Meet Merc's new £75k ML63 AMG 15 | 11 | 2011

MERCEDES-BENZ HAS lifted the wraps from its most powerful ML. The new 518bhp ML63 AMG, which will enter Scottish showrooms in the Spring, will be officially unveiled at this week's Los Angeles Motor Show.

The newcomer ditches the previous normally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8 and instead uses AMG's new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 powerplant. The new engine delivers an increase of 15bhp and an additional 51lb/ft of torque, taking it to 516lb/ft at just 1750rpm.

Fitted with stop-start as standard, the new ML AMG rockets from standstill to 62mph in just 4.8secs. It also has an electronically restricted max of 155mph.

And as if all that wasn't quick enough, there's an optional AMG Performance Pack. Not only do you get a carbonfibre engine cover, red brake calipers and an AMG steering wheel, but the engine's output is increased to 550bhp and 560lb/ft.

See more official images of Merc's new ML63 AMG

But while it adds cosmetically to the car, it only drops the 0-62mph time down to 4.7s. Economy and CO2 emissions are the same for both versions: 23.9mpg and 276g/km.

As you would suspect, the powerplant drives all four wheels through the AMG 7G-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and specifically designed transfer case, which distributes the engine's torque in a ratio of 40% to the front wheels and 60% to the rear.

Prices for the all-new ML63 AMG will be confirmed closer to the UK launch next year, but expect it to be around the £75,000 mark.

Merc brings new A-class to Scotland

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Jim McGill