Mercedes ML improves performance and efficiency

Mercedes new ML 63 AMG is designed to offer the best in performance and yet remain fuel efficient. The new model, set to launch in the UK  in the spring of 2012, can return 23mpg- a 28 per cent increase in efficiency over its predecessor.

This improvement is enabled through the use of the biturbo engine with a maximum power output of 525hp and max torque of 700 Nm, representing an increase of 15hp and 70Nm. The optionally available AMG Performance package boosts the V8 engine’s power output to 557 hp and its maximum torque to 760 Newton metres. The newly developed Active Curve System for active roll stabilisation, the AMG-specific design and the broad scope of standard equipment and appointments provide for a highly attractive overall package.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, notes: "Like its predecessors, the new ML 63 AMG sets new standards in terms of performance, exclusivity and a superlative driving experience – plus the efficiency factor, which is acquiring ever greater emphasis at Mercedes-AMG. As the inventor of the high-performance SUV, we remain true to the philosophy which we introduced in 1999 with the ML 55 AMG and continued in 2005 with the ML 63 AMG."

The new ML 63 AMG includes a fascinating technology package: the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine features spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, ECO start/stop system, an all-aluminium crankcase, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air-water charge air cooling and generator management, for example. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these values rise to 557 hp and 760 Newton metres. 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 0-62 mph is achieved in 4.8 seconds and 4.7 seconds if fitted with the AMG Performance Package, while the top speed stands at 155 mph (electronically limited). With or without AMG Performance package, the NEDC fuel consumption level of 23.9 mpg (276 g CO₂/km) remains the same. The AMG Performance package further includes an engine cover in high-quality real carbon, callipers in red painted finish and the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA.

Power transmission to all four permanently driven wheels is performed by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC system. Featuring three driving programmes and an automatic double-declutching function for downshifting, this seven-speed automatic transmission offers a fascinatingly broad scope of variability. In "Controlled Efficiency" mode (C) 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 comfortable and early gear changes; start-up generally takes place in second gear here. A green "ECO" symbol in the AMG instrument cluster indicates to the driver that the ECO start/stop function is active.

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In the Sport (S) and Manual (M) driving programmes 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 here.

The new Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG will launch in the UK in Spring 2012.

UK Pricing and specifications are still to be confirmed.

Author: Faye Sunderland, November 15th, 2011
Filed under: Mercedes-Benz | No Comments »