Bartek Sikorski

Mercedes management has finally decided to drop one of the most ill-conceived cars of the decade, the utterly useless R63 AMG. The decision was a no-brainer for the execs, who realized that customers were mainly buying the R-class for its space and comfort, not those after a pseudo sports car/minivan/SUV/whatever. Performance orientated buyers after a roomy vehicle were sticking with the ML63, reports - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
The R-class recently came in for a facelift with a new range of smaller engines joining the refreshed lineup. The range now starts with the R280 petrol and R280 CDI models, but still tops out with a high-performance R500 model packing a 388hp 5.5L V8 engine.
The R63 AMG was originally introduced at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, packing AMG’s hand-built 503hp 6.2L V8 engine. Mercedes was criticized for equipping a people-mover with its awesome AMG powerplant, but the car remained on sale until the R-class model received its facelift earlier this year.
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Just_me

Finally!! the car is butt ugly

monster

MB should drop the R-class entirely. This car is utterly pointless and most people are smart enough to realise that. The R-class is very half arsed and the market agrees.

Kowalski

Why not just drop the entire the R-Class range?

The R-Class does nothing for Mercedes-Benz - It's the car no one asked for.

The Artist

im so glad they dropped the AMG..
i think they should keep the R.. do a major FL..
and then keep it as an ongoing modell.. cause the concept of the car has potentiall..so the next generation of designed better could bag some sales i belive

ateekt

I second you mate, even if MB build it, why an AMG package for car with kids in back seat ...?

cawimmer430

Well the R63 AMG is pointless, but the regular R-Class has its charms. I've driven one and as much as many of you might hate it, it actually felt very nice to drive, was comfortable, handled decently, was spacious and it felt safe. It's the perfect car for people who're going on long family trips.

Of course the E-Class T-Modell, ML, GL and G-Class, heck an S-Class, could equally pass for this role, the R-Class was specifically designed to appeal to these needs. It's an excellent family car, probably better than the ML, GL and G-Class and probably on par with the E-Class T-Modell, but with a bit more interior space.

I think the R-Class should be kept, because it is selling, but it should have been a low volume production vehicle in my opinion. I also think that with the proper marketing, it'll achieve better results. Design wise, it is not that ugly, but it ain't pretty either.

One thing that bothers me about the facelifted R-Class is the anemic R280. 231-horsepower from a literally "torqueless" V6 in this car is just major underpowered. Even Auto Motor und Sport complained about this motor. The R280 CDI on the other hand feels livelier and is more fuel efficient too.

Tycoon

bmer

Have to agree with you both. They really should get rid of it.

Merc1

Well getting rid of the R completely is not doable folks. The excess capacity at the Bama plant would cause some jobs and money to be lost. Lets just see if the changes for 2008 help it out any. I too think the concept was sound, but the execution was way off, but this is the price Mercedes-Benz has to pay for being the leading innovator in the world. Who knows the CLS could have flopped too, but still they took a chance. Next new segment will be the re-invention of the 4-door convertible, anyone doubt others will join that segment after MB opens it up?

Not even Mercedes can win them all and I'd say that 1 flop out of all the recent hits (S, CL, GL etc.) isn't so bad.

Hopefully this is true about the R63 being dropped. It was curiously absent in the press release detailing the facelift so maybe it is true. It was the most absolutely pointless vehicle on the U.S. market.

M