GLE [First drives] 2012 Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG First Drives (Drive, Autocar, Evo etc...

[K-A]

I like the new Cayenne too, I guess (not a Soccer-Mom SUV fan), and the last one I thought was hideous. However, I agree with Tarek in that the Cayenne needs ALL the toys to look even remotely premium and special. In basic form, it's as bland as can be. Not a terrible thing, though, as the last one wasn't bland but was ugly, IMO. The new one is a nice looking, easy on the eyes car, but in speaking of presence and "specialness", it needs some wake-up goodies to balance out the design, which then it can look really good I think.

The jury's still out on the ML, I think. Not something I'd want to buy, but IMO such a massive improvement over the TERRIBLE first two ML's. I really hate the '06 body, such a crude design.

 

[Gianclaudio]

The W164 with that inmense bumper reminded me of a Predator mask..... I think the W166 is more elegant, but to be honest, the M class never did nothing to me. I like the X5 a million times better.
The Cayenne (in both generations) are to my taste, the ugliest thing to came from Germany in the last .... ever.

 

[Wolfgang]

The Cayenne (in both generations) are to my taste, the ugliest thing to came from Germany in the last .... ever.

Someone seems to like them?

View attachment 07d5672e80f371572e49aec2e08e48bc.jpeg

 

[Gianclaudio]

Without any doubt my dear Wolfgang; as looks are subjetive.
Still, how many people who buys a Cayenne will buy it for the brand snobbism, no matter how ugly the car could be? (And I know the Cayenne is a great SUV, but still, I see LOTS of snobbism behind the idea of a sporty SUV)

Regards!

 

[mini_cooper4]

The W164 with that inmense bumper reminded me of a Predator mask..... I think the W166 is more elegant, but to be honest, the M class never did nothing to me. I like the X5 a million times better.
The Cayenne (in both generations) are to my taste, the ugliest thing to came from Germany in the last .... ever.

+1

I'll add that both the first and second generation X5s are the best looking SUVs/SAVs ever built. Of course Cayenne is mostly bought because of the brand as the new Touareg looks amazingly good and is way cheaper. I even considered it when I still had the X5. ML never was a good looking SUV and never was a good ride. I had a client which went from 1st gen. Cayenne to an X5 which got stolen and he bought a ML63 which he sold to buy an X5 again. " I don't know why but this car feels 10 times worse than my X5" is what he said about it. At least he's blessed with money and he can afford his stupidity

 

[Wolfgang]

CAR Reviews

Mercedes ML63 AMG (2012) CAR review

By Jed Maxwell -- CAR Magazine

Mercedes claims to have invented the original performance 4x4 with its ML55 AMG in 1999. This Mercedes ML63 AMG is the third generation of the German firm’s hot off-roader and, despite the eye-watering fuel consumption and price tag, its predecessors have gained a loyal following with more than 24,000 leaving showrooms. The new Mercedes ML63 AMG goes on sale in the UK July 2012, three months after the standard new M-class, for around £85,000.

How much? That’s nearly double the price of the best-selling turbo-diesel version. Is the Mercedes ML63 AMG really worth it?

We’re not about to deny that the new flagship ML doesn’t fall into the ‘naughty but nice’ category. Like its other cooking rivals from Land Rover, Porsche, BMW et al, there’s no question that the AMG is an acquired taste for those lucky enough to be able to afford its price tag and the running costs.

Under the bonnet is the same 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 with 518bhp and 516lb ft as seen in the AMG versions of the E-class and CLS. That’s enough to project the ML’s 2.3 tonnes from 0 to 62mph in just 4.8 seconds and onto a top speed (limited) to 155mph.

The good news though is that there’s been a 28% improvement in fuel economy (though it’s still hefty at a 23.9mpg average) and emissions have dropped to 276g/km from 392g/km CO2. Neither are about to get you a Christmas card from Friends of the Earth, but both are well ahead of the supercharged Range Rover Sport (19mpg, 348g/km, and also slower and some 200kg heavier).

