Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Encyclopedia
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 Toluca
, Mexico
. 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".
The R-Class is offered in two wheelbases, 2980 mm (117.3 in) and 3215 mm (126.6 in), the latter being the lone offering in the US.
Models using the BlueTec
diesel engine were introduced for the 2009 model year in certain markets, with other markets getting Mercedes' BlueEFFICIENCY technology.
(IIHS) front crash test. 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.
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.
Thatcham's New Car Whiplash Ratings (NCWR) organisation tested the R-Class for its ability to protect occupants against whiplash injuries with the car achieving the top 'Good' rating overall.
The R-Class was tested by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:
.
The lukewarm reception to the R-Class in Canada and the United States was similar to the poor sales of the Chrysler Pacifica
, a large crossover produced from 2003 to 2007 by Mercedes-Benz's parent DaimlerChrysler, under the Chrysler division. Like the Pacifica, the R-Class is supposed to share the attributes of the minivan, SUV, and a wagon. Similar to Chrysler's marketing of the Pacifica which was unsuccessful, Mercedes was unable to convince the public that the R-Class was a pioneer of new category of vehicle, as consumers preferred more traditional SUV-style crossovers. Despite the R-Class being more upscale and sophisticated (compared to the Pacifica's minivan platform) with a better executed launch (while the Pacifica was plagued with production and marketing flaws), it has sold poorly compared to the GLK
and M-Classes
.
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 across the R-Class lineup, with the R63's version of the gearbox featuring 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 (250 km/h), with 0-62 mph time of 5.0 seconds. The R63 AMG features 4MATIC all-wheel drive like the ML63 AMG.
The notion of a high-performance AMG version of the R-Class was not well-received, given the heavy weight of the vehicle, and as Mercedes-AMG in general was accused of stuffing huge engines stuffed into chassis' with poor handling dynamics. Due to low sales, as the majority chose diesel-powered vehicles, the R63 was taken out of production in 2007 along with several changes in the R-Class lineup.
Brand
The American Marketing Association defines a brand as a "Name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as distinct from those of other sellers."...
. 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
New York International Auto Show
The New York International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in New York City in late March or early April. It is usually held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It usually opens on or just before Easter weekend and closes on the first Sunday after Easter...
. The R-Class is built on the W251 chassis
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
, and is assembled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa is a city in and the seat of Tuscaloosa County in west central Alabama . Located on the Black Warrior River, it is the fifth-largest city in Alabama, with a population of 90,468 in 2010...
and Toluca
Toluca
Toluca, formally known as Toluca de Lerdo, is the state capital of Mexico State as well as the seat of the Municipality of Toluca. It is the center of a rapidly growing urban area, now the fifth largest in Mexico. It is located west-southwest of Mexico City and only about 40 minutes by car to the...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. It is priced between the M-Class
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a luxury mid-size sport utility vehicle , first offered in 1997 as a 1998 model, and built by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Gradually, the M-Class became a sales success in the United States and Mexico. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller...
and the GL-Class
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size crossover SUV built by the German carmaker Mercedes-Benz since 2006. The GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The car was designed for the American market, which is shown by its large size, making it the only similarly sized...
. It was initially marketed by Mercedes-Benz as a "Sports Cruiser" and later as a "Family Tourer".
The R-Class is offered in two wheelbases, 2980 mm (117.3 in) and 3215 mm (126.6 in), the latter being the lone offering in the US.
Models using the BlueTec
BlueTec
BlueTec is Daimler AG's marketing name for engines equipped with advanced NOx reducing technology for vehicle emissions control in diesel-powered vehicles...
diesel engine were introduced for the 2009 model year in certain markets, with other markets getting Mercedes' BlueEFFICIENCY technology.
Powertrains
Not all engines are available in all markets.| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission | Top Speed | 0-62 mph | Economy | Emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | ||||||||
| R300 CDI | 3.0 L, V6 in-V | 190 PS | 440 Nm (325 lb ft) | 7G-Tronic | 209 km/h (130 mph) | 9.7 secs | 34.0 mpg | 219 g/km |
| R350 CDI | 3.0 L, V6 in-V | 224 PS | 510 Nm (376 lb ft) | 7G-Tronic | 221 km/h (137 mph) | 8.8 secs | 30.4 mpg | 246 g/km |
| R350 BlueTEC | 3.0 L, V6 in-V | 213 PS | 542 Nm (400 lb ft) | 7G-Tronic | ___ km/h (___ mph) | 8.2 - 8.6 secs | 20.6 mpg | ___ g/km |
| Gasoline | ||||||||
| R280 V6 | 3.0 L, V6 in-V | 231 PS | ___ Nm (___ lb ft) | 7G-Tronic | ___ km/h (___ mph) | 8.1 secs | __._ mpg | ___ g/km |
| R350 V6 | 3.5 L, V6 in-V | 272 PS | 350 Nm (258 lb ft) | 7G-Tronic | 230 km/h (143 mph) | 6.9 secs | __._ mpg | ___ g/km |
| R500 V8 | 5.5 L, V8 in-V | 388 PS | ___ Nm (___ lb ft) | 7G-Tronic | ___ km/h (___ mph) | 5.8 secs | __._ mpg | ___ g/km |
| R63 AMG | 6.2 L, V8 in-V | 510 PS | 630 Nm (465 lb ft) | 7G-Tronic | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 4.9 secs | __._ mpg | ___ g/km |
Safety and security
The R-Class scores "Good" in the Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
(IIHS) front crash test. 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.
