Luxury SUV sets performance benchmark for off-roaders
Dubai - Former Formula One star and current German Touring Car Championship driver, Jean Alesi today (December 11) unveiled the new benchmark for sporty off-roaders, the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG, at the 8th Middle East International Motor Show, Dubai.
Fitted with the world's most powerful normally aspirated V8 engine, the new top-of-the-range M-Class model occupies the peak position in its segment and sets a new standard for sporty off-roaders.
"The new ML 63 AMG, which arrives in the Middle East in the third quarter of 2006, will take drivers to places sports cars generally cannot reach," said Johannes Fritz, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group. "However, there are 510 good reasons to staying on the road."
Under the bonnet on the ML 63 is a new 6.3-litre V8 engine, developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG, which unleashes a massive 510 hp at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 630 newton metres at 5200 rpm.
No other off-roader in the direct competitive line-up currently has a larger displacement and output than the new ML 63 AMG. The engine provides the performance levels of a sports car, with acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds and an electronically limited maximum speed of 250 km/h. Compared to the preceding ML 55 AMG with 347 hp and 510 newton metres, the new ML 63 AMG generates 46% more output and 23% more torque.
Power transfer in the top M-Class model is via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with a DIRECT SELECT shift lever mounted on the steering column. As in a Formula One racing car, the seven gears can be changed using the gearshift buttons on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.
The permanent all-wheel drive of the ML 63 AMG is also configured for sporty performance. In the interests of the best possible agility and performance on bends, the generous power of the AMG V8 engine is distributed to the front and rear axles on a 40:60 basis.
The AMG sports suspension based on AIRMATIC ensures precise directional stability and low levels of body roll while providing excellent long-distance comfort. The air suspension features AMG-specific damper struts and a specially configured version of the Adaptive Damping System (ADS). A level control system automatically lowers the suspension at higher speeds.
Wide, muscular, with a broad stance and poised to surge forward - the visual appearance of the new ML 63 AMG leaves no doubt that this is an exceptional vehicle. The athletic design is characterised by its striking AMG bodystyling with a front and rear apron, an AMG-specific radiator grille, flared wings, stainless steel running boards with rubber studs and tinted rear lights. Both visually and acoustically, the AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes emphasises the power and dynamism of the top-of-the-range M-Class model.
Sportiness is the dominant theme in the interior of the ML 63 AMG too. Exclusive features include AMG sports seats with nappa leather upholstery, Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas, a multicontour function and heating, AMG ergonomic leather sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons, AMG door sills and stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs. The special instrument cluster is equally dynamic with its specially styled markings, red needles and 320 km/h speedometer scale.
The ML 63 AMG also meets the highest requirements in terms of safety: standard safety features include the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints in the first seat row, adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, front sidebags, windowbags and belt tensioners with belt force limiters for all the seats.
-Ends-
About Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG began the development and construction of racing car engines in 1967. Daimler-Benz AG entered into co-operation with AMG in 1990 with DaimlerChrysler AG taking a majority share in the company in 1999. Today, Mercedes-AMG stands for luxurious high-performance vehicles and the pinnacle of automotive technology and excellence. Mercedes AMG sells between 5 - 600 vehicles a year in the Middle East.
© Press Release 2005
