2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Facelift

Along with the rest of the M-Class range, Mercedes-Benz also revamped the top-of-the-class, ML 63 AMG. Along with the new headlamps, the 2009 ML 63 AMG features a new front apron, a redesigned AMG-specific radiator grille painted in high-gloss black, LED tail-lights with clear-glass look if the optional bi-xenon headlamps are specified, new 20-inch 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels and a new rear apron with integrated reflectors. The larger exterior mirrors as well as the standard-fit aluminium-look roof rails add the finishing touches to the styling modifications. -Continued

The new AMG ergonomic steering wheel with the aluminum shift paddles stands out in the interior of the 2009 ML 63 AMG. Like the rest of the range, the ML 63 AMG also benefits from higher quality materials and a new telematics generation in the cabin.

There are no mechanical changes as the 209 ML 63 AMG continued to be equipped with a 510 Hp 6.3-liter V8 engine matted to a SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with three drive modes. The ML 63 AMG accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 sec while its top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).

Mercedes Launches New R, ML & GL-Class BlueTEC Diesel Models For the States

With gas prices in the US (and elsewhere) going up and up everyday, modern diesel powered cars are definitely a viable short term solution, especially in the States where buyers continue to show their preference in large SUVs. Mercedes-Benz on its behalf announced today that it is offering three new diesel powered models, the R 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC and GL 320 BlueTEC that will initially be available exclusively in America.

All three SUV/Crossovers are powered by a new, clean 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel engine equipped with AdBlue injection technology. The AdBlue system is an aqueous urea solution carried in an auxiliary tank that’s injected into the hot, pre-treated exhaust gases. It helps reduce the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen when exhaust gases containing nitrogen oxides flow through the catalytic converter. As a result the three new SUVs achieve are able to better the stringent Bin 5 limits applicable in the USA, and also have the potential to meet the coming EU6 standards. -Continued

The V6 diesel engine has an output 211 hp and develops a maximum torque figure of 540 Nm or 398 lb-ft. Mercedes-Benz promises an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent in terms of fuel consumption versus a comparable petrol model. For example, Merc announces that the GL 320 BlueTEC consumes 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg).

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Tuning...

When we first saw this picture at our Dutch pals over at Autoblog.nl our initial thought was a Suzuki Ignis based Mercedes ML-Class replica. However, a closer look at the image provided reveals that this ghastly creation could actually be an… original ML-Class! Whatever it is, it's bad and someone in Belgium should take action and take this “thing” off the road.

Via: Autoblog.nl

Frankfurt Premier: 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the ML 450 HYBRID which is due to be launched on the market in 2009. Though all the details haven’t been released yet, the ML 450 HYBRID features a two-mode petrol hybrid system that has been co-developed by Mercedes, BMW and GM. The system delivers a combined output of 250 kW/340 hp and a combined maximum torque of 480 Nm – 354 lb.ft. According to the initial specs, the ML 450 HYBRID consumes just 7.7 lt per 100 km (30.6 mpg) - equivalent to CO2 emissions of 185 g/km. Ok, I surrender; on one hand they present a 457 Hp Station Wagon and in the other a 340 Hp hybrid SUV that sips just 30.6 mpg of fuel. Utterly nuts! -We’ll have more on the ML Hybrid as soon as Mercedes releases all the details.