Unique among upscale performance vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz E63 wagon seems more tailored to European tastes than almost anything else on the road. Station wagons have long been relegated to small importation numbers for the North American market, but Mercedes-Benz continues to import one of the highest performance station wagons in the world.

Bumped up to 507 horsepower from the E55 in 2006, the 6.2-liter V8 engine massaged by Mercedes' in-house tuning firm, AMG, also puts out a tremendous 465 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift paddles located behind the steering wheel is standard.

In addition to the performance modifications, the E63 also features a unique sport suspension, a sports exhaust system, ventilated and perforated brakes with six piston calibers, and standard 18" wheels wrapped in Z-rated tires. The AIRMATIC air suspension is adjustable by a dash-mounted button.

Appearance-wise, the E63 gets a special exterior body kit and five spoke alloy wheels, as well as a lift-reducing rear spoiler tacked on to the trunk lid. Inside, heated multicontour front seats, an Alcantara headliner, stainless steel pedals and a unique steering wheel set the E63 apart. Dark wood trim is standard.

The E63 has a few options, including the $1,710 Premium 1 Package, which includes a navigation system, ventilated front seats and a power rear sunshade. The $3,620 Premium 2 Package adds Keyless Go access, as well as steering-linked Xenon headlamps. Additional options include a rear obstacle detection system and adaptive cruise control.

The most notable performance upgrade is the AMG Sport Package, which for $8,500, includes a limited slip differential, upgraded sport suspension, different alloy wheels and a 186-mph speed limiter, rather than the standard 155-mph limiter.

Seven can share in the E63 wagon's fun with the optional $1,010 third row rear-facing seat, which folds when not in use. When the two rear rows of seats are folded, the E63 wagon can swallow 68.9 cubic feet of cargo.

The wagon's wheelbase is identical to the sedan's, although it is 1.3 inches longer and about 450 lbs. heavier overall.