OK, so the straightline speed is there, but does it handle like the QE2?

Surprisingly not. Despite that performance, few owners will be expecting their ML63 AMG to handle like a sports car, but we think it might raise a few eyebrows.

Mercedes has adapted the ML’s four-wheel drive system for a more rearward bias than before, plus there are now active roll bars front and rear. The result is that the AMG remains incredibly flat while cornering and along with reasonably direct steering, it’s actually quite a 'driver’s' car.

It doesn’t object to being hustled through turns and the ride is pretty respectable too. Don’t be tempted by the £6500-odd optional AMG Performance package though, it might give you an extra 32bhp and an even rortier exhaust note, but the larger 21-inch wheels and 295/35 tyres make the ride quality far too fidgety.

What about inside?

If past M-classes have been somewhat lacking when it comes to their interiors, that’s certainly not the case here. This may be the AMG version, but there’s a noticeable step up in terms of the Merc’s materials, build quality and overall feel.

The interior is cosseting but spacious with plenty of room for adults in the rear. Our only criticism is the seats which, while providing plenty of side support, feel a little firm. A Bang and Olufsen stereo is optional and, interestingly, Mercedes claims that its Designo individualisation programme is gaining in popularity, suggesting that cost isn’t too much of a problem among AMG buyers.

Verdict

As family transport that can out-run most so-called sports cars and give them more than a run for their money down a twisty B-road, the ML63 is a very tempting package. It might not make sense on paper, but we’re glad that Mercedes has built it all the same. As hot 4x4s go, the ML63 AMG is among the best.

But of course, as with the numerous other petrol-powered cooking and hot 4x4s on the market, it’s hard to justify the ML63 AMG when viewed with cold, hard logic. Aside from on performance, the equivalent diesel M-class makes much more sense as daily transport. But you already knew that.

Mercedes ML63 AMG (2012) CAR review | Road Testing Reviews | Car Magazine Online

 

[Wolfgang]

CAR mentioned the optional Bang & Olufsen stereo. It's a new option for the M-Class, although already available on the S-Class,
SLS AMG Gullwing or SLS AMG roadster.

 

[Gianclaudio]

+1

I'll add that both the first and second generation X5s are the best looking SUVs/SAVs ever built. Of course Cayenne is mostly bought because of the brand as the new Touareg looks amazingly good and is way cheaper. I even considered it when I still had the X5. ML never was a good looking SUV and never was a good ride. I had a client which went from 1st gen. Cayenne to an X5 which got stolen and he bought a ML63 which he sold to buy an X5 again. " I don't know why but this car feels 10 times worse than my X5" is what he said about it. At least he's blessed with money and he can afford his stupidity

Yes, the Touareg looks very nice indeed! (and not just "by Volkswagen standards")

I agree with both generations X5 beings the nicest SUVs ever, along the present Range Rover and Jeep Grand Cherokee

Regards!

 

[Wolfgang]

^ Motortrend drove the ML63 AMG. Although I suspect, dear Claudio, you might still dislike MT, it looks like a decent write-up to me.

Motor Trend Review of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

“No rational person can make an argument for buying a 525-hp SUV. The fact that AMG offers a performance package that bumps the power up to 557 hp makes me believe there aren’t a lot of rational people responsible for building them, either. Have we mentioned we love AMG?”

“Even with a 40/60 front/rear power split, the stability control won’t allow you to drive the car with the throttle. Once things start to get out of shape, the electronics call a timeout and reel things back in. It is amazing just how hard you have to push to find those limits, and the idea of any rational person finding them is unlikely.”

“Interior quality took a major leap forward in the redesigned ML, and the AMG version takes it another step farther. Material quality is luxurious and attention to detail abounds in spots only contortionists would be able to see. Even the doorjambs look as though they spent time in the design department to match the clean, uncluttered aesthetic.”

