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"Given the popularity of sport-utility vehicles in the U.S., it seems only natural that Mercedes-Benz would choose the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show for the world premiere of its all-new ML63 AMG, which goes on sale in the first quarter of 2012.   The big message: Mercedes says the powerful new ML63 AMG gets estimated EPA Combined fuel economy of 16 mpg, a 33-percent improvement over the previous model. What&amp;#039;s more, the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 of the previous ML63 has been replaced by a twin-turbo AMG-built 5.5-liter V-8 that produces 518 bhp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, improvements of 15 bhp and 44 lb.-ft. when compared to its predecessor. However, if you order the AMG Performance Package, the V-8 puts out 550 bhp and 560 lb.-ft. of torque, via an increase of turbo boost from 14.0 psi to 18.8.        2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG    In addition to spray-guided direct injection with piezoelectric injectors, the ML63&amp;#039;s aluminum-block 5.5-liter V-8 boasts a new stop/start system, variable intake and exhaust timing, air-to-water charge cooling and an efficient alternator.   Mercedes says the Alabama-built ML63 AMG hits 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Order the AMG Performance Package, however, and your 2012 ML63 AMG hits 60 in only 4.6 sec., and has non-governed top speed of 174 mph. Of note, fuel economy remains the same with or without the AMG Performance Package, which also includes a carbon-fiber engine cover, red brake calipers and a leather-covered AMG Performance steering wheel.        2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG    The ML63 has permanent all-wheel-drive, and the abundant power reaches the wheels via the AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed automatic transmission, which has a rev-match function for downshifts. It also has three driving modes. In Controlled Efficiency (C), stop/start is active\u2014shutting down the V-8 when the vehicle is stationary\u2014and there&amp;#039;s an emphasis on smooth acceleration and early gear changes. In this mode, the ML63 AMG usually starts in 2nd gear, and an &amp;quot;Eco&amp;quot; light indicates that stop/start is active.   In Sport (S) and Manual (M), stop/start is inactive, and the shifting is far more aggressive. Mercedes says that precisely defined retardation of the ignition and injection during upshifts at full load helps deliver quicker shifts.        2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG    The Speedshift 7-speed automatic has a new fuel-efficient torque converter, plus bearings with reduced friction and a thermal management system for the transmission oil. Further efforts for improved fuel economy include reduced friction at the axles, electric-assist power steering, on-demand control of the accessory drives and an emphasis throughout the vehicle on reduced weight. All told, Mercedes says the new 2012 ML63 AMG is 99 lb. lighter than the model it replaces, despite the added power and standard equipment.   As before, a there&amp;#039;s a dedicated transfer case for the 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which sends 60 percent of the power rearward for sportier dynamics. Airmatic suspension is found at both ends, fitted with independent damper struts, automatic level control and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS). Now, though, ADS is augmented by the Active Curve System. Standard on all new 2012 ML63s, it features active stabilizers on the front and rear axles to compensate for body roll during cornering. It is said to enhance agility and improve stability, especially at high speeds. The body of the ML63 even lowers a bit a high speed to reduce drag and improve stability.        2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG    As for rolling hardware, the new ML63 AMG wears 20-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels, shod with high-performance 265/45ZR-20 tires. Move up to the optional 21s and you&amp;#039;ll get massive 295/35ZR-21 tires on AMG alloy wheels. As you&amp;#039;d expect, the AMG brakes are huge and designed to resist fade, with 15.4-in. front rotors and 13.6-in. rears.   The Design   Clearly, AMG styling dominates the front view of the ML63. A large air intake is found beneath the large Mercedes star and grille, whose louvers are covered in high-gloss paint. The AMG spoiler has a matte silver strip, making the vehicle look wider and blending the frames of the daytime running lights into the side air intakes. Xenon headlamps are standard, and the front fenders are 0.4 in. wider than stock to accommodate the large wheels. Large fender-mounted &amp;quot;V8 Biturbo&amp;quot; badges leave no doubt as to what&amp;#039;s powering this new Mercedes, which also boasts illuminated sill panels and an AMG rear skirt that accentuates the black rear diffuser while also emphasizing the vehicle&amp;#039;s width. Two sets of chrome twin tailpipes help set the ML63 further apart from its standard M-Class siblings.        2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG    Inside, double-stitched designo premium leather is standard on the seats, dash, armrests and doors, and the AMG sport seats offer superb lateral support. The AMG Performance steering wheel has a flat bottom, plus perforated leather grips and aluminum shift paddles. Aluminum is also used for several trim elements inside, where you&amp;#039;ll also find a piano-lacquer retractable cover on the center console.   The instrument panel is distinctive, sporting a color TFT monitor, an AMG welcome logo and an AMG-specific main menu. Standard equipment is more than abundant, including stainless-steel pedal covers, COMAND with hard-drive navigation and a 7-in. display, a power liftgate, nine airbags and several safety-enhancing systems, including lane-keeping assist and drowsiness detection.        2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Interior    However, if you get drowsy while driving Mercedes&amp;#039; invigorating new 2012 ML63 AMG with 518 (or 550) bhp, you must really be tired... "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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