Cap_Scarlet

So....its time to say goodbye to my C63...the lease runs out in July and I now need to think about replacements.

I am looking for an AWD this time and there are now four cars on my list (a bit of a mix I know but there is method in my madness). Listed in descending order of likelihood:

1. Nissan GT-R
2. BMW M 550 Diesel
3. Audi RS5
4. ML63 AMG

Your views?

Merc63

2012 ml63... Biturbo, yeeehhaww

VaclavSV

Audi RS5 is a beast! would love to know what someone who owned one thought of it.

604 C63

all great cars. I wouldnt do a diesel living in the city tho. They just dont like those short runs.

Given that you are inundated with MB, BMW and Audi's of all shapes and sizes (and all levels of (im)potency unfortunately) I would take the GT-R. Godzilla is a freaking awesome car that is arguably the only one in its class. I doubt you see many of those, and it'd be a hot ticket.

Whufc

ML63 will be amazing, especially if its the new shape. But, do you really need that much power+that big of an engine in a 4x4? Dont get me wrong, if I could I would. But, seems a waste to spend all that money on a 4x4 with a big engine, where the money you save, could help towards a weekend car, or a nice little second hand car?
+Id go GTR myself

_AMG_

If your looking at an SUV then go with the ML63 hands down.
Other then that I would look into the GT-R.

rory breaker

GT-R to me is impractical.

550? Blah.

RS5 is a cool car but not as fast (negative to me)

ML63 - I am biased because I have been looking at X6M/X5M tinkering with the idea of a fast SUV....my vote goes here by far.

I went through this same evaluation recently (though not focused on AWD) and honestly I came to the conclusion that no other car makes me as happy as the C63 when driving around town or having fun, so why not give it another go.

alrasheed1991

ML63 Or G63

Nachtsturm

What about a 911 of sorts? That would get my vote.

Other wise prolly the GTR, since I already have a ML55.

Cap_Scarlet

Thanks guys

Picking up a couple of points.

I have really enjoyed owning the C63 - one of the best cars I have owned - but where we live there is a lot of crap weather and snow which always puts me in my back up car (my daughters Suzuki Swift 4x4!).

I have had a few AWD cars (Audi RS4 and C4S) and always found them a good compromise. I am really tempted by the ML but as my wife already has an SUV (Q5) it seems like a bit of an extravagence.

Have booked a test drive in a GT-R in two weeks and that will probably make the decision for me.

DuaneC63

RS8 (now known as a R8GT). Rare, V-10, AWD, no back seat (always a good thing), a bit expensive but not nuts expensive. GTR is the best bang for the buck but they look like every other japanese import on the road.

slowbra01

I beg to differ, they look nothing like any other japanese import. Our c63 blends in with the traffic but the gtr absolutely stands out especially amongst the the options given. My vote goes to the gtr as well.

izzyAMG

Evo X MR and just hop it up to the max!

callmiro

2012 CLS550 4Matic....with the 4.7 TT

Just had one as a loaner and it was awesome

black-clk500

^^^took the words right out of my mouth, could include the E550 4matic as well. And I believe the E550 coupe is available in 4matic as well
Some light modding and these cars will be faster than some of the cars you listed and for less $$$.

EDIT: it looks like no E550 coupe with 4matic for 2012.