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What's under the hood
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG gets a full-body massage that transforms it from an upscale suburban SUV into a pavement-mauling sport-utility. A hand-built, 6.3-liter V8 whips up 503 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, good for getting the muscular ML63 AMG from zero to 60 mph in just five seconds. Power flows to all four wheels through a specially-calibrated seven-speed automatic transmission that can be manually shifted using buttons on the steering wheel. The driver can even choose between three shift programs: sport (S), comfort (C), or manual (M). The 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML63’s modified 4Matic AWD system splits power 40/60 front-to-rear for a sporty feel from behind the wheel. Other hardware upgrades include stiffer shocks for the standard Airmatic suspension system, a sport-tuned version of the adaptive damping system (ADS), bigger brakes with vented and perforated rotors, and polished 20-inch wheels wearing 295/40 Z-rated performance tires.
What's inside
Inside, Nappa leather AMG sport seats with Alcantara inserts grip occupants tightly for aggressive maneuvers, and the driver faces a sport three-spoke steering wheel and an AMG gauge cluster. Further underlining the 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG’s true purpose in life is an integrated lap timer – and we’re not talking about laps around a moto-cross course.
What it looks like
Mercedes-Benz AMG models are not just about the hardware – how else would the Joneses know you bought the top-dog model without the subtle exterior and interior modifications that mark every AMG product? On the 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, that means a different grille, bolder front and rear aprons, flared fenders, and stainless-steel running boards. Unique wheels, tinted taillights, and two sets of chromed twin-pipe exhaust outlets round out the changes on the outside.
What we think
Most buyers who select the 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG will do so simply because it’s the most expensive one in the lineup, so therefore it must be “best,” which means all the neighbors and professional colleagues will envy them. These people have no intent of exploring the ML63 AMG’s performance boundaries. Other buyers might think they’ll whip down a favorite road in this rig, but will soon discover that perhaps a Dodge Magnum SRT-8 might be a better choice. The rest will be loyal AMG customers who want all-wheel-drive for inclement weather.
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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