MERCEDES BENZ M-Klasse AMG Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Mercedes-Benz introduced the ML 63 AMG in 2011 as the range-topping version of the ML’s third generation, providing a mix of power, comfort, safety, and elegance in the same package.

With the financial crisis almost gone, the big carmakers tried to recover the huge losses during the last few years, and producing an expensive but rewarding SUV was an excellent recipe. As a result, the ML63 AMG was developed at the same time as the rest of the ML W166 range, and it was ready to meet its customers in the Fall of 2011. Just like its sibling, it tried to impress, but the automaker created a more aggressive package for it, fit for the powerful V8 under the SUV’s hood. In addition, the interior featured AMG-exclusive details.

From the outside, the 2011 ML63 AMG sported a bold and muscular body that gave it a commanding presence on the road. At the front, the automaker installed the LED daytime running lights in the bumper, like a line, above the side scoops that flanked the lower, A-shaped air intake. The upper grille sported three chromed slats that supported the three-pointed star badge in the middle, which, in turn, concealed the radar for the adaptive cruise control and other safety systems. From its profile, the enlarged fenders followed the same design trend as the previous ML generation, while the door mirrors featured V-shaped turn signals pointing outwards. Finally, at the back, the most potent AMG version boasted two pairs of rectangular exhausts placed underneath the bumper that flanked a mesh-style diffuser. AMG adorned the tailgate with a roof spoiler to complete the sporty-looking package.

Inside, AMG created a sporty ambiance adorned with brushed aluminum accents on the center console, interior door handles, steering wheel, and pedals. The front occupants were pampered with high-bolstered seats fitted with heating and ventilation. On the dashboard, the automaker fitted the high-resolution MBUX infotainment system that could be accessed via the rotary knob on the center console, the buttons on the steering wheel, or via voice commands. Inside the instrument cluster, the automaker installed a 200 MPH or a 320 kph speedometer, depending on the market, and an 8,000-rpm marked tachometer. Between them, a TFT display showed additional info from the onboard computer, gear selection, and drive modes. In the back, the SUV was fitted with a split-folding bench seat where three adults could sit comfortably, although it was profiled mostly for two passengers.

Under the hood, AMG placed its 5.5-liter V8 bi-turbo engine that produced enough oomph to provide the heavy SUV with sportscar-like acceleration. It was mated to a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox that sent power in all corners. The advanced suspension system and adaptive dampers ensured a smooth and controlled ride, even at high speeds. Finally, the ML63 AMG featured various driving programs, including sport and comfort modes, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience to their preferences.

The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class was launched in 2005 and, despite the fact that it wasn't old looking, only three years later the facelift was introduced at the 2008 New York Auto Show.

The ML 63 AMG went through the same process of the facelift. The massive, two-ton super-SUV, featured a grille with two horizontal bars and the big, three-star logo, in the middle. The bumper featured an additional grille and scoops for cooling the brakes and other radiators. The headlights and the taillights were slightly revised when compared to its predecessor. The new, twin-spoke wheel design was fitted as standard, unlike the star-design with a simple five-spoke from the pre-facelift model. In the back, two chromed twin exhausts stamped with the AMG letters were a final touch to the performance SUV.

Inside, the steering wheel featured a new design, with perforated leather on the grip area. A Nappa-trim was available as an option for the dashboard. The telematics system featured the Audio 20 fitted as standard. The car was offered with optional voice-commands.

Under the hood, the ML 63 AMG featured the same 6.2-liter V8 engine. It was still naturally aspirated and offered 510 hp, the same as before. The power was transferred via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with three drive modes.

The second generation of the ML received an AMG treatment in 2005. The engineers took a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine and slammed it under the hood of an ML, and this is how the first ML 63 AMG was born.

On the outside, the flared wheel-arches and the quad chromed oval exhausts will let the connoisseurs know that this is a serious vehicle. On the front fenders, the 63 AMG badge will confirm that supposition. Standard 19” light-alloy wheels were fitted as standard. High-sheen 20” AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design with 295/40 R 20 wide-base tires are available as an option. Front- and rear-specific bumpers and the AMG-specific grille were installed as well.

The luxurious interior is typical for an M-Class, but there are some features that are somehow different. The materials quality is different than on the other MLs, for example. The leather seats and polished aluminum were part of the equation. A new Harmann-Kardon sound system was available as an option.

On the central console, there are buttons for the ESP programs and a button for the adaptive dampers. The regular ML could be equipped with air-suspension and the AMG version didn't lose that. It had settings for comfort or for sport mode. In the latter, the vehicle's body-roll is reduced so hard-cornering is not an issue anymore.

The 510 hp engine was mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox with manual/sport/comfort modes. Its performance was high, with a 5-second sprint from 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph).

After several years on the market, Mercedes-Benz upgraded the ML in 2002, and, along with the rest of the range, the top-performance version named ML55 AMG received more goodies.

When the German carmaker introduced the ML55 AMG version on the market in 1998, it was a threat for most American SUV makers. While the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9-liter was made only for a year but raised interest, Mercedes-Benz understood that there was room for increased performance in this market segment. So it took the hand-built 5.4-liter engine from the E-Class and dropped it into the engine bay of the body-on-frame first-generation ML.

With the upgraded 2002 model year, ML55 AMG, the SUV received additional safety features. In fact, it got the "Best Pick" mark from IIHS. The restyled bumper and the clear-lenses headlights were part of the most notable new features for the exterior. Also, the rear-view mirrors received turn signals, similar to those installed in the C-Class. In addition, the power-dome hood and the 18" alloy wheels differentiated the AMG version from the rest of the ML range. Of course, the flared wheel arches remained a specific feature for the top-performance SUV.

Inside, the SUV received a Teleaid system, which could send an emergency signal to the carmaker's center and call for help in case of an accident. The dual airbag and the GPS navigation system were also present. The leather-wrapped interior with heated front seats was part of the standard package like its predecessor. Also, the rain-sensor wipers were included.

Under the hood, the car got the same 5.4-liter powerplant mated to the five-speed automatic gearbox, which offered a manual override system. Thus, the driver could select and change the gears by themselves. Obviously, the all-wheel drive was standard.

After a great start with important sales for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz ML, the company decided to drop a big, performant, 5.5-liter V8 under the hood of its first SUV. And so, the 1999 AMG version of the ML-Class was born.

The body-on-frame idea remained the same, but it was adapted to accommodate full independent suspension, both front, and rear, bolted to sub-frames that were designed to absorb the energy of a collision. There were ten bushings between the bodywork and the sub-frames to reduce the road noise and bumps in the road. For the AMG version, side skirts and painted flared wheel-arches were installed. These created space for 285/50 R18 tires and improved the visual appeal. Standard 9 x 18” light-alloy AMG five-spoke wheels were installed. In the rear, under the redesigned bumper a dual chrome-finish exhaust alluded its AMG provenience.

Inside, the ML featured elements from other Mercedes-Benz cars, such as the steering wheel, the dashboard, buttons, and commands. For the ML 55 AMG, the car featured luxury sports seats with buffalo leather covers, surrounded by dark-brown burr-walnut wood trim and velour carpets. Also included in the standard equipment were xenon headlights, a power tilting/sliding sunroof, and an MB Audio 30 stereo car system.

The 5.5-liter engine was modified from the 5.0-liter V8 from the S-Class. Its high-performance camshafts were designed for motorsport and it offered its peak torque at 2800 rpm, which was very good for a heavy vehicle such as the ML. It was mated to a 5-speed automatic and the standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program) was calibrated for better road-performance.