Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG 4Matic (2024)

It doesn't take a marketing genius to figure out that the R-Class is a different breed from the rest of the vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Call it the ugly duckling of the marque; not just because it looks like an E-Class after genetic mutation, but because traditional Mercedes-Benz buyers have shown little interest in it: The R-Class attracts more first-time buyers to the brand than any other vehicle wearing the three-pointed star (nearly 90 percent). But this isn't altogether a bad thing because the company still manages to sell 1400 a month.

While the folks at Mercedes are reluctant to call the R-Class a minivan — a moniker reserved for its less-expensive DaimlerChrysler brethren ("touring SUV" is their preference) — it's exactly what the R-Class is, a minivan...albeit intended for polo mums rather than soccer moms. It combines the luxury of an E-Class with the flexibility and civility of a Dodge Caravan, seating six people comfortably and holding a lot of luggage.

But unlike any other minivan on the planet, the R-Class now has a high-performance version that'll give a Porsche 911 a run for the money. M-B's in-house tuning arm, AMG, has transformed this "4+2-seater" into the ultimate family hauler, one that'll go from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds.

The R63 AMG 4Matic is a true driver's machine, thanks mainly to its engine. The 6.2-liter 32-valve V-8 pumps out 503 bhp at 6800 rpm and 465 lb.-ft. of torque at 5200. This is the same all-aluminum powerplant that's in the CLK63 AMG sports car. In the R63's case, power is transferred to all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission and the company's 4Matic all-wheel drive.

This system has a full-time 40/60 front/rear torque split that delivers a rear-drive feel during normal driving conditions, while providing awd stability over slick surfaces.

The engine and awd system make a fine match, and you can feel their effectiveness as you depress the accelerator pedal. All four 265/45R-20 tires grip the pavement simultaneously, providing instant forward thrust. Stay on it, and the R63 goes like a sports car with a steep acceleration curve that doesn't let up until the 7200-rpm redline. The thing sounds racy, too, with a menacing growl resonating in the cabin when the throttle is opened up. In full auto mode, gear changes are the smoothest things this side of a CVT. On the Autobahn, 120 mph came in the blink of an eye; top speed is regulated at 155 mph.

Through corners, switching to manual mode is the way to go. The AMG SpeedShift transmission reacts quickly to downshift commands, performed by levers on the steering wheel, making a spirited run through a mountain pass devilishly fun. That said, it does lack the sharpness of the manual-based BMW SMG or the twin-clutch VW/Audi DSG.

The R63 AMG is surprisingly nimble for a vehicle its size (overall length is 203.0 in.); credit here goes to the rigid structure of the unit body and the suspension system. The latter is based on M-B's Airmatic package, only AMG has retuned the Adaptive Damping System for a firmer ride. The R63 AMG exhibits some body roll through turns, but maintains excellent balance with only a hint of understeer. The speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system is a bit slow for my taste (especially at high speeds), but is very communicative and linear.

Mercedes isn't planning on breaking the sales records with the R63 AMG 4Matic, especially when it's priced at $84,700, but there will be a few hundred takers, according to Mercedes. We give it a hearty thumbs-up because although the R63 AMG may not be much to look at from the outside, the sensation from the driver's seat is that you're gliding atop a beautiful, extremely fast swan.