TORONTO, ON - The next generation Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG stands for efficiency, performance, exclusivity and a superlative driving experience. The basis for low fuel consumption and top-class performance is provided by the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine. This advanced powerplant offers a maximum power output of 518 hp and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft, which represents an increase of 15 hp and 51 lb-ft of torque. The optional AMG Performance package boosts the V8 engine's power output to 550 hp and its maximum torque to 560 lb-ft. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with newly developed ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilization, the AMG-specific design and the broad scope of standard equipment and luxurious appointments all combine to create a highly attractive overall package.

The new ML 63 AMG comes with an exciting technology package: the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine features spray-guided direct gasoline injection with piezo injectors, ECO start/stop system, an all-aluminium crankcase, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air-water intercooling and alternator management. With a displacement of 5461 cc, the eight-cylinder engine generates a maximum power output of 518 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package, these values rise to 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. This difference in power and torque results from an increase in the maximum charge pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar. Both variants of the ML 63 AMG enable sports-car performance: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.8 seconds and 4.7 seconds respectively, while the top speed stands at 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Key data at a glance:

 ^{*With AMG Performance package **Electronically limited}

Power is transmitted to all four permanently driven wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. Featuring three modes and an automatic double-declutching function for downshifting, this seven-speed automatic transmission offers a fascinatingly broad scope of variability. In "Controlled Efficiency" (C) mode the ECO start/stop function is active, shutting down the eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is stationary. "C" also stands for a gentle accelerator and transmission characteristic with early gear changes; start-up generally takes place in second gear. A green "ECO" symbol in the AMG instrument cluster indicates to the driver that the ECO start/stop function is active.

In the Sport (S) and Manual (M) modes the ECO start/stop function is inactive and the engine-transmission combination displays far greater agility. A brief and exactly defined retardation of ignition and injection during upshifting at full load additionally provides for shorter shift times.

As efficiency-enhancing measures, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission incorporates a new fuel-economy converter with centrifugal pendulum, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and a transmission-oil thermal management system. Friction loss-minimized axle gears, electric steering, an optimized belt drive, and demand-responsive control of all ancillary units and pumps all help to further reduce fuel consumption.

Mercedes-AMG deploys a specially designed transfer case for the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system that distributes engine power at a ratio of 40 : 60 to the front and rear axle to further enhance the vehicle’s driving dynamics. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with the standard AIRMATIC system – consisting of air suspension, independent damper struts, automatic level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS) – for the first time features the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilization. This system, which comes as standard, employs active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to compensate the body's roll angles during cornering. In addition to enhanced agility and driving enjoyment, the system also improves driving stability for added safety at higher speeds.

The roll stabilization, damping and suspension systems adapt automatically to the prevailing driving situation, offering both optimum ride comfort and maximum stability. The driver is able to choose at the push of a button between the three suspension modes "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus". The fully load-bearing air suspension system is also speed-sensitive, lowering the body at higher speeds in order to minimize drag while increasing driving stability.

The AMG-specific elastokinematics at the front axle and the more robustly designed rear axle stabilizer bar are responsible for improved steering precision. The enhanced drive train stands for optimum power transmission and hallmark Mercedes-Benz reliability, and the 4ETS electronic traction control provides optimized grip when low friction coefficients apply.


AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance braking system

The electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system features variable vehicle speed-dependent power assistance and helps to save fuel, as the steering assist function only requires energy when the driver actually moves the steering wheel. The ML 63 AMG comes standard with 5-mulit-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in 10 x 21 format, painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with 295/35 R 21 tires. The AMG high-performance braking system provides for the shortest possible braking distances and high fade resistance, featuring ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round with 390 x 36 (front) and 345 x 26 millimetres (rear).


