Mercedes-Benz has announced the local launch of its recently-facelifted R-Class, and by the looks of things, the German premium manufacturer is trying to spread the MPV appeal.
The face-lifted R-Class is one of the first products in the brand to loosely wear what we can only fathom as being the new face of Mercedes, and it shares very similar detailing with the upcoming second-generation CLS. The front end has been completely redesigned with a new bonnet, radiator grille, headlamps and bumper and integrated LED driving lights. While the profile remains essentially the same, important changes at the rear include LED and fibre optic tail lights, as well as a diffuser-look lower bumper trim with integrated exhaust exits.
The R-Class line-up will include three models, two petrol units and a diesel powerplant. The base model R-Class is the R300, powered by a 3,0-litre petrol V6 producing 170 kW and 300 N.m. Next is the R300 CDI BlueEfficiency, with a 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel producing 140 kW and 440 N.m. The range-topping R500 boasts a 5,5-litre V8 petrol engine producing 285 kW and 530 N.m.
Mercedes has done away with one of the R-Class’ major draw-cards (its six-seater configuration) and has decided to go for a five-seater configuration for the short-wheel base with two extra seats being an optional extra, and a standard seven-seater setup on the long-wheel base model.
Standard equipment levels are pretty much what we have come to expect from Mercedes, and include items such as 8 airbags, 7-speed G-Tronic automatic gearbox with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, AUX connectivity, PRE-SAFE, electric windows and dual-zone climate control. Sadly though, anything really worth mentioning is an optional extra, and you will therefore have to fork out a bit extra.
Options include Airmatic suspension, a sophisticated multi-media system, reverse camera and keyless entry/engine start.
Prices (excluding CO2 emissions taxation)
R300 SWB R577 400
R300 CDI SWB R582 400
R500 R823 400
You can download the press release, price list and technical data for the new R-Class by clicking on the DOCUMENTS tab to the top, right of the above images.