2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class news, pictures, and information

SUV Tourer offering a wealth of combination options: The R-Class - enhanced versatility and appeal

Even holiday trips wîth five people and all their luggage on board are handled wîth 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 wîth ISOFIX attachment points and come wîth the option of side airbags to further improve passive safety. All of the seats are fitted wîth 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 SÚV 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 wîth 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 wîth 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 wîth 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 wîth the innovative 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission wîth DIRECT SELECT lever on the §teering 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 wîth 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 wîth steel suspension, while air suspension wîth 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 wîth level control fitted as standard at the rear. AIRMATIC air suspension wîth the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is available as an optional extra for all versions.

Complete range of equipment for the ultimate in comfort

All R-Class models feature new items of standard equipment that make automotive travel even more relaxing. For instance, the THERMATIC automatic climate control is equipped wîth a combination filter to further reduce the pollutants in the air inside the vehicle whilst the spacious glove compartment now incorporates an AÚX-IN connection for external audio or entertainment devices.

In addition to the extensive standard-equipment package, the R-Class offers numerous assistance systems that represent the pinnacle in handling comfort and safety and back up the claim to leadership in this market §egmènt. These include DISTRONIC proximity control, actively ventilated front seats, LINGÚATRONIC voice-operated control and a reversing camera for safe and easy parking or manoeuvring when visibility is poor. As soon as the driver selects 'R' (reverse gear), the camera image appears on the COMAND APS display. Rear passengers can select their own programme of on-board entertainment courtesy of the rear-seat entertainment system. Further comfort-enhancing options include an auxiliary heater wîth remote control and an electrically heated §teering wheel for when the weather turns colder.

Scientific studies carried out by the DaimlerChrysler research department confirm the outstanding level of long-distance comfort provided by the R-Class. This comfort has a profound effect on driver-fitness safety. Driver stress, measured based on heart rate, is much lower in the R-Class than in comparable vehicles.

Attractive pricing

	Vital Stats
Engine : 3.0 L., 6-cylinder Power: 190 hp Torque: 324 ft-lbs Engine : 3.0 L., 6-cylinder Power: 224 hp Torque: 376 ft-lbs Engine : 3.5 L., 6-cylinder Power: 272 hp Torque: 258 ft-lbs Engine : 5.0 L., 8-cylinder Power: 306 hp Torque: 339 ft-lbs Engine : 6.2 L., 8-cylinder Power: 510 hp Torque: 464 ft-lbs
5-speed Manual, 6-speed Manual, 5-speed Automatic, 7-speed Automatic

The latest-generation R-Class can now be ordered from authorised Mercedes-Benz outlets, wîth deliveries commencing in autumn 2007. Prices start at € 46,707.50 incl. VAT (R 280 short-wheelbase) – well below the previous entry-level price of € 50,337. Prices for long-wheelbase models start at € 48,492.50 incl. VAT (R 280 long-wheelbase) as against the previous entry-level price of € 54,621.