Specific AMG styling with trim in matte silver chrome

The design of the new ML 63 AMG exudes self-confidence, athleticism and power. The AMG bodystyling dominates the front view: under the radiator grille with louvres painted in high-gloss black and the large Mercedes-Benz star is a large cooling air intake. Together with the two outer air intakes, the central radiator grille provides an effective flow of air to the water, engine oil, charge-air and transmission oil coolers. A trim strip in matte silver chrome is fitted at the bottom of the AMG front apron and lends the front a wider appearance. The headlamps cut a particularly high-quality and exclusive figure in combination with the standard Bi-Xenon light system. The AMG front apron is integrated with the distinctive front fenders, which are 10 millimetres wider on either side in order to accommodate the large AMG light-alloy wheels in elegant fashion. Unique "V8 BITURBO" logos identify the vehicle as the flagship AMG model in the M-Class, and dynamically profiled AMG side sill panels establish a visual link between the front and rear of the vehicle.

Another eye-catching feature is the AMG rear apron with its simulated black air outlet openings. They emphasize the vehicle's width similarly to the trim strips in matte silver chrome, which cite the design of the front apron and frame the AMG sports exhaust system. In contrast to the other M-Class variants, the ML 63 AMG features two sets of chrome twin tailpipes. The full and distinctive eight-cylinder sound is an AMG hallmark.

A sporty character and premium quality define the interior of the high-performance SUV from AMG. This is embodied in the electrically adjustable AMG sports seats that offer pronounced lateral support as well as the four-spoke AMG performance steering wheel, which ensures optimum control of the vehicle with perforated leather in the grip area, aluminium shift paddles and a rim with a flattened bottom section. Aluminium trim and the piano-lacquer retractable cover in the centre console highlight the interior's dynamic and exclusive flair. The dashboard, armrests, door panelling and seats are all finished in designo leather and feature contrasting double topstitching and AMG badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats. The distinctively designed instrument cluster with colour TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is also exclusive to the ML 63 AMG.


The standard equipment for the ML 63 AMG includes:

• AMG door sills in stainless steel

• AMG floor mats

• AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs

• COMAND with HDD navigation and DVD changer

• harman/kardon® LOGIC7® Surround Sound System (14 speakers, 830W)

• Passive Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist

• EASY-PACK load compartment cover

• Tire pressure monitoring system

• Headlamp cleaning system

• Electric sliding glass roof

• Heated seats for driver and front passenger

• 5-multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels (10 x 21) painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish


The following exclusive optional extras are available from the AMG Performance Studio:

• AMG Performance package that offers an increase of 32 hp and 44 ft-lbs of torque, an AMG engine cover in high-quality genuine carbon fibre, an exclusive AMG performance steering wheel with DINAMICA microfibre in the grip area, and red-painted callipers.

Additional optional equipment includes:

• Premium Package

• Advanced Driving Assistance Package

• Wood trim with a retractable cover in centre console made of wood

• Black DINAMICA roof liner

• Night View Assist Plus

• Aluminium Running Boards

• Rear Seat Entertainment System (Two 8” Screens, DVD player, 2 headphones, remote control)

• EASY-PACK Load Securing kit

In line with the Mercedes-Benz brand philosophy, the new ML 63 AMG is the embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz holistic safety concept of Real Life Safety, which is derived primarily from what happens in a real accident situation. The extremely robust passenger compartment, together with the front and rear crumple zones, form an effective basis for the numerous occupant protection systems. Up to nine airbags, activated on demand in accordance with the accident type and accident severity, can reduce the loads exerted on the occupants. In addition to active safety systems such as the standard-fit Brake Assist (BAS) or the optional BAS PLUS, which can help to prevent an accident or reduce its severity, the new M-Class also features further enhanced passive-safety measures to help protect pedestrians.

Both active safety and driver-fitness safety are improved by assistance systems that will already be familiar from the S-Class and E-Class models. The standard equipment package includes the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the anticipatory safety system PRE-SAFE®, a tire pressure monitoring system, and the ESP® Electronic Stability Program. Active assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available as additional equipment options.

Starting from $99,900, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG celebrates its Canadian premiere at the Canadian International Auto Show and will be available in dealerships later this month.

 

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,300 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 13 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 40 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 32,914 vehicles in 2011, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For more information, please contact:

JoAnne Caza           416-847-7550      joanne. caza@mercedes-benz.ca

Michael Minielly       416-847-7509     michael. minielly@mercedes-benz.ca

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca