Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG review, test drive

Take it to smaller, tighter roads and the ML’s 2.2-tonne kerb weight comes to the fore. You now become the manager, rather than the partner in crime, of so much power. Despite the fact that the ML 63 is surprisingly wieldy for something so big, you need to exercise caution. The weight isn’t tightly controlled (even in the AMG suspension’s Sport+ mode) and if you get your lines wrong and ask too much of the massive Pirelli P-Zeros and the all-wheel-drive system, the ESP kicks in brutally. This is good in a get-out-of-trouble-free way, but it kills the fun you are having. The steering is accurate, but it is uninspiring. There’s plenty of grip, but there is a certain sense of aloofness when you’re looking for connection. The brake pedal tends to go soft after hard use as well. We don’t blame the brakes though; hauling down so much momentum isn’t a task for the faint-hearted.

So, what you need to do to have fun in the ML then, is to choose your lines carefully and guide the weight around. Get it right and you’ll smile, but a Porsche Cayenne Turbo will probably make you laugh under similar conditions.

The ride is nice though. Sure it’s firm and can lead to some side-to-side head nodding from its occupants over lumpy tarmac, but its never uncomfortable. Its ability to deal with sharp bumps without crashing through them is also quite impressive. You can choose from three suspension settings – Comfort, Sport and Sport+ - and our favourite was the ‘Sport’ mode’s ability to provide a flat ride without giving up too much body control.