Fitted with the much-admired M156 engine, the first fully AMG designed V8
Low mileage and low owners
Very high specification including rear TVs, radar cruise control, ventilated and heated seats and sunroof
Full Mercedes Benz service history
MOT to May 2023 with minor advisories subsequently repaired
12 months Mercedes Benz breakdown cover
The Appeal
In 2002 Mercedes introduced the ML55 AMG, a 342bhp, road-burner that single-handedly invented the super-SUV. Other manufacturers decided to contend with AMG which as result birthed the ML63. Once titled the most powerful SUV in the world.
The result was the fire-breathing ML63. At the heart of this devastatingly quick luxury SUV was something very special. Where previous AMG models had made do with modified Mercedes engines, the ML63 got the M156 motor, a ground-up AMG production and the firm’s first ever V8. Its 503bhp was enough to catapult the ML to 60mph in under 5 seconds.
The ML63 one of the last of a breed, a big capacity motor with prodigious power. Only a few hundred were sold in Europe, barely more than that in North America, making it a rare sight.
This 2010 ML63 quietly announces its presence with stealthy black paintwork and discreet badging. With low mileage and just five owners from new, it has clearly been cared for as the full Mercedes Benz service history attests. Equipped with a huge specification, including radar cruise control and keyless entry, it combines huge capability and considerable luxury. The Seller is a reputable specialist and this looks like a well maintained, very rare and very capable SUV.
The History And Paperwork
Registered on 13th July 2010
Full Mercedes Benz service history
Last serviced in February 2023
MOT to May 2023 with minor advisories rectified
The Interior
Black leather heated and ventilated multi-contoured front seats with memory function
Heated rear seats
Radar cruise control
Harman Kardon premium sound system with 6 CD multi-changer
Rear TVs with wireless Mercedes headlines and remote controls
Rare optional electric glass sunroof
Keyless entry and push button start
Reversing camera
Satellite navigation
The original ML Mercedes set a benchmark for what buyers could expect from a luxury SUV, delivering saloon car-like luxury and ride with SUV practicality. The second generation W164, like this car, moved the goalposts again and this top of the range example was best of breed.
The new model addressed some of the criticisms of the earlier car, namely that it wasn’t quite up to Mercedes’ usual standards of quality. The W164 brought back the sense that you were in something quite special, which is evident in the quality of the trim, leather and carpets throughout this stylish car.
The fittings are in very good, unmarked condition. There are no obvious indications that this is a 13 year old car. The leather seats are in excellent condition, just a light shine and some creases on the driver’s seat indicating age. The front pair are electrically operated with memory function as well as being heated and ventilated. The rear bench is also heated.
This is a 13 year old car but the level of technology is remarkable. It has also been heavily optioned. Radar cruise control and steering wheel gearbox controls were standard while the original buyer added keyless entry and start, an electric sunroof, satnav, reversing cameras, multi-contoured seats with memory and ventilation and heated rear seats.
There is also an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system with 6CD multi-changer. In the back there is a pair of optional TV screens hooked up to wireless Mercedes headlines and remote controls. This car is also fitted with the rare optional glass sunroof.
The carpets are in good condition throughout. The only issue in the interior is a slight scuff on the boot carpet beside the auxiliary power point, which is visible in the photographs.
The Exterior
Obsidian Black Metallic paintwork in very good condition
Unmarked upgraded factory 21inch AMG alloy wheels
Factory correct standard AMG exhaust system
Removeable Maxton Design front splitter and rear spoiler fitted
The W164 re-introduced some bolder lines to the established ML silhouette. The Obsidian Black metallic paintwork of this car seems to particularly suit it, delivering a very under-stated look that is only betrayed by those discreet ‘6.3’ and AMG badges. And perhaps those quad pipes.
It is a low mileage car that has clearly been well cared for by its five owners. The bodywork is in excellent, virtually unmarked condition. Only a very small scuff on the nearside from wheel arch, a small number of stone chips on the front bumper and an almost invisible chip in the front bumper beside the grille detract.
The car is fitted with an aftermarket Maxton Design front splitter, which has some scuffs on the leading edge, and a rear spoiler by the same supplier. Both can be easily removed if the buyer wishes.
The optional polished two-tone AMG alloy wheels are in excellent condition with no kerbing.
The Mechanics
M156 naturally aspirated 6.2litre V8 AMG designed and built engine
7spd 7G-Tronic AMG Speedshift gearbox
503bhp and 0-60mph in 4.78secs
Full Mercedes Benz service history with 13 records
Last serviced in February 2023
The ML63’s party trick is performance. That is all down to the AMG designed and built M156 engine, a 6.2litre V8 that eschews the turbocharging of Porsche’s Cayenne in favour of raw, brutal, naturally aspirated power. Unlike previous AMG-badged cars, it is a proper AMG unit rather than a modified Mercedes motor.
The engine’s astonishing 503bhp reaches all four wheels via AMG’s specially developed Speedshift 7G-Tronic 7spd gearbox, which was specially developed to deliver very quick shifts, whether in full automatic or DSG ‘flappy paddle’ modes.
With so much handcrafted engineering under the bonnet you need to know the car has been cared for. The five owners – often ML63s have far more – have clearly done that, as the full service history of Mercedes Benz main dealer work attests.
The Seller confirms that the car has been serviced when required by time and mileage throughout its life.
Summary
When Mercedes took the fight to Porsche with the ML63 they did it with real intent. At the heart of the new car was an AMG-designed and developed V8 generating over 500bhp. No turbochargers here, just cubic capacity and natural aspiration.
Reviewers rated the W164 ML63 highly but sales were slow, which makes these cars not just rare but amongst the last of a breed of brutally quick, big capacity SUVs that we will likely not see again.
This nicely understated, high specification ML63 offers a low mileage and the reassurance of a full Mercedes Benz service history alongside the firm’s excellent build quality. As an alternative to more common high performance SUVs it looks an enticing prospect.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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