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Lies, damned lies, and fuel economy. Mercedes are introducing a new ML 63 AMG SUV, it’s powered by the new 5.5L V8 biturbo, and apparently stands for efficiency and performance. Yes, I totally believe that. A tank-sized SUV powered by a twin-turbo V8, the very picture of efficiency.

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Rate this gallery:012345678910Lies, damned lies, and fuel economy. Mercedes are introducing a new ML 63 AMG SUV, it’s powered by the new 5.5L V8 biturbo, and apparently stands for efficiency and performance. Yes, I totally believe that. A tank-sized SUV powered by a twin-turbo V8, the very picture of efficiency.

The 5.5L biturbo has a maximum power output of 386kW/525hp and maximum torque of 700Nm. This is an 11kW and 70Nm improvement over the previous model. And if the AMG Performance pack is installed, the V8 is boosted further, delivering a peak of 410kW/557hp and 760Nm of torque. The engine features many tricks to achieve its power and efficiency, such as; spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, Stop/Start, an aluminium crankcase and generator management to name but a few.

Despite some rather prodigious dimensions, the ML 63 AMG is capable of a 4.8s 0-110km/h dash, or 4.7s with the performance pack. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, and economy is claimed at 11.8L/100km for a combined cycle run (See- Lies, damned Lies, and fuel economy). In its defence, the new ML 63 is 40kg lighter than its predecessor and has shed 0.7L in engine capacity. So I suppose it could be more efficient, maybe, probably not though. The gearbox is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC, which includes three driving modes (Sport, Manual and Eco) and automatic double-declutching on downshift.

Which way to Warsaw, Herr Kommandant?

The overall effectiveness of the ML 63 AMG is enhanced by a newly developed ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM, which is an active roll stabilisation solution. Back in the day, systems such as this were called roll bars, but changing the wording and using all-caps is known to make certain systems more effective. Regardless, active roll bars are installed on both the front and rear axles.

Permanent all-wheel drive in the form of 4MATIC keeps everything pointing in the intended direction. Power is distributed in a 40:60 ration front to back, and is combined with an AMG sports suspension setup. This air suspension system boasts independent damper struts, automatic level control and adaptive damping. The steering is speed sensitive and there’s a high performance braking system employed to slow down the massive ML.

On the inside we find electrically adjustable sports seats, aluminium trim elements and a distinctive instrument cluster. Some of the standard equipment includes an electric glass sunroof, 20 CD radio with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, heated seats for the front and stainless steel door sills.

Basically, it is exactly the same as almost every other AMG Mercedes, it just has a biblically large body bolted onto the chassis.

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