Given enough social lubricant it's possible to mate the rough edges of performance with the loving constrictions of luxury. And as Mercedes-Benz AMG is now demonstrating so handsomely in its third generation ML, the trick can be done with that most difficult of platforms, the sport utility. Already fast and comfortable, the 5-passenger mid-size ML has been thoroughly upgraded with improved fuel economy and refinement foremost, but as this is an AMG, with increased performance as well. Thus, the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 has been replaced with a more fuel-conscious, direct-injected, 4-cam 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 rated at 525 bhp. This slightly improves ML performance while gaining a third more fuel economy, now rated at 16 mpg combined. That's still dismal, of course, but in the ML's nearly six-figure price range saving at the pump is as much social statement as selling point. More germane is the higher-boost performance package option offering 557 bhp and 560 lb.-ft.

Given enough social lubricant it's possible to mate the rough edges of performance with the loving constrictions of luxury. And as Mercedes-Benz AMG is now demonstrating so handsomely in its third generation ML, the trick can be done with that most difficult of platforms, the sport utility. Already fast and comfortable, the 5-passenger mid-size ML has been thoroughly upgraded with improved fuel economy and refinement foremost, but as this is an AMG, with increased performance as well. Thus, the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 has been replaced with a more fuel-conscious, direct-injected, 4-cam 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 rated at 525 bhp. This slightly improves ML performance while gaining a third more fuel economy, now rated at 16 mpg combined. That's still dismal, of course, but in the ML's nearly six-figure price range saving at the pump is as much social statement as selling point. More germane is the higher-boost performance package option offering 557 bhp and 560 lb.-ft.

So equipped, our test car rocketed away from standing starts, its AMG-tuned 4MATIC all-wheel drive grabbing with cat-on-a-carpet traction. At street speeds the AMG's 4.7 zero-to-sixty acceleration is truly spectacular, flattening only slightly on the freeway as the SUV's 5000-lb. mass and wind resistance come in play. AMG ensures the ML 63 plays the performance part with a sexily guttural exhaust note and a bit of mechanical busyness, while banishing wind noise and any other aural excitation that could be mistaken for exertion or intrusion. The 7-speed automatic transmission offers paddle shifters or intuitive auto-shifting if left alone, plus a rapid-acting stop/start function which we enjoyed. Selecting Sport or Manual modes disables the start/stop function and speeds the already rapid and smooth shifts. Even more impressive than the power is the ML's handling. Simply put, it has far more grip and poise than it has any right to, given its tall ride height and weight. Of course, a full array of sophisticated AMG-tuned components are helping. Another highlight is the significantly upgraded and smartly redesigned interior. It's the sort of plush, supportive, supple leather cocoon you wish your living room offered. The front seating is especially successful with its firm lateral support that somehow never pinches or impedes lounging on long straight roads. Belying the AMG's European roots, the seats are heated but not air conditioned, relying only on forced ventilation against the summer heat. Cabin climate control is automated dual zone, of course, and even the front drink holders are heated or chilled. The Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is one of a handful of highly competent, high-performance, luxury SUVs that can handle any weather or social situation. Now it's even faster, fuel efficient and pleasing to the eye. It goes on-sale this April.

Beneath the radiator grille with louvers in high-gloss paint finish and the prominent Mercedes star is a large cooling air intake. Together with the two outer air intakes, the central radiator grille provides for an effective flow of air to the water, engine oil, charge-air and transmission oil coolers. Fitted at the bottom of the AMG front apron is a trim strip in matte silver chrome, which lends breath to the front end while blending with the frames of the daytime running lights and into the side air intakes. Bixenon headlamps offer a premium and exclusive look in combination with the standard Lighting Package. The AMG front skirt is integrated with the distinctive front fenders, which are 0.4 inches wider on either side in order to accommodate the large AMG alloy wheels in elegant fashion. AMG model in the M-Class. AMG illuminated sill panels establish a visual link between the front and rear of the vehicle.

Another eye-catching feature is the AMG rear skirt highlighting the black diffuser. The openings emphasize the vehicle's width, as does the trim strips in matte silver chrome - which reflects the design of the front skirt and frames the AMG sports exhaust system. In contrast to the other M-Class variants, the ML 63 AMG features two sets of chrome twin tailpipes. Delivering the full and distinctive eight-cylinder AMG soundtrack. Sporty character and premium quality define the interior of the high-performance SUV from AMG. This is evident in the standard designo premium leather AMG power sports seats offering excellent lateral support, as well as the four-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel. The latter ensures excellent vehicle control with perforated leather grips, aluminium shift paddles and a rim flattened on the bottom. Aluminium trim and the piano-lacquer retractable cover in the center console highlight the interior's dynamic and exclusive flair. The standard designo premium leather upholstery includes contrasting double topstitching and AMG badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats.

Dashboard, armrests and door trim are also finished in designo premium leather with double topstitching. The distinctive instrument cluster with color TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is exclusive to the ML 63 AMG. The standard designo features on the ML63 AMG include premium leather upholstery on the AMG sports seats. This is available in a choice of designo auburn brown, designo porcelain and designo black. Features also include AMG badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats as well as velour floor mats with the designo logo embossed and black designo leather edging. Further choices include designo trim pieces in black piano lacquer and the designo wood/leather steering wheel in black piano lacquer. In line with the Mercedes-Benz brand philosophy, the 2012 ML63 AMG is based on the Mercedes-Benz concept of Real Life Safety, derived primarily from what happens in a real accident situation. The extremely robust occupant cell and the front and rear crumple zones form an effective basis for the occupant protection system. Nine airbags, activated on demand in accordance with the nature and severity of the accident, can reduce the loads exerted on the occupants. Both active safety and driver fitness are improved by assistance systems already familiar primarily from the S- and E-Class. Standard equipment includes the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the anticipatory safety system PRE-SAFE, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, as well as ADAPTIVE BRAKE, the ESP electronic stability program and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist. Further active assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available as additional equipment.