ML63 AMG: A rocket on Nigerian roads
First let’s start with the stats of the car. The ML 63 AMGs is a performance vehicle the whole family can enjoy. With AMG’s heavily tuned and massaged hand-built 6.3-liter V8, this 510 horsepower SUV is a force to be reckoned with. With an impressive 465 pound-feet. of torque and a seven-speed automatic transmission, the […]
First let’s start with the stats of the car. The ML 63 AMGs is a performance vehicle the whole family can enjoy. With AMG’s heavily tuned and massaged hand-built 6.3-liter V8, this 510 horsepower SUV is a force to be reckoned with. With an impressive 465 pound-feet. of torque and a seven-speed automatic transmission, the ML 63 is always a strong performer, though torque peaks at a relatively high 5,200 rpm.
The ML 63 upgrades the standard M-Class sports utility vehicles with an AMG-designed bodykit, a lowered sports suspension with active shock absorber control, AMG wheels, and numerous standard features. The AMG-calibrated Airmatic sport suspension features Mercedes’ Adaptive Damping System that allows the driver to adjust the cush-versus-sport factor of the ML 63 at the touch of a button. It can really stiffen the suspension so that the ride becomes too tough.
It has Leather front seats with adjustable air bladders, a rearview camera, a power sunroof, a harman/kardon audio system and a power liftgate add luxury to the ML 63’s interior. Factory options are limited to Keyless Go, which we had on the tested model. There were also parking assist, adaptive cruise control
The ML63 sports have a larger AMG grille and new design 20-inch wheels with an AMG-branded ergonomic sports steering wheel on the inside. Mercedes estimates the performance of the ML 63 at 5.0 seconds in the 0 to 62 mph sprint, and limits its top speed at 250 km/h.
The square is surrounded by test lanes that were created by the planners and Ebenezer took me a ride off my life. Aside the introduction to the various button well laid in the center console he also show me how Daimler Benz had made driving easy. Obviously this is a performance vehicle but Daimler Benz has often had luxury themes surrounding all their vehicles which were not missed in the ML63. The climate control is indeed very good because the engine never felt in the tiniest way a sap of its power. The dash layout was quite simple but not so driver incline like the BMW but that isn’t a problem because its to be share with the family.
On the Ebenezer and I went on a sprint from one corner of the square to the other. I must warn you the experience can be disorienting because I felt as if my brain had dislodge backwards. Ebenezer gave me a real good laugh when that happened. As I have learnt from Ebenezer that the ML63 was capable of reducing a four journey to two hours which is not hard to believe. But the most outstanding thing is the comfort with a little bit of a thrill factor as if it was a thorough breed. The comfort I very much reckon I won’t find from its contemporary the BMW or Porsche or Toureg. Mercedes didn’t leave out the sound for a more sporty effect. It felt like a rocket on straight line launch. Another thing to be happy about is if you step out from the ML63 you will have all eyes turning. So it is also a crowd pleaser.
Then came the big question. Why would I have to pay 26 million naira for an ML63? Let’s have in mind there is the BMW X6 or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The ML63 is more luxurious and more powerful of than each of the other two. It may not handle as good as the Porsche on a track but it will give it a scare. Ebenezer had to admit it is very expensive. But I could reason with him on the fact that the AMG does not share the same maintenance routine as the lower version. Mercedes Benz have done it in such a way that it will have to cover a higher mileage before it would have to go for its service check. What it really means is if you could cover such mileage even in a year you don’t have to go for servicing which is quite good. Also the ML63 is a mile eater with no stress when traveling.
So would I really pay for that price for such a car? If you think I would be crazy to pick one watch what happens if I go to Mercedes Weststar to pick. I will shout!