German Car Zone

klier · 10-28-2009, 08:18 PM

I agree, but the CLS and X6 are only similar in the way that they are both crossovers. For the rest nothing really...

tennmb · 10-29-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Centurion

I wouldn't tuning in the death clock for the R-Class just yet. Expect Mercedes to keep a very close eye on the sales of the 5-Series GT which is a highly similar car. If it turns out to be a moderate success then you can be sure to see the R-Class develop into something similar. Very much the same way BMW heavily studied the R-Class while developing the 5-Series GT.

It's a cat and mouse game with both manufacturers learning off each other. The X6 is a replica of the CLS and the GLK is a replica of the X3.

That is directly from Mercedes. MB could make the R work if styled right. Sadly they have their head up their butt on many marketing things.

HighestOfHigh · 10-29-2009, 10:48 AM

^If the next generation model was more "SUV" like and less van shape, do you think it would sell well? Or is the R-class just in a touch spot because of the GL-class?

If you don't mind, can you tell us how customers reactions were/are to the R-class?

Centurion · 10-30-2009, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klier

I agree, but the CLS and X6 are only similar in the way that they are both crossovers. For the rest nothing really...

In terms of concept they are highly alike. Both are re-skinned versions of highly mass produced cars -- E-Class and X5 --- and thus have very low development costs. Price points are exactly the same, targeting the highly lucrative upper middle class which is large enough to demand an annual production between 15,000-20,000 of each car.

Like-wise Audi and Mercedes have joined a segment developed by the BMW, the small SUV segment i.e X3. It's quite a save approach to copy and that's the cautions approach Audi have adopted. The only niche car they have is the R8 V8 which is considerably less costly than any flamboyant mid-engine exotic.

Mercedes are most certainly aware that the R-Class is in misery but the facelift will give the car an additional three years lease on life -- enough time for Mercedes to evaluate the 5-Series GT and subsequently decide on whether to axe the model or not. I think that the car should transform into a life style product and step away from its current utilitarian shape. One of the reasons why the model is failing is that family couples are opting for SUVs while potential corporate clients favour the more functional Viano, leaving the R-Class as a car that nobody wants. And with the entry of attractive SUVs like GLK, Q5 and 5-Series GT there are very few reasons to buy the R.

HighestOfHigh · 11-03-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Sales figures for the R-Class haven’t managed to live up to the expectations of the German luxury brand, but Mercedes-Benz is determined not to completely write-off its ‘Grand Sport Tourer’ just yet. The R-Class received a mild facelift in 2007 to help turn around flagging sales, but a second and more extensive update is in fact planned for the 2011 model year as previewed by this latest computer-generated rendering and previous spy shots.

The first facelift came less than two years after the vehicle was first shown at 2005’s New York Auto Show, and was implemented mainly to increase the car’s desirability. A cheaper rear-wheel drive model was added to the lineup as well as a more flexible seven-seater model, but other than that the R-Class remained mostly unchanged.

For the next update Mercedes-Benz will give the car a major styling overhaul with a new front-end planned as well as a slightly revised rear and interior. Expected to be launched in the second half of next year, the new R-Class appears to receive the same squared-off treatment as seen on the A- and B-Class models, including angular headlights and a larger more prominent grille.

At the rear there appear to be only minor changes, with a redesigned bumper, exhaust tips and LED tail-lamps.

Expect to see the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class facelift make its world debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January.

- Rendered: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Facelift - MotorAuthority

adeel2010 · 11-03-2009, 08:45 PM

The C-classish front lights make this a decent vehicle. Still too van-like though.

ree · 11-06-2009, 04:53 AM

In combination with the "Grand Edition" the R already gets the LEDs…

rosswell · 11-17-2009, 09:21 PM

I like my R just fine - something to be said for a slippery (low coeff. of drag) and large people hauler that is one of the most comfortable MBs you can drive at high speed. You have to really drive one to appreciate it's benefits - I'm reminded of the Porsche Panamera - when you only have exposure to its pictures the effect is less impressive. I'd certainly consider "upgrading" to the 2011 pictured above though - a decided improvement / modernization.

Wolfgang · 11-18-2009, 12:08 AM

I like the view from above. That 2nd row center piece could be converted into a humidor, or Maybach Zeppelin inspired fragrance dispenser.

from:

Mercedes-Benz Italia - Vetture

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