Mercedes has released details on pricing and specifications for the flag-bearer of its new ML series in Britain, the ML 63 AMG. The most powerful model of the ML lineup starts at £82,995, or about the same as the BMW X5M (£83,290).

Under the hood, you will find a 5.5-litre bi-turbo direct-injection V8 engine producing 517hp (525PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque which is sufficient to deliver a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint time of 4.8 seconds.

For an additional £6,165, you can get the AMG Performance Package that lifts output and torque to 550HP (557PS) and 560 lb-ft (760Nm) respectively.

Mercedes also offers a Driver’s Package for £2,820, which raises the limited top speed from 155 mph to 174 mph and includes attendance at a ‘Power and Passion’ driver event.

Power is transferred to all-four wheels through the AMG Speedshift Plus 7-G Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, featuring a Controlled Efficiency driving mode and ECO start/stop function, with Mercedes claiming a fuel economy of 23.9 mpg UK, with CO2 of 276 g/km.

As the flagship model, the ML63 AMG gets all the usual bells and whistles including, but not limited to, an AirMATIC self-leveling air suspension, full leather interior, a Mercedes-Benz COMAND Online system with Media Interface, a DAB digital radio, a dashboard trimmed in Artico artificial leather and an electric glass sunroof.

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