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Driver's Notebook: Secret Agent Van

Christian Gulliksen

February 1, 2007

There was a time when owners of cars like the Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 would remove incriminating badges from their trunk lids to make their high-powered cars look like any other on the road. In recent years, however, the concept of “sleeper” performance has all but vanished. Instead of disguising the horsepower lurking under a car’s hood, hot rod versions of standard-issue models now trumpet their upgraded specifications with an array of badges, body kits, and outsize wheels. The R63 AMG—Mercedes-Benz’s overachieving R-Class variant—is no exception; park one next to a regular R500 and any passerby will know which car goes faster. But the R63 still manages to look utterly anonymous on the freeway, and the phenomenon has a simple explanation: More minivan than SUV, more functional transport than fashion statement, the R-Class inherently evades notice. The R63’s flashy accoutrements do nothing to change this, and so those who prefer to move swiftly and luxuriously without attracting undue attention might find the car irresistible.

Mercedes-Benz’s seemingly ubiquitous 6.2-liter V-8 produces 503 hp and 465 ft lbs of torque without the services of either a supercharger or a turbocharger. Though the R63 moves with aplomb—60 mph comes in around 5 seconds—the car’s acceleration feels swift rather than neck-snapping. The 7-speed automatic transmission is well matched to the engine and gives quick access to the motor’s power. The all-wheel-drive R63 handles superbly along winding roads, remaining flat through corners and composed in spirited maneuvers. The realities of physics—a higher center of gravity and sheer size—naturally prevent the R63 from matching the achievements of sport sedans, but our aggressive romp through the countryside surrounding Germany’s Rhine River nevertheless proved eminently satisfying. (Click images to enlarge)

The car’s capable performance envelope and good proportions belie the fact that it is actually longer than a Cadillac Escalade. Mercedes-Benz calls the six-passenger vehicle—somewhat cutely—a 4+2, but the third row is not nearly as punishing as the “+2” designation might imply; taller adults may not care to spend long journeys back there, but it is perfectly comfortable for in-town trips. With all six seats occupied, the cargo bay offers good, if not vast space. The AMG interior package includes excellent bolstered seats—they truly hold you in place—and an upgraded instrument panel, steering wheel, and trim.

Further emphasizing the R63’s under-the-radar approach, Mercedes-Benz plans nary an advertisement or, indeed, any other form of promotion. Accordingly, do not expect to see many examples of the special-order model in your dealer’s showroom. If you don’t see one on the lot, simply make a request. This unlikely racer is priced at just under $90,000, making it nearly $40,000 more than an R500 and increasing the likelihood of its rarity. And given the understated appeal of the R63, its owners probably won’t mind that hardly anyone—the highway patrol included—realizes the true cachet of the car they’re driving. 

Mercedes-Benz
www.mbusa.com

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