08 Aug 06
There are three AMG-specific driving modes available from a switch on the centre console - Sport, Comfort and Manual - each having different gearshift characteristics, with Manual also allowing the driver to hold on to the selected gear even when the auto would normally change. There's also a gimmicky Racetimer feature on the main driver menu to record your fastest lap times on track days (with five other adults of course).
However, when the R63 is being used for more practical purposes, some of the AMG details reveal themselves to be more than just go-faster adornment. For example, the grooved chrome plate on top of the rear bumper looks much more substantial and less prone to scratching as a loading lip than the flimsy-feeling colour-coded bumpers on cheaper trims. Of course the luxury MPV/SUV/estate is still not as practical as many smaller cars. The six seats-up AMG's boot space of 314 litres is only four litres more than a Peugeot 207, but with four rear seats folded flat its 2,385 litres trumps most estates including the E-class (1,950 litres).
The R63's weakest points are predictably its economy and emissions: 17.3mpg and 387g/km of CO2 won't win any road tax prizes from the government or congestion exemption awards from Ken Livingstone, but if you can afford a £75k car, you'll cope.
And is the R63 AMG worth twice the entry-level R280CDI? Probably not, especially when even DVD sat nav and the cool panoramic sliding sunroof remain as options. But for those who need to carry six people around fast and want a motoring niche all to themselves, it could well be worth it. And that 6.3 AMG badge on the front wings does look very cool indeed.
