R-Class [Official] 07' Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG debuts in Chicago


The Mercedes-Benz R-Class (W251) is a mid-size luxury MPV introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 2005 for the 2006 model year. The R-Class shared its platform with the M-Class (W164) and GL-Class (X164) and was available in two wheelbase lengths: standard 2,980 mm (117.3 in) and long 3,215 mm (126.6 in).
I like it!!! There is something inherently perverse about a pseudo minivan/SUV disguised as a luxury people mover with 500 hp! It has an air of arrogance and excess not seen for some time. It is neither a true sports car nor a practical hauler. To me it is something different. Just my $.02.
 
dbtk said:
I like it!!! There is something inherently perverse about a pseudo minivan/SUV disguised as a luxury people mover with 500 hp! It has an air of arrogance and excess not seen for some time. It is neither a true sports car nor a practical hauler. To me it is something different. Just my $.02.
I was a big fan of the GTS Vison concept but the production car, the R-class turned out to be a bit of a dissapointment. Although the styling is good it isn't 100% perfect and the car isn't more luxurious than the average large sized SUV.
 
Luwalira,

What I like about the styling is that unlike some current MB designs (CLK in particular) the rear wheel wells are proportionate with the front wheel wells. And the way the lower window frame curves to accentuate the rear haunches. Some of MBs designs put too much visual emphasis on the front fenders and not enough on the rear. They are like guys at the gym with upper bodies too big for their legs. I happen to be a leg guy myself.



Luwalira said:
I was a big fan of the GTS Vison concept but the production car, the R-class turned out to be a bit of a dissapointment. Although the styling is good it isn't 100% perfect and the car isn't more luxurious than the average large sized SUV.
 
Bringing this old thread back from the dead for Doug:

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I used to see a couple R63's around NYC, especially on the UWS. There was one for sale on Craigslist once I was very tempted to buy.
 
$110k?(!) new... These looked terrible from day 1 and the interior was plastic galore. I remember MBUSA denying that it's sister car was the Chrysler Pacifica, which was launched at the same exact time.

6.3 badge placement was aftermarket bad.

I used to see a couple R63's around NYC, especially on the UWS. There was one for sale on Craigslist once I was very tempted to buy.

If you can deal with the dated looks and interior, you can get excellent deal on the last gen ML63. I always liked the 2-piece rims

555hp X5Ms are getting real cheap as well with basically the same engine (*let's be honest BMW folks*) that'll be carried over into the next M5.
 
Yeah, that interior is a let down. They didn't even bother to wrap the dash or some of the panels like the W164 ML63.
But still, I think it would be a fun family car.
 
I feel that Mercedes launched this car too early, it would be more popular today now that crossovers and SUV's are so popular. The R-class is a damn good family vehicle and is a fine cruiser. I was tempted to buy one a few years ago, it has loads of space for 6 adults and also a decent sized boot. The interior is actually built better than you think, its very solid although the dash especially center console and Command system is now very dated. The seats are very comfortable and the car has a nice view of the road from the seats. Styling wise it still looks quite modern but the FL models look better than the Pre FL models in the front.
 
I feel that Mercedes launched this car too early, it would be more popular today now that crossovers and SUV's are so popular. The R-class is a damn good family vehicle and is a fine cruiser. I was tempted to buy one a few years ago, it has loads of space for 6 adults and also a decent sized boot. The interior is actually built better than you think, its...

Dunno if it would have done well today if it still maintained that minivan shape. People in the US are turned off by that.

I remember the concept R class. Interior looked so good. Then when it went into production, despite the general layout being preserved, it just looked cheap and anemic. But that was the case especially of most MB interiors that were produced in the US.
 
We have one at home the face lift ...very underrated vehicle mine is a 2014 aboviously tech wise it's now dated..interior has plenty plastic I agree but it's solid not a single squeak inside..it's actually a nice and smooth ride with the family..

If they made it now with a proper design and latest technology and maybe a bit more upmarket I think it would do well..

Personally I think it's a very good car obviously now behind in terms of tech but a very solid family car I think they designed it poorly in and out.
 
They would have to alter the cars styling slightly to make the driving position slightly higher like an SUV and make it look less like a MPV and with new interior design like other Mercedes models with extra luxurious seats and I think this car could hit it off, maybe been more popular than before. But the car market can be a devils thorn and maybe the best way for them to gauge interest is to launch it as a concept car first.
 
They would have to alter the cars styling slightly to make the driving position slightly higher like an SUV and make it look less like a MPV and with new interior design like other Mercedes models with extra luxurious seats and I think this car could hit it off, maybe been more popular than before. But the car market can be a devils thorn and maybe the be...

Sounds like a Maybach GLS. ;)
 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Group AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury vehicles and light commercial vehicles badged as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Mercedes-Maybach. Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes and Carl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile. The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)

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