Tuesday 8th May 2012

Spotted: Mercedes R63 AMG

Not the coolest thing in the world, but if you want a 500hp, 7-seat, V8 MPV/SUV cross, well there's not much else out there...

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Some original press shots in lieu of the actual car...

Our editor, who is particular about his genres, will probably want to re-name this an 'un-spotted', because there are no photographs from the dealer, but that shouldn't stop us shuddering into paroxysms of joy at locating a Mercedes R63 AMG. Using the man-maths calculator, I think it might be a rarer sight on UK roads than a Bugatti Veyron.

I never managed to drive one of these when they were new, but still admired its absurdity from afar. To recap: about seven years ago AMG attempted to turn its hand to pretty much anything Mercedes produced. This was mostly excellent news, but for some reason the media (that probably included me) took exception to the concept of a 510hp/465lb ft 'crossover' SUV and it barely survived a year's production.

Like most things which seemed tragically misguided at the time and were built in microscopic numbers, the R63 now looks rather appealing. This one has done a chunky 90,000 miles, but then squeezing 510hp from a 6.2-litre motor is hardly putting it under any great stress. Mercedes claimed 5.1sec from zero to 62mph. It was limited to 155mph, but a well-aimed paper clip should see it top 180mph.

So this is my thinking with the R63. It looks hideous, but in being so offensive, it transgresses normal notions of taste and becomes quite amusing. Not cool; merely amusing. After a decent haggle, this one owes you £16,250, after which you have a massive, 2,375kg, 7-seater that will take care of most supposedly fast saloons from rest to double the speed limit.

Just remove the badges and get yourself a company fuel card. Bingo, the perfect family car.

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MERCEDES R63 AMG
Engine: 6,208 V8
Transmission:7-speed auto
Power (hp): 510@6,800rpm
Torque (lb ft):465@5,200rpm
MPG:17.3mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 387g/km
First registered: 2007 (56-plate)
Recorded mileage:90,000
Price new: £74,115
Yours for: £16,995

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See the original advert here
...or...
have a browse through the other AMGs the PH classifieds have to offer

 

 

[G0ldfysh]

At that price, filled with want.

Weekends mountain biking the back becomes a cavernous van for all the kit and the bike in security
Comfort for the drive home when everything hurts from interfacing with trees, ground or just too many hills.

During the week the schlep along the motorway is whisked away by a stretch of the right foot, automatic for the traffic jams and epic thunderous 6.3litres of AMG grunt for the back roads.

Perfect, except it is possibly likes a drink a little too much.

[Chunkychucky]

Was just thinking about these at the weekend funnily enough, never seen one in the flesh, let alone on the road.. Would make an awesome smoker to bomb around in

[W00DY]

I've always rather liked the R and that's cracking value.

I can imagine this'd be perfect for the Missus to run the kids to school in and one to drive on family outings.

[gmh23]

Normally hate these things with a passion, but that car is just fantastic!

Only good looking R-class I've ever seen

Would be epic fun, decent price too

[devnull]

It's a dam shame my company fuelcard is limited to 3 litres only!

[Matt UK]

article said:

get yourself a company fuel card

And some really good lines at the ready for when the FD invites you in for a chat

[the_hood]

This is the kinda car (MPV?) that makes absolutley no sense in this country. The diesel alternative will have more than enough performance and return a decent mpg.
That's why I'm glad someone's taken off their sensible shoes and bought one!!

[Pablo16v]

I'm in the lucky position of having a no quibble company fuel card. Unfortunately, there's a 5 year age limit on the car that I run so this beast would have been out of the question. I've just bought a 7 seater too.......

[lionrampant]

Matt UK said:

article said:

get yourself a company fuel card

And some really good lines at the ready for when the FD invites you in for a chat

Meh, most people I know with access to company expenses are paid some ridiculous fuel rates. Hell I could sate a Bentley Mulsanne's thirst on what some of them get.

As for maintenance and tyre wear though...

[kazino]

That is outstanding value, wish I had a family to get one of them

[Crunchy Nutter]

Sounds very tempting in a way, but I'm really not sure I like the sound of a £475 road tax bill every year. Obviously you'd only buy this car if you're more or less fine with that, but still... running costs would just be too much to stomach for me at least.

Plus, your passengers are barriers to driving fun in this car. Either you drive like a granny 'cos you've got your precious young 'uns in the back, or your other half tells you to. Kind of lose-lose, and at a CLAIMED 17mpg it's an expensive route to near-constant disappointment in the real world. Just my humble tuppence.

[iain1970]

Crunchy Nutter said:

Sounds very tempting in a way, but I'm really not sure I like the sound of a £475 road tax bill every year. Obviously you'd only buy this car if you're more or less fine with that, but still... running costs would just be too much to stomach for me at least.

Plus, your passengers are barriers to driving fun in this car. Either you drive like a granny 'cos you've got your precious young 'uns in the back, or your other half tells you to. Kind of lose-lose, and at a CLAIMED 17mpg it's an expensive way to disappointment. Just my humble tuppence.

I found myself rather annoyed that my Altea averaged 46mpg on a trip to Scotland this weekend. It cost me £70 in diesel.

I can only imagine the hurt this R63 would bring to my wallet, even pussy footing around for the reasons stated above.

[pistonchris]

I think it is bonkers and for that reason i love it.

[AlpinaB5s]

That is both utterly pointless and brilliant at the same time.

Bravo Mercedes and AMG.

I just hope that its developments costs were covered by its sales margin so car like this are still created in the future and not poo pooed by the bean counters.

[Aswissbanker]

Well, a unique car is always interesting. And some men do need more jewellery, as you can only wear one gold rolex at a time.

But what a dreadful car to actually use in the UK. Too big, dreadful ride, and rear seats are useless.

Might make some sense on the (non-bendy) freeways of the USA.

But, seriously, buy yourself a gold rolex and an E500 for half the price - you'll get a much better car.

Or, better still, buy an E500, and do something useful with the rest of the money.

[anonymous-user]

That's got to be a mistake with the price, no? Can't find one for less than EUR50K in Germany.

[sanctum]

Crunchy Nutter said:

...drive like a granny 'cos you've got your precious young 'uns in the back...

You've not met my kids have you?
To quote: "Go rarr power dad, go rarr power!"
My boys love my tuned Audis.

Running costs be damned I am seriously tempted, I've never had an AMG.

[gumsie]

AAAAGHH, GOD MY EYESSSSSSS. OH LORD PLEASE MAKE IT STOP !!!!!!!!

[DS240]

Cool. I never knew this model existed, must have slipped me at launch.

[Nigel_O]

devnull said:

It's a dam shame my company fuelcard is limited to 3 litres only!

That won't get you very far....