Based on the recently-introduced R-Class sports-tourer (evidently German for station wagon), the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R63 is a performance-tuned six-passenger vehicle that blends the attributes of a sports sedan, a minivan, and an SUV into a single do-it-all package. Mercedes-Benz has been applying the AMG treatment to every model in the lineup, so why not the R-Class wagon? Besides, Mercedes wants to expand the appeal of AMG products in regions of the country where inclement weather is the rule rather than the exception, and the all-wheel drive R63 AMG is a terrific way to capably blend the handling and acceleration of a sport sedan with the comfort and spaciousness of a minivan and the AWD security of an SUV. It is in a class by itself.

Beneath the R63’s skin is an AMG-modified version of the company’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Under the hood revs a hand-built, 6.3-liter V8 engine making 503 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, capable of accelerating the R63 from rest to 60 mph in just five seconds. A seven-speed automatic transmission with shift buttons on the steering wheel channels the grunt to all four wheels, and the driver can choose one of three transmission modes depending on the kind of driving she’s performing: sport (S), comfort (C), or manual (M).