Uber-Bad Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG with 585HP and a Top Speed of 300km/h by VATH

Looking to spice up your factory Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG? No problem, just as long as you're prepared to 'lighten' your bank account by €35,784 that comes to around US $53,200 at today's exchange rates. Because that's what VATH is asking for to turn the wick up on the ML 63 AMG. This will buy you the full range of upgrades that include engine and chassis modification as well as new alloy wheels and tires, and a couple of styling add-ons.

The stock ML 63 AMG comes with a 6.2-liter V8 engine produces an output of 510 horsepower and 630 Nm of peak torque. After VATH's extensive mods that include but are not limited to, larger intake and exhaust valves, sport camshaft, reprogrammed ECU and a custom made exhaust system, the V8 delivers 585HP and 690Nm or 508 lb-ft of torque. The engine tuning costs €17,850 plus €1,785 for the installation.

With this kit the ML 63 AMG is claimed to accelerate from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds (down from 5.0 sec) while the removal of the speed limiter allows the SUV to reach a top speed of 300 km/h or 187 mph.

An adjustable sport suspension (€1,952) based on Airmatic that can lower the SUV's ride height up to 40mm, a high-performance breaking system (€4,641) with 8-piston fix calipers and 380 mm break discs and 22-inch alloy wheels shod in 265/35 ZR 22 or 305/30 ZR 22 Dunlop tires (from €8,568) complete the list of performance mods.

The package is rounded off with a roof spoiler (€405) and new fog lights (€583) positioned behind the lower grille.

New Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID Offered Only as a Lease Vehicle in the USA

Mercedes-Benz will launch the new ML450 HYBRID onto the U.S. market on Monday, November 16 but with one catch: you won't be able to buy it. See, the German automaker is offering the hybrid SUV in the States as part of a special lease only option. Those interested can choose between a monthly lease price of $659 per month for 36 months or $549 per month for 60 months.

Beneath the ML450 HYBRID's hood lurks a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 gasoline engine that makes 275 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is combined with a pair of magneto-electric motors integrated within the modified automatic transmission, that produce 80HP and 192 lb.-ft of torque, and 83HP and 173 lb.-ft of torque.

Working with both electric motors when full power is needed, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system output of 335 horsepower and 381 lb.-ft. of torque. The SUV is claimed to accelerate from rest to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.8 sec and has a top speed of 131mph or 210 km/h.

Mercedes says that with a fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon around town and 24 mpg on the highway, the ML450's hybrid powertrain returns 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model.

Still, that doesn't even come close to Lexus' RX450h Hybrid AWD that boasts an EPA-estimated 30mpg city and 28mpg highway. The Lexus is also faster in the 0-60mph sprint with a time of 7.4 seconds.

SCOOP: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Snagged in Germany

Two heavily camouflaged prototypes of the next generation Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (or M-Class, if you prefer) were caught testing in Germany by our man with the long lens. These spy pictures suggest that Merc's BMW X5 and Audi Q7 rival in the luxury SUV segment may be slightly smaller with shorter front and rear overhangs than the current model, though it appears that the wheelbase remains the same.

As is common with early prototype models, both MLs were sheltered in cladding but it is safe to assume that Mercedes' designers will infuse the new SUV with the brand's latest styling cues as seen on vehicles such as the E-Class and the GLK. That means a "boxier" shape with a sculptured front fascia, an equally chiseled profile and more pronounced fenders.

Underneath, the 2012 ML-Class shares its platform with the next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee.

There's not much information going on about the engine line-up but we gather that ML will be offered with a similar range of V6 petrol and diesels along with a V8 petrol and a range-topping 6.3-liter V8 for the sporty AMG model, all of which should be tweaked to deliver more power and at the same time, higher fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

There's also talk about a next-generation hybrid powertrain with plug-in capability. Just this past April, Mercedes launched the ML450 HYBIRD at the New York Auto Show.

This particular model features a hybrid drivetrain that combines a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson cycle engine with two electric motors for a total output of 335HP with an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 22mpg (10.7lt/100km).

We'll see the new ML-Class for the first time in late 2011, most likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Mercedes Launches New GL-Class, ML-Class and R-Class BlueTEC Diesel Models in Europe

Beginning in autumn 2009, Mercedes-Benz will offer its trio of crossover models in Europe with its 'clean' V6 diesel engine featuring BlueTEC technology. Besides the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, European customers will have the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC models to choose from. Already available in the U.S., all three models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel producing 211HP at 3,000 rpm and 540Nm of peak torque from 1,600 to 3,400 rpm.

Mercedes-Benz developed the BlueTEC technology that focuses particularly on nitrogen oxides in order to reduce the emissions of diesel vehicles. The tech involves injecting a non-toxic aqueous carbamide solution called "AdBlueÓ" into the exhaust gas flow that then releases ammonia. In the downstream SCRcatalyst system the ammonia then converts up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into the harmless products nitrogen and water.

According to the German automaker, the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC already fulfill the emissions limits of the EU 6 standard, which won't go into effect until 2014.

As for the BlueTEC models' combined fuel consumption, the ML-Class and R-Class variants both return an average of 8.7 lt/100km (27mpg US) while the larger and heavier GL-Class has been rated at 9.0lt / 100km (26.1mpg US).