Mercedes ML63 AMG Won't Be Axed

This week has been a difficult one for AMG enthusiasts (and not only), as the Internet has been flooded with rumors indicating that Mercedes-Benz is preparing to kill the ML63 AMG. It seemed that, as a new generation of ML is approaching, the automotive producer will discontinue the ML63 AMG, as well as the Ml450 CDI, leaving the customers with more modest engine options.

Fortunately, Motor Trend now reports that the SUV will stay in the glory zone for the 2011 model year, with the aforementioned powerplant choices being left untouched. Mercedes’s U.S. Tuscaloosa, Alabama site will keep building the AMG version, along with the rest of the engines in the range.

After all, the ML, the best-selling Mercedes-Benz vehicles in America, deserved to be shielded from such eco(nomical)-based decisions.

Let’s spend a few moment remidning how the company described the AMG incarnation of the ML: “With a maximum output of 375 kW/510 hp at 6800 rpm the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG remains the most powerful off-roader on the market two-and-a-half years after its launch. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine develops maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5200 rpm from a displacement of 6208 cc. In essence, this superior engine delivers top-notch performance. The ML 63 AMG accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). Power transfer is via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with three drive modes.”

What can we say? We prefer AMG engines on lighter vehicles, but this doesn't mean that the ML should lose its one.