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.
Thatcham's New Car Whiplash Ratings (NCWR) organisation tested the R-Class for its ability to protect occupants against whiplash injuries with the car achieving the top 'Good' rating overall.
The R-Class was tested by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:
| Theft Of: | |
| Theft From: |
2007 changes to lineup
Mercedes-Benz announced in May 2007 that the R-Class range would be broadened. 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 new 3.0L engines will be available in the R280 (petrol) and R300 CDI (diesel).2011 mid-generational refresh
The R-Class received a minor model update for 2011, which was officially unveiled at the 2010 New York International Auto ShowNew York International Auto Show
The New York International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in New York City in late March or early April. It is usually held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It usually opens on or just before Easter weekend and closes on the first Sunday after Easter...
.
Sales
Sales have not met with manufacturer's expectations, having fallen well short of a planned 50,000 a year, with half of units destined for the United States. In 2007 only 13,031 vehicles were sold in the US. Poor sales of the model have been attributed to a crowded marketplace, poor marketing positioning, and fuel efficiency concerns among consumers at the time the vehicle was launched.The lukewarm reception to the R-Class in Canada and the United States was similar to the poor sales of the Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is a mid-size crossover wagon produced by Chrysler from 2003 to 2007, for the model years 2004 to 2008.The Pacifica was the first jointly engineered product of the 1998 Chrysler-DaimlerBenz "merger of equals."...
, a large crossover produced from 2003 to 2007 by Mercedes-Benz's parent DaimlerChrysler, under the Chrysler division. Like the Pacifica, the R-Class is supposed to share the attributes of the minivan, SUV, and a wagon. Similar to Chrysler's marketing of the Pacifica which was unsuccessful, Mercedes was unable to convince the public that the R-Class was a pioneer of new category of vehicle, as consumers preferred more traditional SUV-style crossovers. Despite the R-Class being more upscale and sophisticated (compared to the Pacifica's minivan platform) with a better executed launch (while the Pacifica was plagued with production and marketing flaws), it has sold poorly compared to the GLK
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLK is a compact luxury crossover released as a 2009 model elsewhere and as a 2010 model in North America after its public debut at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show alongside the competing Audi Q5....
and M-Classes
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a luxury mid-size sport utility vehicle , first offered in 1997 as a 1998 model, and built by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Gradually, the M-Class became a sales success in the United States and Mexico. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller...
.
| Calendar year | US sales |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 4,959 |
| 2006 | 18,168 |
| 2007 | 13,031 |
| 2008 | 7,733 |
| 2009 | 2,825 |
| 2010 | 2,937 |
R63 AMG
The AMGMercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG GmbH, commonly known as AMG, is a subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz car company specializing in high-performance luxury cars....
version of the W251, the R63 AMG, was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
as a 2007 model. It features a handbuilt 6.2 L M156
Mercedes-Benz M156 engine
The M156 is the first V8 automobile engine designed autonomously by Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Mercedes-AMG, as previous AMG engines have always been based on original Mercedes engines...
V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
producing 503 hp (375 kW) and 465 ft·lbf (630 N·m) of torque. Mercedes-Benz's 7G-Tronic
7G-TRONIC
7G-Tronic is Mercedes-Benz's trademark name for its seven-speed automatic transmission. This fifth-generation transmission was introduced in the Autumn of 2003 on 8-cylinder models, and was the first seven-speed automatic transmission ever used on a production vehicle.The 7G-Tronic debuted on five...
seven-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
is standard across the R-Class lineup, with the R63's version of the gearbox featuring 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 (250 km/h), with 0-62 mph time of 5.0 seconds. The R63 AMG features 4MATIC all-wheel drive like the ML63 AMG.
The notion of a high-performance AMG version of the R-Class was not well-received, given the heavy weight of the vehicle, and as Mercedes-AMG in general was accused of stuffing huge engines stuffed into chassis' with poor handling dynamics. Due to low sales, as the majority chose diesel-powered vehicles, the R63 was taken out of production in 2007 along with several changes in the R-Class lineup.
External links
- Mercedes R Class Overview
- Mercedes-Benz International
- Experience the R-Class - the Grand Sports Tourer
- R350 Gallery - FamilyCar.com, R500 images available.