08 Aug 06
The ride and refinement is first-class though - even on the massive optional five-spoke AMG 21" light alloys we drove (20s are standard). The air suspension with active damping system automatically varies body height up or down as necessary and under heavy loads - perhaps arriving at an upmarket field-based boot sale - the body can be raised at the push of a button by as much as 50mm. Feel the need to get slightly lairy round that same field and the permanently engaged 4x4 system will cope - the AMG's set-up being a specifically sporty 40:60 front/rear power split.
The driving position - half-way between normal saloon and SUV in height - is very comfortable, allowing a decent view of the road. The seats are top notch too. Aside from the famous logo sewn into the fine nappa leather upholstery, the AMG seats feature more pronounced contouring and Alcantara inserts at shoulder level. According to Mercedes, they 'ensure excellent lateral support when taking bends at higher speeds' - which is just as well, as high speeds are what you will inevitably find yourself doing in a R63 AMG.
The leather-covered AMG-specific steering wheel features gearshift buttons on the reverse that now work more logically than on previous Mercs - right for 'up' changes and left for 'down' - as opposed to the old ones that were really confusing (outside on both sides for 'up', inside on both sides for 'down'?). This new system makes keeping control of this five-metre-plus long and 2,375kg car much easier on twistier roads.
