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2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Preview

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Marie-Laurence Paquin
Pros and Cons*
Pros

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG overwhelms with its awesome power and the superb fit and finish of the add-on performance and esthetic enhancements. The perfect balance between performance and comfort has been superbly achieved. Its all-wheel drive system provides a surprisingly satisfactory driving experience. Drivers can select either Eco, Sport, or Manual driving mode.

Cons
Fuel consumption is atrocious, despite the improved fuel economy. The hefty base price is quickly augmented by a long list of expensive options. Ergonomically, certain very obvious flaws should be corrected as soon as possible.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Price
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG starts at $101,900. The generous list of standard equipment includes; 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a 7-inch navigation screen, a Harmon-Kardon entertainment system, Bluetooth, USB port, power sunroof, stop/start technology, heated and ventilated seats and parking assist.

A multitude of option packages are available, including; AMG sport package, at $5,500, which includes a performance package that boosts horsepower and torque, red brake calipers, AMG sport steering-wheel, as well as electronic speed-limiter deletion.

Multicontour front seats with massage are available for $1,200, along with a driving-assist package with blind-spot detection and lane departure warning system which adds $2,700, as well as a convenience package including heated rear seats and power-assisted tailgate at $4,400. A variety of exterior, interior, and entertainment and security packages can also be added.

Fuel consumption

While there has been a 30 % improvement in comparison to the previous model, the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG still consumes 15.5 L/100 km city and 11.5 L/100 km highway.

AMG package includes:
- AMG sport exhaust with double chrome tips
- Auto-levelling pneumatic suspension
- Adaptative dampening system
- Sway bar anti-roll system
- Ventilated and cross-drilled heavy-duty disc-brakes
- 4-spoke sport steering-wheel with aluminum paddle-shifter and stainless-steel pedals
- AMG body-skirt package

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Exterior design
Performance and luxury meet here. Among the different styling changes for 2012, headlights were re-sized, 21-inch wheels were added, along with the addition of bulging fender skirts and lower body panels which add girth and widen its stance, accentuating its sportiness. This SUV is the longest of the M-Class models, by 13 millimeters (for an overall length of 4,817 mm) and weighs in at 2,345 kilograms.

Drivetrain
The powerful V8 produces 518 hp and 516 ft-lb. of torque. The Performance package brings these totals to an impressive 550 and 560 hp respectively.

Power is transmitted to the four wheels through a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission.

Luggage capacity
Luggage capacity ranges from 690 to 2,010 litres, depending on seat configuration.

Security
In addition to the six airbags, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG is equipped with a new PRE-SAFE collision avoidance system. A number of additional active security features are standard, and various optional systems can also be added.

Comparable models
BMW X5M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Range Rover Sport


*References
Brière Francis, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.434
Duval Jacques, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.416
www.leftlanenews.com
www.trucktrend.com
www.mercedes-benz.ca


Marie-Laurence Paquin
Marie-Laurence Paquin
Automotive expert
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