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| Mercedes ML 63 AMG |
After the recent launch of the new generation Mercedes M-Class series, AMG (Mercedes tuning division) have launched a powerful version called the ML63 AMG.
AMG STYLING KIT
It has the AMG styling kit consisting of a radiator grille with louvers in high-gloss paint finish and the prominent Mercedes star which also serves as a large cooling air intake. Together with the two air intakes, the central radiator grille provides effective airflow to the radiator, engine oil and transmission oil coolers. Fitted at the bottom of the AMG front skirt is a trim strip in matte silver chrome. This enhances the front end and it also blends with the frames of the daytime running lights on the side air intakes. Bi-xenon headlamps offer a premium and exclusive look in combination with the standard Lighting Package.
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| Composed side profile |
The AMG front skirt is integrated into the distinctive front arches, which are 0.4 inches wider so as to accommodate the large AMG alloy wheels. V8 BITURBO badges let the world know that this is the exclusive AMG version. AMG illuminated sill panels feature dynamic styling and establish a visual link between the front and rear of the vehicle.
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| New AMG rear bumper |
At the rear is the black diffuser and openings that emphasize the vehicle’s width. Below them is a matte silver chrome strip. This echoes the design of the front skirt and frames the AMG sports exhaust system. In contrast to the other M-Class variants, it features two sets of chrome twin tailpipes. Their job is to give out the distinctive AMG eight-cylinder sound. It comes with 20 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish. One can also order the ML 63 with 21-inch AMG alloy wheels.
POWERTRAIN
Under the bonnet is a 5.5 litre V8 biturbo engine that features spray-guided gasoline direct injection. It also has an ECO stop/start system, an all-aluminium crankcase and four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment. It is also has an air-to-water charge air cooling and efficient alternator management. The engine has a total output of 518 hp.
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| Sporty rear |
This combined with AMG performance Packaging put the total power at 550hp. This will propel the ML63 from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds without the packaging or 4.6 seconds with the packaging from AMG. Top speed is limited to 250km/h. However with the AMG packaging top speed is raised to 300km/h. Connected to engine is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. The transmission comes with three driving programs and a rev-matching function for downshifting. There is Controlled Efficiency (C) mode, Sport (S) mode and Manual (M) mode.
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| Aggressive front look |
In Controlled Efficiency mode the ECO stop/start function is active, shutting down the eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is stationary. The “C” mode also delivers smoother acceleration and transmission characteristics with comfortable, earlier gear changes. Pulling away in this mode usually begins in second gear. A green “ECO” symbol in the AMG instrument cluster indicates that the ECO stop/start function is active. In the Sport (S) and Manual (M) driving programs the ECO stop/start function is inactive and the engine/transmission characteristics are far more agile. The two modes also have a shorter shifting time compared to the Controlled Efficiency mode.
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| 21 inch wheels |
It also comes with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, which distributes engine power to the four wheels. It’s independent AIRMATIC Sports suspension has independent damper struts, automatic level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS). This combined with ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilization ensures that the front and rear axles to compensate for body roll during cornering. In addition to enhanced agility and driving fun, the system also improves stability for added safety, especially at higher speeds.
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| Chrome tipped AMG exhaust |
The driver can choose at the touch of a button between the three driving modes “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Manual”. The air suspension system is speed-sensitive. It lowers the body at higher speeds to minimize drag while increasing stability. The standard Electronic Traction Control System (4ETS) provides the best possible grip in slippery conditions.
PLUSH INTERIOR
There interior is an amazing place to be. There are the AMG power seats offering excellent lateral support, as well as the four-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel. Its outer edges are covered with leather while there are aluminium shift paddles and a rim flattened on the bottom. Behind the steering wheel is a 4.5″ colour instrument cluster display.
The standard designo premium leather upholstery includes contrasting double topstitching and AMG badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats. There are three leather colours to choose from designo auburn brown, designo porcelain and designo black. Other features include AMG badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats as well as velour floor mats with the AMG logo embossed and black designo leather edging. Further choices include designo trim pieces in black piano lacquer and the designo wood/leather steering wheel in black piano lacquer. Dashboard, armrests and door trim are also finished in designo premium leather with double topstitching.
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| New AMG steering |
It also has as standard AMG illuminated door sills in stainless steel, AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs, 7″ display with central COMAND system with hard-drive navigation & SIRIUS real-time traffic & weather services. It also has 10-way power front seats with window and door-mounted controls plus driver and passenger memory with 4-way lumbar support. The front seats are also heated & actively ventilated. Entertainment is taken care of by a Harman/Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system with HD radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, and USB port. There is also Multi-colour ambient lighting and power sunroof with express open. With the AMG Performance pack one gets red brake callipers, carbon fibre engine cover and an AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA grips
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| Plush interior |
SAFETY KIT
As with all Mercedes vehicles safety remains a top priority and the ML63 has not been left behind. It has a robust occupant cell and the front and rear crumple zones form an effective basis for the occupant protection system.
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| Sporty in every angle |
It also comes fitted with nine airbags. ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, as well as ADAPTIVE BRAKE together with the ESP electronic stability program and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist monitor driving the driving environment and assist the driver. Brake Assist (BAS) or the optional BAS PLUS, which can help to prevent an accident or reduce its severity. Further active assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available as additional equipment. Safety is further enhanced by new standard features such as LED daytime running lamps, rear fibre-optic LED lamps, Adaptive High beam Assist and a driver’s side knee airbag.
Prices for the ML 63 AMG start at £82995 (Kshs. 10 million excl taxes)