Didn't bother reading the review. This car is so pointless along with the ML63 and G55...

Well I'm willing to cut some slack for the ML63 since there are others like it. The G55 is just as outrageous as the truck it is based on and the outging 5.5L SC V8 fits it to a T. The R63 and the I-know-it-is-coming GL63 are really the pointless ones IMO.

M

GL63, Holly C--- ?!

Yeah I know, but I'd bet Mercedes is going to do such a model. I can't stand it!

M

To finally answer your quesion, I wanted this:









For some reason (the color or wheels?) this looks so much more aggressive (better).

M

Well what do you know, Edmunds love the thing:





















Rest assured: If you want to drive an exclusive Mercedes to your bridge club or an estate sale, the R-Class will give you that feeling of "Am I alone here?" But for those who really want to shave the extreme tip off the exclusivity iceberg, starting in September you can special order — that's right, Special Order — a 2007 Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG 4Matic for $87,400 from your local M-B dealer.

The R63 AMG rides on a newly developed AMG sports suspension that enhances the front double-wishbone, rear multilink Airmatic suspension. AMG stiffened the suspension and shock rates so well that the R63 now feels like it offers zero body roll. None. Combined with the full-time all-wheel-drive 4Matic system, the R63 delivers a nearly unshakable footprint in the corners. Like every other R-Class, the AMG R wants to push (as you'd expect), but you never get the feeling that the R63's heavyweight cornering forces are trying to rip control right out of your hands.

Curbside, you'll be able to spot a Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG by the aforementioned five-spoke AMG wheels, revised front and rear bodywork with tinted taillights, the "6.3 AMG" badges on the front quarter panels and, exquisitely, the quad oval tailpipes poking out from beneath the rear bumper.

In many ways, AMG accepted its biggest challenge in doing the R63. Teaching a beast like the R-Class to dance, making such an abundantly heavy car seem light on its feet, is really quite a stunt. But they pulled it off. Next up for AMG: world peace, time travel and figuring out women.

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

M

The R63 looks very good in some of those pictures Merc1. I'm still unhappy Mercedes genericized the rear, i.e. brake light strips and minor details. Hopefully it gets that back f/l time.

From what ive heard the r class might come with a 7 seat option from next year

I just noticed that MBUSA has made the R63 a "special order" model only, in other words "if we don't sell any it will be ok, because we ain't gonna build any". The ML63 on the other hand is being snapped up by owners on MBWorld.org.

M

I feel the same. There was a good concept on the shelf for the R-Klasse, which had the SLR as a lead in for certain details. They had the right idea on the drawing board, then decided to muck it. Why not use the beloved "Benz Stripes" that made their mark with the W220 facelift?

In any case, I'd love to drive this thing. I think what lots of people miss is that the R-Klasse really does feel like a car. It doesn't feel ponderous or ungainly. You really feel like you're at the helm of a reasonably fleet-footed sedan. The marriage of all that space with this engine is a recipe for unbridled fun.