The Mercedes ML63 AMG will cost £82,995 when it goes on sale later this year.
The hot Mercedes ML will be offered with the AMG Performance Pack for the first time as a £6165 option. It increases power to 549bhp and 560lb ft by increasing boost pressure and adding a free-flowing air manifold. The electronic speed limiter can be raised from 155mph to 174mph as part of the £2820 Driver’s Package, which also includes admission to a Mercedes driving event
In standard trim the ML63 will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.8sec. The optional-extra power reduces that by 0.1 seconds. Performance Pack-equipped cars also include an upgraded steering wheel (a £420 option otherwise), carbonfibre engine cover and red-painted brake calipers.
Mercedes claim the new car is 40 per cent more economical and emits almost 30 per cent less CO2 than its precursor. Engine downsizing and two economic gearbox modes; one featuring a stop/start function help the ML63 return 23.9mpg and emit 276g/km CO2.
The ML63 is differentiated from lesser models by aggressive exterior styling, a quartet of trapezoidal exhaust pipes and 20-inch AMG wheels.
The ML63 AMG is cheaper than its main rivals: the £83,260 BMW X5M, £86,896 Porsche Cayenne Turbo and £86,895 Range Rover Supercharged