For 100 years, the company Mercedes-Benz has consistently retained a leading position in the automotive industry. Its symbol is a three-star, it has long become a sign of quality, lifestyle, way of business success, elegance and aristocracy. Therefore, each new member of the Mercedes family is automatically not only a successor of glorious traditions, but also a step forward. In April 2005, a new full-size Mercedes R-Class crossover was introduced at the New York Auto Show. On sale the novelty appeared in the fall of 2005, but only in the USA. European buyers had to wait until early 2006.
The car is a cross between a station wagon, an SUV and a minivan, but at the same time provides passengers with a level of comfort comparable to executive sedans. At the heart of the Mercedes R-Class is a modernized chassis, borrowed from the Mercedes M-Class. Among the technical features of this car is a reinforced bearing body made of high-alloy steel, fully independent suspension of all wheels (double wishbones and springs in front, 4-lever rear with pneumatic elements), permanent all-wheel drive system (50:50) with 4-ETS anti-slip system. The dimensions of the R-Class are impressive 5157x1922x1656 mm.
The cabin can comfortably accommodate six passengers in three rows of seats. The giant wheelbase (3215 mm) made it possible to create very comfortable conditions for the passengers of all three rows, depending on the position of the shifting seats, the longitudinal reserve of space even for those sitting in the gallery can reach 920 mm. The model has a tall, spacious body: 1027 mm is allocated for the head, 1530 mm for the driver and passenger shoulders in the front seats, 1514 mm for the shoulders of passengers in the rear seats.
The four rear individual seats fold down (each seat folds apart independently of the others), turning the back of the body into a flat load platform that allows you to carry luggage up to 2057 liters. Passengers have an advanced dual-zone Thermatic climate control system as standard, while a multizone one is available as an option. Optional equipment also includes a DVD / CD player built into the headrests of the front seats. For an additional fee, there is also a panoramic sunroof with glass panels that cover almost the entire roof area and allow fresh air into the salon, as well as additional sunlight.
The range of power units opens a new turbodiesel V6 3,2 CDI with an electronic system of direct fuel injection with a capacity of 224 hp. Next comes the 272-horsepower 3.5-liter petrol six R350, which is already installed on E-class cars. This engine accelerates to a hundred kilometers per hour in 8.3-seconds, and its maximum speed is 230 km / h. The fastest five-liter V8 R500 with a power of 306 hp It allows the car to accelerate to 100 km / h in 6.9 seconds at a maximum speed of 240 km / h. All engines are aggregated with the seven-speed 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic.
Finishing of all versions of this model (even versions of standard equipment) is distinguished by refinement and refinement. For versions with a six-cylinder engine, door trimming and front panel trim are made of brushed aluminum, black polished trim of the control panel and center console, as well as seat upholstery with ARTICO leather and Aspen fabric. For versions with eight-cylinder engines are offered wood trim poplar and leather upholstery TWIN. Permanent four-wheel drive, 4ETS electronic control system and ESP motion stabilization system provide the highest level of active safety and allow the new R-Class to steadily stay on course even in difficult road conditions.
These systems, as well as the rear axle air suspension, are included in the basic equipment. As an option, an AIRMATIC system is offered. It is combined with an adaptive damping system ADS, which allows for a bad road at the touch of a button to increase ground clearance by 50 mm. Starting at a speed of 120 km / h, the AIRMATIC suspension automatically lowers the body by 20 mm to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve directional stability. There is also a "charged" AMG-version of the R-Class.
By design, it differs from the standard model in an aggressive aerodynamic body kit, increased air intakes in the front bumper, bi-xenon headlights, titanium sprayed reflectors on the reflectors, stylish 21-inch wheels with low-profile tires and twin tailpipes. But the main difference is under the hood. The AMG version comes with two eight-cylinder power units: 5.5-liter (476 hp) and 6.3 liter (510 hp). With the latest engine, the car accelerates easily to 100 km / h in about 5 seconds and reaches a speed of 250 km / h. The engines are paired with a 7-speed "automatic" 7G-Tronic.
A sporting multifunction steering wheel appeared in the cabin, and the gear shift lever migrated from the central tunnel to the steering column. Despite the fact that the interior of the AMG version is designed in a sporty style, it is no less comfortable than the simple R-Class: for example, 7-inch LCD monitors are integrated into the headrests of the front seats. Individual center seats are also equipped with reclining tables. The first two rows are covered in two-tone kid leather. And the multi-zone climate system THERMOTRONIC provides an individual optimal mode for five passengers and a driver. From a market point of view, the modification from AMG was a failure.
She stayed on the conveyor for about a year. At the auto show in New York, Mercedes officially unveiled the updated R-Class 2011 model year. The car is mainly aimed at the US market. The appearance has changed noticeably: especially due to the completely updated front end of the body. The R-Class received a new front bumper with a chrome protective lining, a modified grille, modern lighting technology and other aerodynamic body kit.
The rear of the car also received a modified bumper with built-in reflectors, new headlights and a new black diffuser under the bumper. To order the front of the car can decorate chrome insert with integrated LED daytime running lights, supplied in combination with bi-xenon headlamps. Thus, the exterior of the R-Class has become more attractive, modern, bright and expressive. Changes in the interior are minor. Inside the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, there are now more expensive trim materials and a slightly modified instrument panel. Now you can install inserts of various wood species: walnut, eucalyptus, poplar.
New to the R-Class are also two-tone trim options. Color combinations affect the dashboard, steering wheel, center console, seats, door trim and floor trim. Inside, there is a new steering wheel with simplified manual gearshift paddles, a different set of finishing materials (including brushed aluminum instead of chrome) and the latest generation multimedia system. At the same time, the restyled model, inheriting from its predecessor, the famous flexibility in the organization of internal space.
Along with modern gasoline engines, inherited from the previous generation and characterized by traditionally high power output and torque flexibility, the R-Class received optimized diesel units. Thus, the R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model, unlike its predecessor, with the same engine power, but taking into account the higher dynamics, consumes 7.6 liters of fuel per 100 km - the economy has been improved by 7%. A new all-wheel drive R 350 CDI 4MATIC combines the dynamics of a model with a V8 engine with a cost-effective version with a V6 engine.
If before the maximum power was 165 kW (224 hp), then the new V6 diesel engine already develops 195 kW (265 hp) with a torque of 620 N ∙ m. This motor is first used on the R-Class. The R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is one of the cleanest diesel passenger cars in the world.
Its V6 engine develops power of 155 kW (211l.s.) and produces a torque of 540 N ∙ m. Moreover, this model, unlike its predecessor, shows a lower level of fuel consumption and emissions against the background of improved dynamic characteristics. This version of the car meets the requirements of the environmental standard Euro-6, the entry into force of which is scheduled for 2014. All other petrol and diesel versions of this model meet the requirements of Euro-5.
All engines are paired with the latest generation 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Also, all models of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class are equipped with 8 emergency airbags, special stop-lights with a twinkling effect, the NECK-PRO active security control system, the THERMATIC micro-substrate support system, etc. The models are offered in 9 basic versions. In conclusion, it remains to add that the new R-Class provides exceptional space, exemplary safety and comfort of the highest level.
