Video Summary
- Mercedes retired the ML moniker for their larger SUVs back in 2019, replacing it with the GLE title.- This all new, more compact convertible model is on an all new platform. Mercedes has reintroduced the ML badge and name.
- High strength but lightweight composite plastic is used for the body panels. Wheels are lightweight to keep the unsprung mass to a minimum.
- The ML63 EV features two electric motors.
- As far as trim levels go, AMG have only released this single variant. Toyota, Jeep, Rolls Royce, Mclaren, and Lamborghini are starting to dabble into this market as well.
- Range Rover did the convertible SUV thing with the Evoque, that was a complete fail. What AMG have done, they've kept the ABC pillars to make it more of a a targa top than a true convertible.
- This EV is far smaller than any other Mercedes or AMG SUV, possibly smaller than a Suzuki Jimny. It looks almost cartoonish or like a kid's version of an SUV.
- The door apertures are so large, getting in and out is easy.
- Interior design does not exude the levels of class and prestige with Mercedes. The interior has hard plastics, not much leather, and some of the switchgear feels low quality. The panel gaps are not great. The interior has lower build quality levels.
- The interior is cramped. Above the waist, there is room because it’s a convertible, but below the waist, it feels squishy. Seating is performance seats with not a lot of cushioning.
- On this particular car, the trim around the center console has gone a little loose, and there is a little wear and tear with the vehicle feeling grabby and dirty.
- There is an auxiliary input for the sound system, which, even with the speakers in the boot, sound average.
- It has a touch screen, but it is not responsive.
- It can be driven via an app or a remote control. It also has a horn.
- It lacks tech. No Apple Carplay, Android Auto, parking sensors, or a reversing camera.
- Has been tried, the technology would need to be aftermarket.
- Ancap has not tested the ML63 EV.
- A concern of many in the EV market is the infrastructure to be charging it. From a wall socket at home, charge time is 3 to 5 hours, unlike others that take 10 to 15 hours. It would be pretty unlikely to get someone from Sydney to Melbourne on one charge.
- Regarding the exterior, there are body panels being made out of that lightweight composite material, so sometimes they can just get a little bit stuck and a little bit loose, and they sometimes don't fit together properly.
- It’s a bit quick and the steering feels so connected with no electric assistance at all.
- The ride is on the firmer side, but it is a performance car. There are a few odd noises coming from the rear suspension. There are no performance tires. This does feel a little bit sketchy.
- This thing is more suited to kids than adults. Buying one for your children does run the risk of making them a materialistic, brand obsessed asshole, or maybe it is just a bit of fun if you're a good parent.
- The 2023 Mercedes Benz AMG ML63 EV is quite small, it's not practical, and has no appealing attributes of EVs.
The overall verdict: sorry, but no, you shouldn't buy one.
