First Drive Review
Being surprised by a car isn't something that happens often around here. We've driven six-cylinder and eight-cylinder Mercedes R-class vehicles, and some of us walked away thinking the packaging and the idea were clever. Others were less impressed with the class's split personality - it's not quite a minivan, not quite an SUV - and ponderous 2.5-ton curb weight. Mercedes, for what it's worth, calls it a sports tourer, which is not much help. When the R63 AMG was announced, we wondered why Mercedes' performance division, AMG, would want to build a 507-hp version of this pseudo-minivan and what sort of person might buy such a thing.
After a drive on Germany's autobahns, we can understand why the R63 was created, but we're still unclear about who's in the market for an $88,175 "sports tourer." Still, after pulling away from several Jaguars and BMWs on unlimited stretches, we'll admit there is some appeal in a minivan/SUV capable of 155 mph. The appeal might be limited to Germany on odd-numbered Thursdays in August and when someone else is paying for the gas. In the States, buyers will have to enter the wide-open Silver State Classic or risk becoming front-page news when they are pulled over at 155 mph with an R63 full of children wearing helmets.
Making all this ridiculous performance possible is AMG's naturally aspirated 507-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 hooked to Mercedes' excellent seven-speed automatic. Since all R-classes have all-wheel drive, maximum acceleration requires only a heavy right foot. Stomping the gas pedal from a stop elicits a brief whiff of front wheelspin before the rear wheels get their share of the juice. Mercedes claims a 0-to-60 time of 4.6 seconds, and that's quite believable. Press on, and the rate of acceleration doesn't taper off until you're into triple-digit speeds.
Pressed into corners, the R63 feels remarkably agile, the AMG-tuned suspension is firm without being too harsh, and the wide 295/40R-20 Continental tires hang on with tenacity. The steering has a heft to it that serves as a reminder of the mass being hustled around. Stops from autobahn speeds are ensured by massive 15.4-inch rotors up front and 14.4-inch rotors in back that scrub off speed remarkably.
So, once again, who's gonna fork over major money for this beast? In North America, Mercedes has decided not to advertise or actively market the R63, so it will be by special order only. A secret handshake might even be required. Mercedes foresees annual sales to about 200 customers who really want this exotic wagon. Many R63s will go to existing AMG customers who need a practical second or third vehicle. We think they'll be pleasantly surprised.
