Stuttgart, May 10, 2007
Even greater interior adaptability, two wheelbase lengths, rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive and new engine variants – the Mercedes-Benz R-Class now opens up even more possibilities, especially when it comes to seating arrangements. The line-up, which includes the familiar configurations with up to six individual seats, has been augmented to include a five-seat version and a seven-seat variant. Plus new, distinctive bodystyling at the front and rear end lends the SUV Tourer added appeal.

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class continues to set trends. This exceptional automotive concept combines the acknowledged strengths of several vehicle classes. Exemplary touring comfort, superlative handling dynamics, a high level of adaptability, extremely spacious accommodation, including a vast luggage compartment, coupled with expressive design and hallmark Mercedes safety – the R-Class leaves very little to be desired. For the first time, the SUV Tourer features a second row of seats for three people, giving a total of five seats and an unbeatably large versatile load compartment: the short-wheelbase versions can swallow 939 litres of luggage when loaded up to the roof, while the long-wheelbase models have a luggage-compartment capacity of 1118 litres. The short-wheelbase R Class can carry a maximum of 2001 litres (longest load-compartment length 1982 mm) whilst the figure for the long-wheelbase version is an unparalleled 2436 litres (longest load-compartment length 2217 mm). These passenger- and load-compartment dimensions make the R-Class the most spacious model in the entire Mercedes-Benz passenger-car range. Both versions feature practical stowage compartments under the load-compartment floor, with a capacity of 51 and 52 litres respectively. These can be used for stowing various items and keeping valuables out of sight.

Adaptability writ large

Even holiday trips with five people and all their luggage on board are handled with ease. If the rear seat in the centre is not required, it can be turned into a comfortable centre armrest in just a few simple moves. The second seat row has space for three child seats or child restraint systems. The outer seats are equipped with ISOFIX attachment points and come with the option of side airbags to further improve passive safety. All of the seats are fitted with three-point seat belts. Plus two individual seats can be added at the rear to transform the R-Class into a 5+2-seater. Despite the new seating arrangement in the centre of the vehicle, convenience functions such as fore/aft adjustment and EASY ENTRY, which facilitates access to the rear seats, are retained. All of the seats in the rear compartment can be folded down individually to produce a completely flat loading area. The previously mandatory 4+2-seat configuration is still available as an option.

Attractive exterior exudes confidence

The new model-year R-Class not only boasts new interior features. On the outside, too, the facelifted SUV Tourer is distinguishable by the highly distinctive bodystyling package at the front and rear, circular fog lamps and 18-inch light-alloy wheels for all V6 versions. The top-of-the-range R 500 4MATIC is fitted with 19-inch wheels. R-Class customers can also choose from three new paint colours: calcite white, sanidine beige or periclase green. These changes apply to both the short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase models.

Complete range from R 280 CDI to R 500 4MATIC

The engine line-up is augmented by the new V6 petrol powerplant in the R 280, which shines with its impressive power delivery and moderate fuel-consumption figures. This particular unit develops 170 kW/231 hp, propels the R-Class from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and consumes a mere 10.9 litres of premium unleaded per 100 km (NEDC-combined figure). The R 280 CDI 4MATIC, fitted with a latest-generation common-rail diesel engine developing 140 kW/190 hp, is even more fuel efficient. With a peak torque of 440 Nm, the V6 powerplant delivers smooth performance yet requires just 9.3 litres of diesel per 100 km. The R 500 4MATIC model also features a new engine in the shape of a 5.5-litre V8 developing 285 kW/388 hp and a peak torque of 530 Nm, thus ensuring impressive performance figures. The flagship V8 engine develops 82 hp more than the previous model, while fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 7 percent (all NEDC-combined figures). All R-Class models are specified with the innovative 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever on the steering column.

Mercedes-Benz now offers three new entry-level R-Class models – the R 280 CDI, the R 280 and the R 350 – all of which are V6 versions with rear-wheel drive and a choice of a short or long wheelbase. Thanks to the reduction in weight and the lower powertrain losses due to friction, the latter on account of the rear-wheel-drive configuration, these models return even lower fuel-consumption figures. The most fuel-efficient R-Class is now the R 280 CDI which consumes just 8.9 litres of diesel per 100 km (NEDC combined).

All five-seater and 4+2-seater model variants are equipped with steel suspension, while air suspension with level control is available as an optional extra for the rear axle. All 5+2-seater variants and the flagship R 500 4MATIC model have air suspension with level control fitted as standard at the rear. AIRMATIC air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is available as an optional extra for all versions.

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I don't see any real styling changes at first glance, but as you can see there is now a 5 and 7-seat option. I still don't think they've done enough, IMO. I was expecting some real sheetmetal changes, but there is the option of RWD and the R500 becomes the R550 (R500 in Europe) with the 5.5L V8. No R450.

M

Plus new, distinctive bodystyling at the front and rear end lends the SUV Tourer added appeal...


What a serious JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!! This wont even say hello....More like BYE BYE......Guess the R class is gona go down as mercs first true official FLOP....

Then again it is a Chrysler MINIVAN......J/K

You can configurate it right now... I don't know, if this "facelift" will help Mercedes to sold this car...

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (in german)

There are also new interior colours avaible.

Mercedes R-Class Now With RWD Option

Press release @ WCF: Mercedes R-Class Now With RWD Option

Damn, the seat in the middle looks extremely comfortable...so much space...

Oh shit!

Perhaps press release states it's for anorexic people only.

I wonder did they change interior materials and the leather, it looks better than before?

M

Agreed.

So, with a small middle seat that hardly fits anyone ( i rather take the 6-seater version w/ the arm rest)

Little styling changes (still looks rather bland with hardly any appeal)

Smaller engine capacity / Less expensive (not much)

i doubt it will add much sales

This thing should have never been built. I just can't stand for Mercedes to have all these other hits..SL, S, CL, AMGs and then you turn around and look at this thing. Ok there I said it.

M