The W164 ML63 AMG gets a subtle-yet-sharp facelift and still hums the loony tunes. Trust us, this thing is more fun than a Cayenne Turbo.
Nitish Ramanujam

In a world that’s grappling with financial difficulties and such, it’s frankly quite surprising to see super SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne Turbo obliterating the laws of economics - and physics - to power ahead. So much so, that even BMW has finally come up with an M version of the X5 and X6, and Audi has concocted a truly monstrous V12-engined Q7.

Like Bavaria’s M, the folks at AMG are a wonderful lot, unfettered by most matters, simply going about their job of fitting the bonkers 6.2-litre V8 under the bonnet of almost all Benzes from the C-Class to the mighty SL. It’s when they get to the ML that things start to get real exciting; imagine a high-riding SUV attempting to be a sports car in drag. It’s ridiculously fun to be with, the ML63 AMG, and super capable as well.

The new shape, which came out in early 2005, gets mildly tweaked with reshaped headlamps and exterior mirrors, along with new integrated reflector strips and smoked taillights. Gaudy chrome diffusers front and back we could have done without, but the lower ride height, delicious 21-inch alloy wheels and squat stance, along with the trademark, menacing quartet of exhaust pipes, seem to tell you that this is not meant just for a footballer’s trophy cabinet. Hardcore off-road prowess be damned, that is not what the AMG-fettled ML is made to be – Mercedes’ luxury SUV is a jack of most other trades otherwise, from sports car to practical family hauler and everything in between. It’s as comfortable in day-to-day traffic as it is tearing tarmac on quiet Friday mornings.

The new ML is a giant leap in almost every aspect compared to its somewhat basic W163 predecessor, and light years ahead in terms of style, performance and capabilities. Dynamic looks, greatly improved performance and another level of luxury places the new model amongst the most desirable and prestigious SUVs on the planet and bagged several awards in the new sport utility vehicle niche. The new model is larger, more aerodynamic, better performing and packs an array of innovative features, including the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, adjustable Airmatic suspension, and even Active Curve-Illuminating Bi-Xenon headlights that “steer” in the path of the vehicle.

Mercedes interiors have always been a fine place to be in, and though it lacks the jaw-dropping flair of an Audi, the ML compensates with quality materials, good visibility and a brilliant driving position not unlike a car. Our tester came equipped with two-tone leather dressing up the understated cabin, complemented nicely by smatterings of chrome, brushed aluminium and a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel. Integrated features include a Bluetooth hands-free system, voice control recognition and an aux-in connection for iPods.

The ML63 is powered by the thunderous 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 which, while it lacks the explosive delivery of the old supercharged motor, makes for a revvy driving experience. 510hp and 630Nm of Affalterbach muscle is distributed to all four wheels via AMG’s smooth-shifting 7-speed 7G-Tronic ‘box. 0-100kph is claimed to take just five seconds, but try flooring the 2 ton-plus SUV and all you’ll think of is holding on for dear life, the performance is blistering. Like the ride, the engine too feels a bit edgy, it doesn’t feel settled down, and while some – like me – find it enjoyable – some might find it a bit OTT.

On the ride side, this is no Cadillac Escalade – the ML63 offers a hard ride as if to confirm its sporty aspirations. The massive rims mean, even with the adaptive dampers set in comfort mode, you’ll still be jiggling over anything less than perfect tarmac. The upside of the slight loss in ride comfort is that you’re presented with a huge SUV that entertains hugely with agility and tackles corners with aplomb. Reserve the sport mode for when you want to hit the track, simply leave it in ‘C’ and set the transmission to manual mode – it’s party time! Apart from the alarming rate at which the ML consumes fuel, especially when driven with verve, there doesn’t seem to be any real issues. Yes, a big SUV and high velocity equals a lot of momentum, which you might forget as you feel pretty well connected to the car and the size seems to shrink around you once at speed – you have to re-adjust your driving style to suit it and plan the braking procedure that bit earlier.

If you have driven the old ML, it wasn’t that better than the stately G-Class when it came to tackling the twisties, but the new model takes the driving experience to a whole new level with its AIRMATIC suspension, adaptive damping system and thick roll bars. The hefty weight and high centre of gravity all seem to disappear and the 295/40 gumballs grip hard to keep the car glued to the road and responding to your input. The body roll is contained and the self levelling suspension ensures that the alignment is not altered, so that all four tyres can do their job.

Truth be said, the mighty ML63 is not for the faint hearted, the show-offs and the Jumeirah Janes, although some of those might buy it for the status symbol it has become. In reality, this is a real man’s car and likes to be driven hard; a ride for those who crave real performance in an SUV and are willing to trade some comfort for more go and the added adrenaline rush. Daily life with the mad Merc is easy, and it just gets all the more satisfying when you smoke the chap who’s out to impress his girlfriend in his mega-buck sports car. Imagine him telling the poor thing that they just got owned by a big bad SUV!