Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes R63

This six-seater people carrier may be expensive, but it boasts enough power to be worth it

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes R-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The flagship R-Class occupies a niche within a niche, but the results are impressive. The huge price and its thirst for unleaded make it an extravagant choice, but if you must have room for six and supercar performance, the R63 is unrivalled. You could buy a proper sports car and a conventional MPV for the same price, though!

Advertisement - Article continues below

With sales of full-sized people carriers in freefall at the moment, you have to admire any brand that launches a niche luxury model - especially when it then shoehorns one of its most potent engines under the bonnet!

That's exactly what Mercedes has done with the R-Class AMG. Its famous tuning division has worked its magic on the big six-seater by fitting the 510bhp 6.2-litre engine from the CLS.

Combined with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox, it endows the new R63 with a massive turn of pace. The dash from 0-62mph takes a mere 5.1 seconds, and acceleration doesn't let up. Even on the motorway, where the Merc displays excellent refinement, there is always power in reserve should you need it. Turn towards more twisty roads, and it continues to impress.

Any tall vehicle measuring 5.1 metres long clearly isn't going to offer hot hatch levels of agility, but the AMG feels much smaller than its size suggests. It sounds the part, too, thanks to its bellowing V8 soundtrack.

Admittedly, there's plenty of body roll in the air-suspension's supple Comfort setting, but the alternative Sport mode hampers ride quality.

Negatives include fuel economy of 17.3mpg and the rear seats, which are not ideally suited to tall adults. The negative reaction of other road users to our black test car, complete with menacing privacy glass, is another consideration.

However, the R63 is a hugely capable machine combining effort- less pace and comfort. Buyers with deep pockets will soon forgive the high price and poor fuel economy.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £12,495
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,884 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025