Mercedes-Benz adds yet another "class of automobile" to its growing lineup of vehicles available for sale in the United States.
The all-new R-Class, debuting in the 2006 model year, can be described several ways. Some might consider it a 'crossover,' similar in execution to say, Chrysler's Pacifica or Cadillac's SRX. Others may call it a 'station wagon for the new millennium.' It's a combination of sport utility interior roominess with a more civilized ride of a sport sedan. Mercedes simply refers to their newest four-door plus hatchback offering as "R-Class sports touring vehicle." The first glimpse of the R-Class appeared in 2002 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit as the Grand SportsTourer concept.
With the addition of the R-Class, Mercedes now has an even dozen 12 classes of vehicles to choose from. Mercedes-Benz builds its newest vehicle at its U.S. assembly plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where its M-Class sport utility vehicle is also built. Mercedes opened the plant in 1997. The plant can now build up to 160,000 units annually.
Inside, three rows of seats accommodate six riders. Mercedes 4MATIC four-wheel drive comes standard supplying road-gripping nuances, yet it's built off a uni-body platform usually associated with sedans and coupes, not light-duty trucks. Drivers have no buttons to push or levers to pull with the 4MATIC set up since four-wheel drive is always engaged. During ideal driving conditions, 50 percent of torque distribution is 50 percent front wheels, 50 percent rear wheels. During slippery road conditions, the system automatically varies torque transfer front to back and side to side for amore sure-footed grip.
Outside, the R-Class measures in about five inches longer than a Cadillac Escalade SUV (built to handle off-road adventures) and ten inches longer than a Cadillac SRX (more suited for on-road adventures as is the R-Class). In comparison with other Mercedes vehicles, the R-Class (measuring in at 203 inches of overall length) is about the same length as the flagship S-Class sedan. Although long in length, the R-Class fits into a majority of standard-sized garages with ease.
Vehicle sales in September for Mercedes-Benz USA totaled 17,552 units, its highest September on record, bringing the year-to-date sales to 156,244 units. In 2004, Mercedes total U.S. sales for the year was 221,610, its highest ever. During its first two weeks on the market in September, the all-new 2006 R-Class generated 386 units and that figure will jump up significantly according to Mercedes.
The R-Class is available in two trim levels based on engine size. The R350 features a double overhead cam 3.5-liter V-6 engine generating 268 horsepower while the R500 utilizes a single overhead cam 5.0-liter V-8 boasting 302 horses. Fuel economy in the V-6 checks in at 16 miles per gallon city and 21 m.p.g. highway while the V-8 lists figures at 13 m.p.g. city and 18 m.p.g. highway. The fuel tank holds 25.1 gallons of fuel. Both engines are mated to the world's first production seven-speed, electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
Pricing starts at $48,000 for the R350 and $55,500 for the R500. Add $775 for destination charge. Cadillac's SRX crossover vehicle with three rows of seating and six or eight cylinder powertrains starts at $39,275 for a 3.6-liter V-6
Unlike mechanically-inspired transmission shifters requiring grabbing and jerking motions, R-Class drivers accomplish this task with the use of only one finger thanks to an electronic set up. A thin operating appendage on the right side of the steering column stalk requires a simple tap up for reverse or a tap down for neutral or forward. The Park function activates by pushing down on the top of the stalk. Mercedes-Benz key German rival, BMW, utilized a similar electronic gear shift design when introducing the redesigned flagship 7 Series a few years back, but the R-Class design is moreuser friendly and much easier to figure out at a glance.
Although it's an automatic transmission, drivers can upshift or downshift forward gears (without a foot clutch) via paddle-type buttons on the back of the steering wheel. This feature, available in many performance-type vehicles with automatic transmission, allows the driver more input in certain situations.
The long length of the R-Class benefits the six riders, each of whom has a comfortable bucket seat of their own. Since the rear side doors are unusually long, maneuvering into the spacious second row and even into the third row is made easier. Seatbacks on the second row bucket seats tilt forward, than the entire seat 'hops' forward opening up a larger-than average walk way to the two third-row seats which are designed to handle most adults as well as smaller kids. Second row seats also slide fore and aft six inches for greater versatility. A second-row center console is optional.
While third-row headroom is not as plentiful as in the first two rows, it's better than what's found in most competitors, plus leg room is plentiful in every seating position. There is more than 30 inches between the second and third row, giving the R-Class great third-row leg room.
All four rear seat backs fold down, creating a large cargo area that's more than seven-feet long holding up to 85 cubic feet of cargo.
Drivers will note Mercedes-Benz places the cruise control function on a thin stalk found on the steering column's left side. Problem is it's too close to the thicker turn signal stalk stationed nearby. Power side-view window controls and power window switches are at a 45-degree angle on the driver's door. Power lock buttons are found in front of the small chrome door handle. The instrument panel features two deep-set analog gauges. The left speedometer gauge features a small analog clock insert while the right speedometer gauge features a fuel-gauge insert. In between the gauges is asmall digital display with transmission indicator, outside temperature and odometer information. The analog clock is a great feature, but it's a bit small and out of sight of everyone in the vehicle save the driver. The parking brake is foot operated.
In between the front bucket seats are two side-by-side permanently formed beverage holders capable of handling large-sized beverages. To the rear is a large, deep storage bin, hinged in back. On the center dash, push buttons control fan direction and speed of the three-zone climate control while dials monitor temperature. A center digital display lists interior temperature.
One nice feature Mercedes incorporates on many of its vehicles are side-view mirror mounted turn signal indicators. The more information R-Class drivers can pass along to those sharing the highway with them, the better.
Other outside nuances include chrome-plated side door handles. The rear hatch hinged at the top, manually opens up from the bottom as one unit. A power rear hatch is optional. The rear window includes a standard wiper. In front, a large Mercedes tri-point circular log rests front and center flanked by oval-shaped and angled headlight housing. A circular fuel door is on the passenger-side rear fender. From a distance, the rounded rear and nose front create a 'bullet' type appearance.
Heated seats come standard in the R500. Optional in both editions are a rear-seat entertainment package, power glass sunroof, Satellite radio and DVD navigation system. Window curtain air bags for all three rows of seats come standard. Door-mounted airbags are standard for front seat travelers as well as two-stage frontal air bags. Other safety nuances include antilock brakes, brake assist and stability control.
For a relatively heavy vehicle (4,841 pounds) R-Class handled spirited turns with style and grace thanks, in part, to independent front and rear suspension. Past observations of some Mercedes vehicles have touched on electronics and other advances being too complex or too overwhelming at times for drivers to take full advantage of their intentions. That said, the R-Class felt more inviting and user friendly than many other German-engineered vehicles recently tested; a pleasant and welcome surprise. |