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Tradition: Mercedes-AMG: the inventor of the high-performance SUV

The new ML 63 AMG from Mercedes-AMG represents the third generation of the high-performance sport utility vehicle. The company from Affalterbach was the first to identify the potential of powerful and exclusive off-road vehicles and is recognised as the founder of the high-performance SUV segment. It all began in 1999 with the ML 55 AMG: with a power output of 255 kW (347 hp), the top-of-the-range M-Class model powered by an AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine achieved a level of performance previously undreamt-of in this class, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h. The unusual combination of high-calibre drive, excellent off-road capabilities, outstanding ride comfort, unparalleled safety and a spacious interior delighted AMG customers throughout the world. Over 11,000 ML 55 AMG models were sold between 1999 and 2003.

The follow-up ML 63 AMG which was presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2005 continued the success story that had begun with the ML 55 AMG. With its AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generating an output of 375 kW (510 PS) and 630 newton metres of torque, it again set the benchmark in its segment. The performance of the ML 63 AMG was in the sports-car league: the top-of-the-range AMG model accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Over 13,000 were sold in total between 2006 and 2011. In all, AMG's sales figures for its high-performance SUVs total over 24,000 to date.

Photo gallery Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG