The ML63 AMG goes like an overgrown mammoth punting an elephant. It’s a big car (I’ve said that already, haven’t I?) but the engine is downsized. The twin-blown motor in the Indian-spec ML makes 557 PS and a hefty 760 Nm of torque, the latter of which arrives from a measly 2,000 revs. All of those numbers are nicely distributed via the AMG SpeedShift 7G-Tronic to all four wheels, which are sharp 20-inchers wrapped in 265/45s.
There is power – that can clearly be felt, make no mistake about it. In a straight line, the ML shoots off to 100 km/h from standstill in just over five seconds and heads up to its limiter of 250, which I did not hit. There’s no delay, there’s no anxiety, there’s all power, and it’s there from the moment you tip-toe on the pedal to when you step on it. Whoever said, “The more, the merrier”, was obviously talking about horsepower! The burly, bellowing V8 doesn’t have to clear its throat. It’s German. It’s always ready for speed precisely when you want it. There’s no change in composure either, and that’s a very good thing.
The ML63 is an AMG, and it’s as much about luxury as it is about sport. That said, the interior, the seating and the suspension are tailored to suit every kind of drive. This is not a built-for-the-rough off-roader; no, they’re quite clear about that. It is a soft-roader, an urban SUV with the creature comforts of a luxury sports saloon. It boasts of Artico man-made leather, elegant yet sporty interior trim, a big sunroof, car-like handling, a good amount of room and a massive 690-litre boot. All of that means you can get the family ready, pack in every bit of luggage you need for the holiday home and set off at triple-digit speeds.
To ensure you do get the best of every road surface each time you drive, the DriveSelect offers three modes: Comfort, Sport and Manual. The standard AIRMATIC suspension does a fine job of adjusting itself according to the drive mode. That delivers a plush ride which terminates any negativity you may possess at that moment, or, at the spin of the knob, it can let you attack a corner at speed, which basically serves the same purpose, but in a more exciting way.
