The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG was unveiled today, with Daimler releasing all its specifications and images, together with a presentation video. The 2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG will be premiered at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, and it will go on sale in the first quarter of 2012. Merc's 2012 ML63 AMG is powered by the new 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine, which in this application, develops 518 hp at 5,250 rpm (550 hp at 5,750 rpm with the Performance Package) and 516 lb-ft of torque at 1,750-5,000 rpm (560 lb-ft at 2,000-5,000 rpm). The top speed of the 2012 ML63 AMD is rated at 155 mph (250 km/h) and its zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time at 4.7 seconds. When equipped with the AMG Performance Package, the 2012 Mercedes ML63 has a top speed of 174 mph and requires only 4.6 seconds for the 0-62 mph acceleration.
The ML63 2012 is rated with a 16 mpg combined fuel consumption.
The 2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG comes with an updated exterior design, with a re-styled front bumper, which now integrates LED daytime running lights, new headlights and a new bonnet. Thanks to the large air intakes of the front apron, the 2012 Ml63 has a much more aggressive appearance. The rear of the 2012 ML63 also shows a new bumper, with three large air vents, and the trademark twin double exhaust pipes, which are not oval anymore. The rear light clusters have also been re-designed.
The fenders of the 2012 ML63 AMG are 0.4 inches wider than the ones of the regular M-Class, so they can accommodate the larger wheels. Other design features of the Mercedes ML63 AMG 2012 include illuminated sill panels, Bixenon headlamps, "V8 BITURBO" badges, and a black diffuser.
The interior of the 2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG has also been re-designed, offering more on the standard equipment list:
- 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
Optionally, you can equip the 2012 ML63 AMG with the AMG Performance package, which will offer:
- AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA grips
- Increased output +32 hp / 44 lb-ft
- Red brake calipers
- Carbon fiber engine cover
Mercedes' ML63 AMG high-performance SUV has been known to be quite a gas-guzzler. However, for the 2012 model, Mercedes tries to reduce its fuel consumption. The 2012 ML63 comes with an ECO stop/start system, and spray-guided gasoline direct injection with piezo injectors. Its engine is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission, which offers several driving modes. These include the Controlled Efficiency mode (C), which is used for a lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Of course, the ML63 still has the Sport (S) and Manual (M) driving modes too.
The power of the 2012 ML63 is sent to all four wheels, in a 40:60 front/rear ratio, through the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. The car also comes with AN AIRMATIC Air Suspension, the Adaptive Damping System (ADS), and the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM. The last system is responsible for actively stabilizing the car in case it tends to roll.
For the 2012 ML63, Mercedes is offering a speed-sensitive sports steering, high-performance brakes with ventilated and perforated discs, and 21-inch alloys.
In terms of safety, the 2012 ML63 features all the latest innovations developed by Mercedes. These include ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, ADAPTIVE BRAKE, and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist.
The 2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG price list will be announced at a later date. Watch the 2012 ML63 in action in the video lower down this page.
2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG video:
