Mercedes-Benz R-Class
| Mercedes-Benz R-Class | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Production | 2005–present |
| Assembly | Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA Mexico City, Mexico |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports Touring Wagon / Full-size crossover SUV |
| Body style | 5-door wagon |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W251 |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz M-Class Mercedes-Benz GL-Class |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 6.2L V8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3215 mm (126.6 in) |
| Length | 5157 mm (203.0 in) |
| Width | 2006–08: 1922 mm (75.7 in) 2009–: Template:Auto in |
| Height | 1661 mm (65.4 in) |
The R-Class is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) offered by Daimler AG in 2006 model year under the Mercedes-Benz brand. It is the first full-sized multi-purpose vehicle ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. It was first seen at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show as the Vision GST (Grand Sports Tourer) concept, and the final production vehicle was shown at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. The R-Class is built on the W251 chassis, and is assembled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Mexico City. It is priced between the M-Class and the GL-Class. It was initially marketed by Mercedes-Benz as a "Sports Cruiser" and later as a "Family Tourer".[1]
The R-Class is offered in two wheelbases, 2,980 mm (117.3 in) and 3,215 mm (126.6 in).
Models using the BlueTec Diesel engine will be introduced for the 2009 model year.
| Model | Engine | Power |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | ||
| R 280 CDI | 3.0 L V6 | 190 PS (140 kW; 190 hp) |
| R 320 CDI | 3.0 L V6 | 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) |
| Petrol | ||
| R 280 | 3.0 L V6 | 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp) |
| R 350 | 3.5 L V6 | 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp) |
| R 500 | 5.0 L V8 | 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) |
| R 550 | 5.5 L V8 | 388 PS (285 kW; 383 hp) |
| R 63 AMG | 6.2 L V8 | 510 PS (380 kW; 500 hp) |
AMG
The AMG version of the W251, the R63 AMG, was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a 2007 model. It features a handbuilt 6.2 L M156 V8 engine producing 503 hp (375 kW) and 465 ft·lbf (630 N·m) of torque. Mercedes-Benz's 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission is standard, but the R63 features AMG-calibrated shift times with shifting buttons on the back of the steering wheel.
The R63 AMG is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h), with 0-60 mph time of 5.0~ seconds. Due to low salesnumbers, as the majority went for dieselpowered R's, the R63 was taken out of production in 2007.
Safety
The R-Class scores "Good" in the IIHS front crash test.[2] But was given an "Acceptable" rating in the side impact crash test before 2009 models built after September 2008 because the test dummy's torso faced excessive loads.[3] For 2009 models built after September 2008, Mercedes modified the seatbelts and interior door trim and the IIHS rated the R-class "Good" overall in side impacts allowing the R-Class to receive the Top Safety Pick award.[4]
2007 updates
Mercedes-Benz announced in May 2007 that the R-Class range would be broadened.[5] Rear-wheel drive variants will be available in addition to the four-wheel-drive versions, and more flexible seating options (5, 6, or 7-seat versions) would be offered, AMG styling and a new three litre petrol and diesel engine will be available in the R280 and R280 CDI.
Poor sales and replacement
Sales have not met with manufacturer's expectations, having fallen well short of a planned 50,000 a year. In 2007 only 13,031 vehicles were sold worldwide, and Mercedes is currently working on a replacement for the R-Class. [6] The R-Class will get a minor face-lift for 2011.[citation needed]
| US Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 4,959 |
| 2006 | 18,168 |
| 2007 | 13,031 |
| 2008 | 7,733 |
| 2009[7] | 2,825 |
References
- ^ http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/index.cfm?id=306
- ^ http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=914
- ^ http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=965
- ^ http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=630
- ^ http://www.emercedesbenz.com/May07/10_Enhanced_Styling_Updated_Seating_More_Engines_And_Rear_Wheel_Drive_Mercedes_Enhances_R_Class_Lineup.html
- ^ "MBUSI to produce Mercedes’ first hybrid in wake of poor R-Class reception", article published January 15 in Tuscaloosa News, http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20080115/LATEST/64323222
- ^ http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mercedes-benz-posts-highest-sales-month-for-the-year-with-20025-vehicles-sold-in-december-80710637.html
External links
- Mercedes-Benz International
- Experience the R-Class - the Grand Sports Tourer
- R350 Gallery - FamilyCar.com, R500 images available.