Mercedes-Benz 2012 ML 63 AMG

In 1999, Mercedes-Benz presented its first ever AMG-honed ML SUV, the 342-horsepower ML55 AMG. Some 12 years and 24,000 worldwide sales later, the German brand has readied the third generation of the series that we will come to know as the 2012 ML63 AMG and which will make its world debut at this week's at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

At the heart of AMG's latest creation lies the firm's new 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine that is rated (in North American specification) at 518-horsepower and 516 lb-ft (700Nm), representing an increase of 15HP and 44 lb-ft over its predecessor.

And if that's not enough power, there's also an available AMG Performance Package boosts the V8 engine's output to 550HP and its maximum torque to 560 lb-ft (759Nm).

Mercedes-Benz says that acceleration from zero to 60 mph (96km/h) takes 4.7 seconds and 4.6 seconds for the 518HP and 550HP models respectively, while top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph and at 174 mph with the AMG Performance Package. Estimated combined fuel economy for both models is 16mpg US (14.7 lt/100km or 19.2mpg UK).

The ML 63 AMG is equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive system that distributes engine power at a ratio of 40:60 to the front and rear axle, and a standard AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission featuring three driving modes - Controlled Efficiency (C) for improved fuel economy, Sport (S) and Manual (M). Mercedes notes that the SUV's standard ECO stop/start function is active only in the C driving mode.

For the first time, the AMG sports suspension with AIRMATIC Air Suspension, independent damper struts, automatic level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is combined with the firm's ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM that features active stabilizers on the front and rear axles to compensate for body roll during cornering.

Braking power comes from ventilated and perforated brake discs at all four corners, while the ML63 AMG is also equipped with an electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with speed-based power assistance.

On the outside, the top-end ML model gains a full body kit that includes unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts and wider front fenders, plus distinctive quad tail pipes and newly styled 20-inch wheels wrapped in 265/45 R 20 high-performance tires or optionally, 295/35 R 21 tires on 21-inch AMG alloy wheels.

Inside, AMG's designers granted the ML with new leather-covered sport seats, a four-spoke performance steering wheel, aluminum trim accents and a bespoke instrument cluster with a color TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu.

The new ML63 AMG will arrive in U.S. showrooms sometime in the first quarter of 2012.