I'm in a 997.1TT now. Living in the midwest, I personally view AWD as a "must". I previously had a 997.2S and a C63 -- both of which I had winter wheels and tires -- and I never felt like the cars had much grip in the cold weather (Especially with rain or snow on the ground).

The 997TT is a lot better -- AWD (and yeah, I have winter tires/wheels for it).

I do miss my AMG though. It's a little annoying how MB/AMG don't offer much 4Matic though on the "fun" Benz's. If one wanted to get a "fun" Benz/AMG that would be good in the winter (i.e., 4Matic), what are the options?

1. CL550 4Matic? (but really would hurt me to have a CL and not AMG!!)
2. New E63 will be available with 4Matic, correct? (This will be sedan only I assume?)
3. new A45 AMG will have 4Matic I believe (though this might be a little small for me, not sure)

I'm not interested in an SUV (So the ML63 and G-wagen's are out)

Are there any other options I'm missing, w/ 4Matic which would be good "year round" fun cars?

 

Nearly everything will be coming with 4Matic now, including the new E63 as you mention. In fact for the US, the E63 will only coming in 4Matic, and will be offered in both sedan and wagon. I think the E63 Wagon with 4Matic would be the *perfect* year-round car. De-badge it and choose a darker color and you have a bit of a sleeper that can carry a full family and smoke almost anything it comes across, even on the way to go skiing in a blizzard...

 

Go take a look at an Audi S4 or S6. Tons of power, and Quattro...you might like them.