Earlier today we brought you pricing details for the 2013 BMW X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs.

Now we have pricing info for the BMW duo’s main rival, the recently revealed 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.

The sporty Merc SUV, which goes on sale in March, will be priced from $95,865 including its $875 destination charge.

By comparison, the 2013 X6 M is priced lower at $91,100, while the 2013 X5 M looks downright cheap at $88,850. Importantly, the BMWs aren’t just cheaper than the Mercedes, they’re more powerful too.

While the X5 M and X6 M make do with 555 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque from their twin-turbocharged V-8s, the ML63 AMG only musters up 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from its own force-fed V-8. Of course, the ML63 does have an available AMG Performance package that boosts output to 550 horsepower and 560 pound-feet, but this then increases the price even further.

Both variants of the ML63 AMG enable sports-car performance: acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes 4.7 seconds and 4.6 seconds respectively, while the top speed stands at 155 mph (electronically limited) or 174 mph when the electronic nanny is removed. With or without the AMG Performance Package, fuel economy remains unchanged meaning both return a claimed combined rating of about 16 mpg.

Standard goodies include stainless steel pedals and illuminated door sills, a Harmon-Kardon stereo, 10-way adjustable front seats, COMAND interface with 7-inch display, a second 4.5-inch instrument cluster display, Bluetooth connectivity, and 20-inch wheels.

One major advantage the Mercedes does have is that it’s all-new for 2012 while the BMWs have only been facelifted and look almost identical to last year’s models. You can read about all the latest features on the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG in our preview post.

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG