This has always been something of a ludicrous segment, that of the monster SUV, but it appears that the power war is no less ruthless here than anywhere else.
Until now, BMW has been winning that war with its X5/X6 M pairing but now Mercedes-Benz has taken that honour with the AMG version of its newest ML-Class.
In line with its modern AMG compatriots, the new ML 63 ditches the old high-revving 375kW/630Nm 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 in favour of AMG's new 5.5-litre direct injection biturbo. Power is sent to all four wheels via the AMG Speedshift Plus seven-speed autobox.
While the standard version might not win the power war with its outputs of 391kW and 700Nm, AMG does have a little trick up its sleeve to counter the 408kW/680Nm BMW X5 M.
Just like the latest C 63 range, the ML 63 is offered with a performance package and if you tick this option, your turbo's pressure is increased from 1.0 to 1.3 bar to unleash 415kW and 760Nm - making it (to our knowledge) the most powerful production SUV in the world. However, Porsche could soon change that status quo with the imminent release of its Cayenne Turbo S.
This ML's extra urge, according to AMG, allows the beast to screech from 0-100km/h in only 4.7 seconds, compared to the standard model's 4.8-second time, while both versions have an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
Despite the performance gains, the company has managed to improve the fuel consumption by 28 percent (providing you drive it granny-style), largely a result of the smaller and more advanced engine and also partly due to this ML being 40kg lighter than its predecessor. The combined consumption figure is now pegged at 11.8 litres per 100km, translating into CO2 emissions of 276g/km.
Engineers thankfully also thought of the dynamic implications of shoving such a powerful engine into a vehicle with a high centre of gravity and came up with an active roll stabilisation device called the 'Active Curve System'. Offered in combination with the Airmatic air suspension package, this system basically compensates the body's roll angles during cornering by employing active anti-roll bars on both axles.
Naturally, AMG has also worked its magic on the steering and brakes, while the cabin and exterior are adorned with the usual AMG styling motifs, complemented by five-spoke, 20-inch titanium grey alloys. The performance package adds even more special touches, such as an engine cover in genuine carbon, red-painted brake callipers and the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather.