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The world of ultra-high performance SUVs is a small one: between the BMW X5M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and to a lesser extent, the Range Rover Sport Supercharged and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, only a handful of pavement pounding sport utes can claim membership in this elite group.

Mercedes-Benz's outgoing ML63 AMG was certainly no slouch, but their all-new offering comes with some seriously superlative claims, including "World's most powerful SUV." The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is priced at $95,865, equipped with a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty, and it's projected to yield a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg.


Let's drive.

First Glance

The new generation Mercedes-Benz ML-class incorporates extensive strengthening and lightening modifications to its chassis that enables it to add a longer list of standard equipment while essentially maintaining the same weight. The good news? The latest ML63 AMG is wider and lower than its predecessor, but doesn't gain much weight compared to the 5,093 lb vehicle it replaces. The bad news? That's still over 2 ½ tons… but as you'll read soon, the 2012 model offers several significant silver linings.

Though the current ML (available in V6, V6 diesel, and V8 configurations) receives a rather conservative styling treatment with more minivan-like proportions, the ML63 AMG comes into its own thanks to bigger air intakes, ground effects, and metal-like trim accents. The look is mean and manly, and it works—without succumbing to visual overkill.

In place of the naturally aspirated 6.2 liter V8 of the outgoing AMG model, the new ML63 AMG gets a twin-turbocharged 5.5 liter V8 that's good for more power (518 hp, 516 lb-ft), and an impressive 28% improvement in fuel economy.

Tick the "AMG Development Package" box ($6,050), and output is boosted to 550 hp and 560 lb-ft, with a top speed leap from 155 mph to 174 mph. You also get a few racier trim bits for your extra dough. Other options include adaptive cruise control and active blind spot/lane keeping assist ($2,150), a panoramic roof ($1,090), a rear entertainment system ($1,970) and piano black lacquer trim ($1,600).

Though its interior gets the obligatory re-do, the main news among performance nuts are the ML63's underpinnings. Power is distributed to all four wheels with a 40:60 front/rear split, and the electromechanical steering has been reworked for AMG duty. Mercedes-Benz's Active Curve System selectively stiffens suspension during cornering, and roll bars actively engage and disengage to smooth the ride. But for a better sense of what it's like to pilot this animalistic SUV, let's climb aboard.

In the Driver's Seat

Those who are sticker shocked at the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG's $95,865 starting price—which is a full $7,720 more than the $88,145 BMW X5M—will see one of the reasons for the dollar discrepancy when they enter the ML's cabin.

Every ML63 AMG comes standard with an Designo interior package of extended Napa leather and ventilated seats, the equivalent of which on the Bimmer costs an extra $3,800 and $1,900 respectively—though the X5M's package includes an active seat for the driver. With its tasteful top-stitched leather dash, supportive seats, and well-executed trim details, the Benz's interior strikes a nice balance between clubby luxury and sporty function. Visibility is solid all around, and though the seating surfaces aren't quite what we'd call cushy, their strong bolstering is neither uncomfortable nor unwelcoming.

Now that we're acclimated with the ML63's insides, let's see how it performs.

On the Road

Though turbos have a reputation for producing muffled exhaust notes, the ML63 AMG fires up with a nice, deep rumble. With the transmission set to "C" (Controlled Efficiency) mode, the ML feels effortless but sedate, with smooth and easy acceleration. The Stop/Start functionality automatically kicks the V8 to life in this mode, and the transition as the engine activates feels more seamless than it does in the CLS63 AMG, likely due to the ML63's heftier mass, which keeps it from lurching off the line.

Switch to "S" (Sport) or "M" (Manual) transmission modes, and the ML63's personality alters noticeably, with meatier acceleration and livelier throttle response. The kick from those 516 lb-ft of torque is smooth but satisfyingly strong, and addictive enough to make the "C" option out of the question for any sentient driver with a pulse.

Cruise at highway speeds with the windows rolled up, and your speed will seem deceptively slow; it's easy to hit triple digit velocities and feel like you're doing 65 mph, making the ML63 an easy (but visually discreet) target for law enforcement. And though it hustles to 60 mph in an estimated 4.7 seconds (4.6 with the performance package), the ML63 is eerily drama-free in its silky power delivery.

But the ML63's biggest surprise came while piloting some of Central California's twistiest backroads. Unlike the standard ML350, which handles curves with all the nimbleness of potato sack, the ML63 actually turns. In fact, the AMG version is so in tune with your wishes that it feels incomprehensible that you're driving a 2 ½ ton vehicle. The speed-sensitive steering gives you a decent understanding of what's happening at all four contact patches, and copious torque is available throughout the 7,200 rpm powerband.

During more sedate driving (if you can resist the temptation to set all those horses free), the ML63 feels luxurious but not too precious—sticking quite effectively to its high-end German roots.

Journey's End

The Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is the sort of car you crave, not need—a sheer luxury, not an absolute necessity. Its SUV classification belies its stereotype-busting performance—and yes, its non-AMG badged stablemates offer perfectly satisfying driving dynamics for most mortal drivers.

But if you're in the one percent that demands exceptional transportation (price be damned!) the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG fills a perfect little niche that's difficult to duplicate; its closest competitor is the BMW X5M (which, comparably equipped, will cost about the same), while the next closest foe is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, which starts at a steep $107,100.

Is it ridiculous to pay six figures for an SUV with ultra high-performance abilities? Depends on your perspective; buyers with down-to-earth budgets will surely scoff, but those with the means will feel there's nothing that can quite substitute the feeling provided by vehicles as extreme as the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.



Disclosure: Review sample was provided by Mercedes-Benz. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.