2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz -- it created the first AMG-powered M-Class in 2000 with the ML55 AMG. That car was powered by a 342-hp 5.5-liter V-8 and ran from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. Now, with the third-generation ML63 AMG, Mercedes has pushed the performance credentials even further: 0 to 60 a scant 4.6 seconds and a maximum of 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8.

For 2012, Mercedes has dropped the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 in favor of a smaller, forced-induction engine that is quickly finding its way under all "63"-badged AMG vehicles. While it may not sound quite as ferocious and guttural as the outgoing engine, the twin-turbo 5.5-liter has momentous power on tap from as low as 1750 rpm.

The ML63 routes power to all four wheels using a tweaked version of Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system that has a 40/60-percent front/rear torque spilt and now uses AMG's seven-speed automatic transmission. Standard power is more than adequate at 518 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, but the optional AMG Performance Package increases that to a massive 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque thanks to a maximum boost jumping from 14.0 to 18.8 psi.

The result of this serious power in Benz's midsize SUV is a 155 mph electronically-limited top speed and a 4.7-second time to 60 mph in basic ML63 guise; with the AMG Performance Package the 0 to 60 mph time drops by a tenth of a second and top speed rises by a healthy 19 mph. The pack also adds red brake calipers and a carbon fiber engine cover.

Bringing the AMG ML to a stop are ventilated and perforated disc brakes that are 15.4 inches up front and 13.6 inches out back. Those brakes sit behind five-spoke, 20-inch, high-gloss titanium grey wheels wrapped in 265/45R20 high-performance tires. AMG also offers 21-inch alloy wheels with 295/35R21 rubber as an option.

Mercedes hopes to up the ML63's green credentials as well, with it claiming that the 2012 model is 33-percent more efficient than the outgoing model. The automaker claims that the new ML63 will achieve a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg, a solid gain over the 12mpg of the old car. Part of that is thanks to a new Controlled Efficiency mode in the seven-speed transmission, which includes a start/stop function that shuts down the V-8 when the car comes to a stop. It also includes earlier shifts and often starts in second gear to lower fuel consumption. The SUV is also 99 pounds lighter than the old ML63.