The all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG will arrive in U.S. showrooms this March with a starting price of $95,865, which includes an $875 destination charge.
The base model features a 5.5-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine rated at 518HP and 516 lb-ft. Even though these numbers represent an increase of 15HP and 44 lb-ft over its predecessor, the new ML63 AMG’s combined fuel economy of 16 mpg is 33 percent lower.
If you need more power, Mercedes offers an optional AMG Performance Package that boosts output to 550HP and maximum torque to 560 lb-ft.
The standard 518HP model accelerates from zero to 60 mph (96km/h) in 4.7 seconds and tops out at 155mph (electronically limited) while the 550HP version completes the sprint in 4.6 second and reaches 174mph (280km/h). According to Mercedes, the AMG package does not affect the ML’s average fuel economy.
Power is transferred to all four wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission that features three driving modes including “Sports”, “Manual” and “Controlled Efficiency”, the latter of which offers smoother acceleration as well as lower fuel consumption.
Among other standard features, the flagship model of the ML series gets ‘designo premium’ leather AMG power sports seats, a flat bottom sports steering wheel, a Harman-Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, a 7-inch display with Merc’s Comand controller, power lift gate and a power sunroof.
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