Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML 63 AMG 4MATIC

M-Class ML 63 AMG 4MATIC Review

Mercedes Benz India is making aggressive moves in the country's automobile bazaar as it is launching back to back models. Now the company has officially introduced the AMG version of its luxury SUV series ML Class in the market. This new variant is christened as Mercedes Benz ML Class ML 63 AMG 4MATIC and is powered by a powerful V8, 5.5-litre petrol power plant that has the ability to produce 549bhp of peak power, while delivering a peak torque of 760Nm, which is impressive. It takes only about 4.7 seconds for this vehicle to break a 100 Kmph mark and it can reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 Kmph. In what seems like a significant step to strengthen it's performance arm, the car maker has introduced this powerful SUV by blessing it with an exclusive AMG package. At present, this four wheeler is available in just four metallic body paint options, which include Diamond White, Cavensite Blue, Cinnabarite Red and Obsidian Black. This SUV comes with an incredible luggage storage capacity of about 690 litres, which makes it a perfect off-road partner.

Exteriors:

The newly introduced Mercedes Benz ML Class ML 63 AMG 4MATIC trim is inherited with the AMG design language, which makes it look intimidating. Its body structure resembles other ML Class vehicles, but its exclusive AMG package makes it look unique in its class. To start with its front facade, it is fitted with a large eye shaped headlight cluster that is incorporated with bi-xenon projector headlamps along with LED daytime running lights. It surrounds a chrome plated radiator grille that has three horizontally positioned louvers along with the company's insignia. Just below this, it comes fitted with a large yet masculine bumper that is designed with a perforated air intake section and with a pair of air ducts as well. The company has also fitted LED fog lamps that further amplifies its front profile. The side profile looks very sleek with a decent design, but it still looks magnificent, thanks to its excellent build quality. Here, its wheel arches have been fitted with a set of 20 inch alloy wheels, which further adds to its urbane appeal. Its window sill surround gets a glossy black finish, while its door handles and the ORVM caps come in body color. Its rear profile looks completely distinct in comparison to the conventional SUV as it has a curvy body structure. Its rear bumper also comes with AMG design elements and it is further fitted with four chrome exhaust pipes. The rear windscreen is quite large yet curvy and is further accompanied with a roof spoiler and high mount third brake light.

Interiors:

The interiors of this AMG trim are done up with premium material, which gives a magnificent look to the cabin. It comes with a choice of two interior trims, which are high gloss black poplar wood trim with designo exclusive leather upholstery in Porcelain, while the other trim is Brown open pore ash wood trim with designo exclusive leather in Maroon. The space inside the cabin is huge, thanks to the long wheelbase of 2915mm, which gives a lot of leg room to all the occupants. The cockpit section looks extremely stylish where the dashboard has a matte finish and it is further accentuated by the silver inserts given on the central console and on instrument cluster rings as well. The central console is very large and it is equipped with a number of control switches along with sophisticated equipments like COMAND online system, automatic AC unit and other aspects. The front seats have been blessed with electrically adjustable system with memory settings, which provides added comfort to the occupants. The rear cabin is provided with a large luggage area with a storage capacity of 690-litres, which is remarkable.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this variant is the highly sophisticated 5.5-litre petrol power plant that displaces 5461cc . This engine has 8-cylinders, 32-valves and it comes incorporated with a bi-turbo charging unit. It is further equipped with electronic fuel injection system that allows the motor to produce a peak power output of 549.81bhp between 5250 to 5750rpm, while generating a commanding torque of 760Nm at just 2000 to 5000rpm. This torque output is distributed to all the four wheels through an advanced AMG speedshift plus 7G-Tronic automatic transmission gearbox, which shifts the gears that you can barely feel. This power plant is capable of delivering a mileage in the range of 6 ot 10 Kmpl, which is satisfying considering its stature.

Braking and Handling

This luxury SUV comes with a combination of powerful ventilated and perforated disc braking mechanism, which delivers high performance stopping power. Its front wheels are equipped with ventilated discs, whereas its rear ones have been paired with a perforated disc brake, which are further accompanied with high performance brake calipers. This proficient braking mechanism is boosted by anti lock braking system in combination with electronic brake force distribution system and anti slip regulation function. It also features an electronic stability program and traction control program, which further reinforces the stability of the vehicle. Its front axle is fitted with double wishbone type of system, while its rear axle is equipped with multi-link suspension system. This is further loaded with single tube gas pressure type shock absorbers and air springs, which will keep the vehicle stable irrespective of road conditions.

Comfort Features:

This luxury trim is available with an array of innovative comfort features. The list includes ambient lighting system, 'designo exclusive' leather package, panoramic sliding sun roof, AIRMATIC package, AMG instrument cluster, Thermotronic automatic air conditioning system with temperature controls, keyless-go and many other sophisticated features. This trim is also incorporated with a COMAND online system with 6-DVD changer, 17.8CM TFT color display, Bluetooth interface and a 10GB memory storage for compressed audio files. It also features a parking package with 360 degree camera including the Active parking assist with Parktronic that searches for a space and parks the vehicle automatically.

Safety Features:

This luxury SUV comes with a list of safety aspects including attention assist system, seven airbags, an intelligent light system, an active park assist system and pre-safe aspects, that provides unparalleled safety to all the occupants and to the vehicle as well. It is also equipped with active curve system, which reduces the rolling motion of the vehicle and keeps it stable irrespective of road conditions.

Pros:

1. Engine performance and power is quite remarkable.

2. Interior space and comfort features are top class. 

Cons:

1. Expensive price tag is a big minus.

2. Cost of spare parts, servicing and maintenance is expensive.