In all honesty, the ML is a rather ugly thing, particularly in front. We're partial to the five-spoke, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli Ice & Snow 295/40-series rubber. Even more than the large wheels and wider fender flares, the giant exhaust tips look fantastic, giving the ML63 a sense of performance presence from the back end, and the sound emanating from them is pure big-bore bliss. Overall, the M-Class design is simply growing a bit long in the tooth - a problem that will no doubt be fixed when the next-generation ML shows its face in the next year or so. We've seen plenty of spy shots of the new M out testing, and even when covered in camouflage, it's obvious that the subtle styling tweaks Mercedes has planned should do wonders for the exterior. The awkwardly shaped headlamps get a much-needed smoothing, and the taillamps grow in size, expanding onto the rear hatch. We anticipate good things, especially when the AMG team gets its hands on the refreshed 'ute.

In all honesty, the ML is a rather ugly thing, particularly in front. We're partial to the five-spoke, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli Ice & Snow 295/40-series rubber. Even more than the large wheels and wider fender flares, the giant exhaust tips look fantastic, giving the ML63 a sense of performance presence from the back end, and the sound emanating from them is pure big-bore bliss. Overall, the M-Class design is simply growing a bit long in the tooth - a problem that will no doubt be fixed when the next-generation ML shows its face in the next year or so. We've seen plenty of spy shots of the new M out testing, and even when covered in camouflage, it's obvious that the subtle styling tweaks Mercedes has planned should do wonders for the exterior. The awkwardly shaped headlamps get a much-needed smoothing, and the taillamps grow in size, expanding onto the rear hatch. We anticipate good things, especially when the AMG team gets its hands on the refreshed 'ute.

The biggest change for the new ML63 is an expected heart transplant - the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter mill should give way in favor of the automaker's new 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Sure, the new engine is more powerful while offering improved fuel economy, but we're really going to miss the current free-breathing setup, particularly the noise it generates while swinging to the far right side of the tach. In the current ML63, the 6.2-liter V8 pumps out 503 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque - plenty of push. To compare, the BMW X5 M's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 is good for 555 hp and 500 lb-ft of twist, and the dearer Porsche Cayenne Turbo offers 500 hp and 516 lb-ft. This whole segment of overly powerful SUVs is awesomely absurd, and as much of a honey as the current AMG unit is, the new powerplant ought to make the ML63 more competitive with its insane contemporaries. The ML63 AMG doesn't do slow, and that's immediately noticeable off the line. Speaking of fuel economy, the ML63's numbers are, as you'd expect, absolutely horrific.

If you're on your best behavior, the AMG crossover will return 15 miles per gallon on the highway, 11 in the city. We frequently saw single-digit mileage numbers. Adding up our data resulted in a 12.3-mpg as-tested figure. No matter. Nobody looking in this segment is remotely worried about efficiency and any concern for fuel economy is obliterated the moment you open the AMG brochure. The combination of our tester's Pirelli winter shoes and 4Matic all-wheel drive resulted in a people mover that was perfectly suited for winter driving fun. There's a strong tendency for all four wheels to spin upon takeoff in the snow and ice, but the ML63 never feels unwieldy in low-traction conditions. We never once felt like we had too much power, or that the throttle was too sensitive for winter commuting. And while the AMG is best suited for driving quickly, it's extremely capable in the snow.

On dry pavement, the AMG is simply a hoot. Its Airmatic-based AMG sport suspension uses adaptive damping to control ride comfort over a variety of road surfaces, and body roll is damn near nonexistent - a good thing, considering that the ML is a top-heavy SUV. However, we wish the steering were more dialed-in to suit the 'ute's performance proclivities, and while we're glad Mercedes has fitted the ML63 with a thicker, smaller-diameter steering wheel, we'd gladly welcome some more feedback at turn-in. Overall levels of steering feedback aren't bad while turning, but it isn't nearly as precise as the X5 M's setup. From behind the wheel, we can't help but notice how the ML's interior - much like the exterior design - looks a bit out-of-date. The instrument panel still looks fresh, and we like the aluminum trim and AMG-specific gauges, but things like the center stack are dearly in need of an update. It's odd to say, but with Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system on hand, we prefer the large knob on the center console to control all of the functions rather than the hard buttons below the screen.

COMMAND is far from our favorite modern-day infotainment systems, though it's still less finicky than what you'll find elsewhere in the luxury set. The rest of the center stack is easy to operate, with two large dials controlling interior temperature with clearly labeled buttons in the middle to direct things like fan speed, heated/cooled seats and suspension settings. We're eager to see how Mercedes-Benz incorporates its newest interior refinements into the ML - something along the lines of what we find in the E-Class would surely do the trick. Overall comfort is still top-notch, and we have to tip our hat to the AMG sport seats fitted in the ML63. The perforated leather chairs are immensely comfortable, and with power adjustment for lumbar and side bolstering, it's easy to get a seat right where you want it. We took the ML63 for a couple of long drives through the winter sludge with no complaints to speak of. Visibility from all angles is good, and the cabin remains quiet even at higher speeds. Not too quiet, though - we had no problem hearing the growl of the V8 during instances of hard throttle. While there's no lack of awesomeness to the ML63 AMG package, we simply can't fathom the idea of shelling out our hard-earned cash for one. In the real world, go-fast SUVs like this, the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo don't make any real sense. 94,125 as tested - can be stretched a lot further. 34K to get yourself a fully loaded Subaru WRX hatchback for winter (with change to spare!). But if you do insist on going for pure absurdity, just get Merc's own G55 AMG and call it a day. That'll rock your world, but the ML63 should still do nicely.