OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


New Mercedes-Benz R-Class Wins “Auto Trophy 2005”

Stuttgart, Nov 23, 2005

Readers of the publications “Auto Zeitung” have voted the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class Germany’s best MPV, awarding it the “Auto Trophy 2005”. The award was accepted by Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management DaimlerChrysler AG, responsible for Research and Technology and Development within the Mercedes Car Group, in Berlin yesterday evening.
Over 90,000 voters took part in the poll. The Mercedes-Benz R-Class picked up the most votes in the “MPV” category, earning it the award for this segment.
The readers’ choice applauded the unique concept behind the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class which only made its world premiere in New York in spring this year. It combines the advantages of familiar vehicle types such as sporty saloon, estate, MPV and SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) to create a car with a new, unique character. Offering generously spacious first-class comfort for six passengers, a highly flexible design, powerful engines, four-wheel drive and dynamic driving pleasure, the R-Class provides an all-new motoring experience.

Powerful engines, with outputs ranging from 165 kW/224 hp to 225 kW/306 hp, ensure outstanding performance. The 224-hp six-cylinder diesel powerplant accelerates the R 320 CDI 4MATIC from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds and allows a top speed of 222 km/h. The combined fuel consumption is 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres. All models feature the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT as standard. In addition to permanent all- wheel drive, other standard features on board include the electronically controlled 4ETS traction system and ESP®, rear air suspension and a wealth of exceptional safety systems.


Copyright © 2005, DaimlerChrysler AG

Hopefully this will mean better success in Europe than the U.S. for the R-Class. So far in the U.S it has been a slow sell.

I got a chance to see an R500 with the AMG package, very nice. The interior of the R seems just a tad bit better built than the M-Class, at least on the AMG version I inspected.

One thing I've noticed is that lighter colors look better on the R. Like Pewter, Alabaster (White), and Alpine Rain (sort of like a Blue/Silver).

M

i have seen some as well , very good looking mpv. Much better in person than in pictures. i hope it does well here in the US. Id like to see more on the roads.

Well at least they did manage to sell over 1000 units for November.

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

M