The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG has been unveiled ahead of its 2011 Los Angles motor show debut.

The new ML 63 AMG will become the most powerful mainstream SUV on sale, delivering 410 kW of power when optioned with AMG’s Performance Package. In standard guise, the new ML 63 AMG will still offer 386 kW and 700 Nm of torque – more power but identical torque to the significantly more expensive Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

The performance comes courtesy of AMG’s new 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which was designed to reduce overall emissions and fuel consumption over the existing 6.2-litre normally aspirated V8 as well as increase performance. Power increases from the existing 375 kW and 630 Nm, helping the big SUV accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds – matching the Cayenne Turbo’s acceleration.

Aside from performance, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG will come with AMG highlights on the exterior, including a silver front lip, silver highlights around the side mirrors and a silver rear diffuser. The ML 63 AMG also gets the trademark quad-outlet exhaust tips, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Larger 21-inch alloys will be available as an option.

Keeping AMG’s new ML on the road is a new active roll stabilisation system that forms part of the AMG sports suspension system, along with Airmatic air suspension, automatic level-control and adaptive damping.

Inside, the new ML 63 features sports AMG seats, an AMG instrument cluster and steering wheel and piano-lacquer trimmings. The ML AMG also comes with the 7-inch COMAND satellite navigation system with hard drive and Sirius real-time traffic and weather, 10-way power front seats with door-mounted controls plus driver and passenger memory with four-way lumbar support, and a Harman/Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system.

Pricing for the new model is yet to be finalised but the outgoing ML 63 AMG starts from R1 223 360.

BMW confirmed the existence of its X5 M project late last year, and now the SUV’s official debut has come. Set to be introduced to the press this week at the New York Auto Show, this high-performance X5 will rival Mercedes-Benz’s ML63 AMG.

BMW has put the high-performance X5 through extreme durability testing in the southwestern part of the United States, taking advantage of the hot temperatures, miles of desert roadways and mountains with steep grades.

The M offers the same utility as the regular X5, with the addition of a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 delivering 413kW at 5 750r/min and peak torque is 679Nm, available between 1 500 and 5 650r/min. BMW claim their X5 M can sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

The X5 M and the new X6 M are the first xDrive all-wheel-drive vehicles from BMW to sport the “M” badge. Coupled with special “M” air suspension featuring Adaptive Drive and the newly developed Servotronic power steering, the performance SUV promises very competent handling. Other high-tech features include launch control for maximum acceleration and an “M” six-speed automatic optimized for performance. Drivers can manually select gears using either paddles or an an electronic gear selector lever.

Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is required to cut in.

BMW is referring to the new 4.4-litre motor as its “M TwinPower Turbo” unit. The name reflects the fact that the motor features Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology and a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders.

Although traction control is standard, the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) greatly reduces the aggressiveness of the system. The MDM setting allows the driver to enter a controlled drift and push the vehicle’s handling to the limit. There’s also a DSC-Off Mode for drivers seeking a more purist experience.

Adapted from LeftLaneNews