“Herr Kallenius boasts that the new ML 63 AMG is the most powerful SUV for sale today. In the same train of thought, he also says the AMG biturbo V-8 is among the cleanest engines for the power output. “AMG is a test lab for new technology that will trickle down into lower segments at Mercedes.”"

BenzBlogger » Blog Archiv » Motor Trend Review of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

 

[klier]

“Herr Kallenius boasts that the new ML 63 AMG is the most powerful SUV for sale today

Looks like Herr Kallenius tries to block out the X5 M

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Looks like Herr Kallenius tries to block out the X5 M

With the optional Performance Pack it's 557hp, two more than the X5/X6 M.

I know you'll say if it's optional then it doesn't count, but it does.

 

[klier]

I had already forgotten that Performance Pack. The ML has more Nm too, btw.
But I don't know wether it will be faster than the X5...
Will be interesting to read the tests between them

 

[Gianclaudio]

^ Motortrend drove the ML63 AMG. Although I suspect, dear Claudio, you might still dislike MT, it looks like a decent write-up to me.

In general, both Motor Trend and C&D are kind to AMG cars only and butcher the rest of the Mercedes line up, dear friend.

Regards!

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

I don't mind the new styling, but prefer our 2011 X5. I think it looks really good.

 

[Wolfgang]

Autoweek put up comparo info.

2012 BMW X5 M: Review notes

BMW's M division builds a SUV that defies logic

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: Not really sure who this 2012 BMW X5 M brute of a ute is targeted at, but I usually end up with a smile on my face after driving it. Maybe it's because something this big and this heavy probably shouldn't go this fast this quickly. Nor stop as well as this will. I recently had the chance to hustle one of these around Laguna Seca, and I was quite surprised at just how well the thing handled on a racetrack.

The X5 M is a perfect example of how BWM has been able to infuse its core DNA into a product that you would normally associate with performance cars. One could argue whether this is an answer to a question that few have asked, and at this price, few will want to pay for. But BMW did it, and did it rather well. Punch the M button on the wheel, stab the throttle and hang on. You don't have to wait long for the grin.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR DAVID ARNOUTS: Despite having the X5 M for a short afternoon photo shoot, for me it was all smiles. Like Roger, the X5 M makes me grin, but the price makes me frown. Our example was nicely equipped and it showed, especially in the interior. While Audi has been getting praises for its interiors (deservedly so), my preference between the two will always fall with BMW.

The performance in the M is a bit disorienting, because it is so against the grain of traditional SUV expectations. I am not surprised that is does well on a track.

Maybe because I'm a Bimmer guy at heart, but given the opportunity, I would jump at the chance to have this in my garage to fulfill my winter/all-wheel-drive/family-hauler needs any day of the week.

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: I, too, am confused at just who this 2012 BMW X5 M is aimed at, but it is a hoot to drive, what with the power and the grip and all. It's like an M5 on stilts. Whether one thinks that's a good or bad thing is up to the individual, I suppose.

Personally, I thought it was fine, but I couldn't really see it in my fleet, not at this kind of jack. I'd rather have a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 or a Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged. The BMW certainly doesn't drive like it weighs near as much as a Chevrolet Suburban. Launching down a freeway entrance ramp--and I do mean launching--it feels like a really stable (though tall) sport sedan. It's so tempting to just keep romping on the throttle, too much fun not to. The brakes are awesome as they'd better be, and it didn't ride as harshly as I feared it was going to.

But still it's completely silly, and nearly $100,000 is laughable. Actually, I can't decide whether it was all the power that had me laughing or the sticker price. It's definitely one of them.

ROAD TEST EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: There has to be a market for high-powered SUVs because there are a number of them available. The new Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is just around the corner, and there's a Porsche Cayenne turbo, while on the more affordable end of the spectrum is the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Whenever I drive one of these big performance SUVs, they still surprise for their logic-defying abilities. Usually lots of weight and a higher center of gravity aren't things you logically associate with a performance vehicle. But then again, is there really anything logical about these cars? Is the price? Besides the Jeep, they all start at north of $85,000. Do most people writing the checks for them plan on taking them to a racetrack for lapping sessions? I doubt it. Do you need to get to your local warehouse shopping club or soccer practice as fast as these can get you there? Nope.

