First Look: Mercedes R Class

The overall impression in particular has benefitted significantly from the completely redesigned front section, which borrows elements both from Mercedes-Benz saloons and SUV models. In addition to the fresh exterior, the "twenty-ten" model year R-Class also impresses with a number of distinctive interior features. These include the economy of space found in the latest MPV's, as well as the comfort, high-class appeal and prestige associated with classic Mercedes-Benz saloons. At the same time, the latest generation offers the same level of interior diversity for which its predecessor was renowned, and also boasts the robustness and all-wheel-drive properties of Mercedes-Benz SUV's.

In addition to the modern petrol variants adopted from the preceding model, with their customary effortless power delivery and high drive comfort, a range of optimised diesel engines is now also available to enhance the appeal of the R-Class. With a fuel consumption figure of 7.6 l/100 km*, compared with its predecessor the R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model requires around 7 percent less fuel while offering the same power output and enhanced performance. The new R 350 CDI 4MATIC combines the high performance of a V8 model with the low fuel consumption of an economical V6 variant. It consumes 8.5 litres* of diesel per one hundred kilometres, thereby undercutting its predecessor by 0.8 litres – yet is able to offer significantly enhanced performance. While previously the maximum performance topped out at 165 kW (224 hp), the V6 diesel engine now boasts 195 kW (265 hp) as well as massive torque of 620 Newton metres. Making its debut in the R-Class, this powerful package enables the sportiest of all of the R-Class models with diesel engine to achieve effortlessly superior levels of performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.6 seconds, while the top speed is 235 km/h.

The new R-Class enhances the merits of this unique vehicle category even further. In addition to the fresh exterior, the "twenty-ten" model year R-Class also impresses with a number of interior features in particular. These include the economy of space found in the latest MPV's, and the comfort, high-class appeal and prestige of the S‑Class. At the same time, this latest generation offers the superior interior diversity for which its predecessor was renowned, and also boasts the robustness and all-wheel-drive properties of Mercedes-Benz SUV's.

With a total of 9 base versions, the R-Class provides the most comprehensive model range in the premium long-distance saloon segment. Together with the significantly more appealing body design, the complete range of standard equipment and the numerous individualisation options, the R-Class can be tailored specifically to meet individual requirements. It also offers a high degree of variability, standard or long wheelbases, 4MATIC rear or permanent all-wheel drive, and high-performance yet economical engines, which in some cases come with BlueTEC or BlueEFFICIENCY technology – if there was such a thing as a vehicle versatility test, then the R-Class would certainly be the favourite to take first place.

Credits: wilswong