Mercedes-Benz’s R-Class is one of those vehicles that exists below the radar. Come on, admit it, when last did you see one on our roads? In total, just 36 examples were sold last year – and 25 of those were of the facelifted version that only went on sale in October, which kind of tells the tale – the pre-facelift model simply did not appeal, hence the makeover. In fairness, though, the monetary recession that followed the model’s launch some three years ago did not help – R-Class is not cheap.
Seemingly, it was the front-end that put off people the most, so a complete redesign was carried out affecting the bonnet, grille, headlamps and bumper and the result is the second incarnation of Mercedes-Benz’s new corporate face. The vehicle’s profile remains the same, but the tail end received LED and fibre-optic tail-lamps and a diffuser-look lower bumper incorporating exhaust exits. The overall effect, while still conservative, is certainly a big improvement over its predecessor, but the R-Class remains a big vehicle dominated by what is still a massive – but now more smiley – front end with a large, steeply-raked windscreen. Just look at the proportions in profile…
Inside there has been a change of thinking. Replacing the former – and universally unpopular – six-seater layout, the new R is now offered in short-wheelbase (2 980 mm) five-seat and long-wheelbase (3 215 mm) seven-seat configurations. Despite its size – 1 922 mm wide and 4 922 and 5 157 mm long, respectively – the interior is not as cavernous as you would expect and certainly rear legroom is not that impressive. Oh, and collapsing the 40:20:40 split rear seat requires considerable muscle. Boot volume measures 408 dm3 with a cavernous 1 608 dm3 of utility space available with the rear seat folded flat.
The model lie-up has been revised and now comprises a rear-wheel drive, swb, five seat R300 powered by a 3,0-litre V6 petrol engine that delivers 170 kW at 6 000 r/min and 300 N.m of torque at a leisurely 2 500. Next up is a similarly configured R300 CDI BlueEfficiency with a 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel delivering 140 kW at 3 800 r/min and a fat 440 N.m at a low 1 400. Topping the range is a lwb, seven-seat, permanent four-wheel drive R500 4MATIC with a 5,5-litre V8 under the bonnet producing 285 kW at 6 000 r/min and a stump-pulling 530 N.m at just 2 800. All of the engines are mated with a 7G-Tronic seven-speed autobox. Claimed fuel economy and corresponding CO2 ratings are 11,1-11,3 litres/100 km (260-265 g/km), 7,6-7,8 (199-206) and 13,2-13,4 (306-311), respectively.
A test of the R300 CDI BlueEfficiency produced a best 0-100 km/h time of 10,65 seconds and a standing kilometre of 32,14 seconds at 162,7 km/h. Maximum speed is 215 km/h. Acceleration from 60 to 120 km/h in either Economy or Sport modes takes just over 10 seconds. CAR’s fuel index (ie overall consumption) is 9,2 litres/100 km. Average time for 10 stops from 100 km/h was an excellent 2,58 seconds, although the pedal travel became long and soft.
The R300 is quiet and is ideal for long-distance travel, but could prove cumbersome in confined spaces. Despite stiff springing, the ride is comfortable and relaxed with handling that is surprisingly benign for a 2,1-ton crossover MPV/SUV. It will appeal to a select audience where short trips and shopping mall car parks are not part of the usual routine. All things considered, the R300 CDI BlueEfficiency is probably the pick of the range.
Standard specification includes many of the expected premium vehicle items as well as Parktronic, PreSafe and NeckPro but, typically, there is a volume of options to choose from to customise the final equipment level. Base prices including CO2 tax are R300 – R577 400, R300 CDI BlueEfficiency – R582 400 and R500 4MATIC – R823 400, all of which include a six years/120 000 km maintenance plan that is part funded by the buyer.