Of course that doesn't mean that people don't want high-performance SUVs. I'll admit, I always thoroughly enjoy my time behind the wheel, and it was no different with this 2012 BMW X5 M. It is wicked-fast with the 555 hp from the force-induced V8. The only minor complaint I have is about throttle tip-in. There's a slight lull before things take off.

Power is the easy, but making something this big and heavy handle is the tricky part, and BMW's M division does it wonderfully. Steering is direct, responsive and weighty, and the way it demolishes bends makes you scratch your head. Massive 20-inch rubber helps matters, too, no doubt. And the brakes gets this rig slowed down in a hurry.

I haven't had the chance to drive the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG yet, but I have had a little time with a Porsche Cayenne turbo and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. The Porsche, in my opinion, is the most entertaining dance partner from a driver-engagement standpoint, but it also starts at $108,075. It's slightly unfair to throw the Jeep into the mix because it only packs 470 hp from its 6.4-liter Hemi V8, but it's also much less expensive, with a base price of $61,785. So the best-bang-for-your-buck award goes to the Jeep, but it's not as refined and buttoned up as the more expensive German entries.

The X5 M does win the horsepower war with 555 hp, while the Cayenne turbo brings 500 hp to the party and the Mercedes is good for 550 hp when equipped with the optional AMG performance package. If you compare the manufacturer performance figures, the Porsche wins the 0-to-60-mph sprint in 4.4 seconds, with the BMW following in 4.5 seconds, the Mercedes in 4.7 seconds and the Jeep in 4.8 seconds. No matter how you slice it, all of these things are freaking fast.

So if it's a performance SUV that you want, there are plenty of options. As I said, these things are fun, but personally nothing beats a true sports coupe or sedan in my mind.

2012 BMW X5 M

Base Price: $87,275

As-Tested Price: $97,975

Drivetrain: 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8; AWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 555 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 1,500-5,650 rpm

Curb Weight: 5,368 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 14/14.6 mpg

Options: Silverstone perforated full leather ($3,800); active ventilated front-seat package including active seat for driver, front ventilated seats and multicontour seats ($1,900); driver-assistance package including rearview camera with top view, automatic high beams and head-up display ($1,900); premium sound package including satellite radio and enhanced premium sound ($1,100); comfort access keyless entry ($1,000); cold-weather package including heated steering wheel, ski bag, heated rear seats ($600); sideview camera ($300); power tailgate ($100)

Read more: 2012 BMW X5 M: Review notes - Autoweek

 

[Wolfgang]

talking about the new BiTurbo

"If AMG's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 was a can of Red Bull, the turbo 5.5 is a real bull. And with the Performance package, it's a real bull that's just downed a Red Bull."




2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG First Drive
Silly Idea, Overwhelmingly Well Done
By John Pearley Huffman, Edmunds Inside Line

"Character Counts"

"It's the character of the power in the 2012 ML63 that's really startling."

"It's like being in the cockpit of a Boeing 787 and seeing fish swim past the windows."

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG First Drive

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

The X5 M looks much more aggressive. I want huge air intakes on the front of my 'performance' SUV.

 

[K-A]

I think M-B/AMG went above and beyond in the "huge intake" area. You can't get bigger intakes than on the ML AMG, the whole front end is practically an intake. Although it doesn't look terrible, it's kinda foolish I think.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

I think M-B/AMG went above and beyond in the "huge intake" area. You can't get bigger intakes than on the ML AMG, the whole front end is practically an intake. Although it doesn't look terrible, it's kinda foolish I think.

Think Aventador intake. Two huge angled intakes that look like they're going to swallow you. I love it.

 

[Soup]