AMG Ml 63 & Ml 63 Biturbo by Brabus

The AMG Ml 63 is a masterpiece as is its competitor, the Ml 63 Biturbo by Brabus. These two different are make overs of the original Ml from Mercedes Benz, which is the archetype for all mid-size 4-door SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). In the terms of size it is slotted between the smaller GLK class and larger GL class. This car is famous for it's stability control system which permits the vehicle to always stay on its trajectory. It works with an electronic mechanism which activates selective wheel brakes, and this system is said to reduce by 50% all single vehicle crashes.

The AMG Version

The car is only available in automatic but it does have 7 gears, vastly increasing its potential. The engine comes as 3.5 and 6.2 litre engines. The Brabus version accelerates to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 4,2 sec, which is admittedly slower than the Audi R8 V10, where it only takes a mere 3,9 sec., but is quicker than the Audi R8 V8 which does it in 4,4 sec. The Brabus on the other hand, is more livelier than its rival the AMG, which crawls to 100 km/h in 4,8 sec acceleration to 62 mph. The Brabus version is the newer modification, whilst the AMG is 3 years old. But despite its age it is still quite a reasonable performer. These modifications are more apparent when you consider the aceleration to 100 km/h of the original is over 4/5 of a second slower (from 5 the original cars standard feature production car), as well as the 60 km/h potential speed increase from 250 to 310 km/h. In terms of the B63 Biturbo 6.3 litre V8 engine producing over 65o hp equivalent to 478 kW, propels this unique 4x4 to a top speed of over 310 km/h (194 mph), and can generate over 6,200 rpm when engaged in the ultimate gear from the special automatic gear speed shifter. This performance is demands for aerodynamism, tyres, suspension and break, which is made possible due to its elegantly shaped lateral and posterior axles that widens the original production car by over 5 cm.

the beast

Consumption

Urban	24.1 l/100km
Extra-urban	12.2 l/100km
Combined	16.5 l/100km
CO2 Emissions	392 g/km

The front spoiler bumper with its three air inlets, four auxiliary headlights and daytime running lights lends the M Class minimizes lift on the front axle, thus enhances it's grip. The rear apron features an integrated diffuser and cutouts from the chromeplated tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless steel quad sport exhaust system. In combination with the rear spoiler it creates an optimal aerodynamic balance.

The wider stance which was enhanced by Brabus not only benefits the appearance of the M Class, it also improves handling.

The most powerful M Class ever also features numerous exclusive interior highlights. Stainless steel highlighted plates with illuminated Brabus logo's and an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel are part of the package as is an exclusive BRABUS fully leather interior made from a perfectly finished combination of the finest Mastik and Alcantara leathers (the stereotypical sport car leathers).

Sporty Brabus carbon fiber components for the interior are another Brabus innovation. They have a carbon fiber surface structure made to look like in motorsports vehicles. The front seats can be fitted with custom rear consoles that encompass the headrests. They each house a seven-inch LCD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio and integrated DVD player. These consoles are also available in a version that features a power folding precious wood stand a bit like in a Boeing 700 Business Class.

The Brabus Model comes with the following features;

-Brabus performance kit B63 Sport

-Brabus sport exhaust system

-Brabus speedometer 320km/h

-Brabus light alloy wheel Monoblock

-Special suspension

-Brabus Widestar kit, consisting of: front bumper with additonal lights and daytime running light, rear bumper, flares (back and front), Side skirts with integrated LED illumination under the lateral door pockets

-Brabus aluminium pedal pads

-Brabus Door lock pins

For one the car is relatively performant, which should impact on the reduction of it's safety, as when we increase one the other normally decreases. But amazingly this car earned the highest marks in insurance industry car crash tests. Which proved once more the excellence of this SUV.

After the test of a ulterior model not so enhanced as the Brabus, the first impressions were good as a vehicle of this size we would expect the handling, braking and steering but fortunately it showed none of these defects. I was actually very impressed and thought it's performances were simply outstanding. Thus we can deduce that the Brabus must have been even more dynamic and agile. It adhered to all of its testable tech. specs, as we couldn't perform any crash test's on it. But with the reputation of Mercedes Benz i undoubtedly believe they would conform. A negative aspect to the car was the Command system for the navigation and audio system, as it was and still is a headache to use, and the non standard uniformal European layout of a few other controls like the gear shifter, and cruise control may be a challenge if you're other cars or previous cars were not Mercedes Benz's, too.

If you're looking for a car of "haut de gamme" which can be driven in all conditions and on all terrain this is definetely a possibility to keep in mind. It is both luxurious and a very well performing vehicle. This car is relatively compact, and easily driven, due to it's enhanced hydraulic steering wheel and power assisted steering.