2007 Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG - Car and Driver
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. 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. 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. Source: www.caranddriver.com
