The world's fastest MPV

Never mind the Vauxhall Zafira VXR, the mad boffins at Mercedes have jemmied their 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 into the six-seater R-class, creating the world’s fastest production MPV.

With standard four-wheel drive, the R63 catapults from 0 to 62mph in 5.0sec on its way to an electronically limited 155mph. Power is a massive 503bhp and torque an equally outrageous 465lb ft, all channelled through a seven-speed auto ’box.

You’ve got to hand it to AMG– rather than expensively restyling the not exactly gorgeous R-class they’ve simply made it so quick that no-one will get a chance to glimpse it as it rockets past. That said, the limited styling touches such as revised bumpers and 20in wheels make the R63 easily the least ugly R-class.

Inside, you get the same spacious six-seat cabin, meaning more of your friends can share in the rumbling sounds from the four exhaust pipes.

The R63 goes on sale in the UK in October, priced from £74,115. Expensive, yes, but you might think it’s worth it to arrive before the children have even asked if you’re there yet.

Read our first drive here.