Mercedes-Benz-R-Class -Latest Updates,Models, Specs,features,And Sales Review

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 Mexico City. 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, 2,980 mm (117.3 in) and 3,215 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.

Powertrains

Not all engines are available in all markets.

AMG

The AMG 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, but the R63 features 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. Due to low sales, as the majority went for diesel R's, the R63 was taken out of production in 2007 with the first facelift for the R-Class.

Safety

The R-Class scores "Good" in the 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.

Security

The R-Class was tested by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:

Theft Of:
Theft From:

2007 updates

Pre-facelift R320 CDI L with the AMG pack

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 a new three litre petrol and diesel engine will be available in the R280 and R300 CDI.

2011 Update

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The R-Class will be updated for 2011, which will be officially unveiled at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

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.

Calendar year	US sales
2005	4,959
2006	18,168
2007	13,031
2008	7,733
2009	2,825
2010	2,937

Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	2005–present
Assembly	Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA Mexico City, Mexico
Class	Large MPV / Full-size CUV
Body style(s)	5-door wagon
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W251
Engine(s)	3.0L V6 3.5L V6 5.0L V8 5.5L V8 6.2L V8
Transmission(s)	7-speed automatic
Wheelbase	3215 mm (126.6 in)
Length	2006-2010: 5157 mm (203.0 in) 2011-: 5,173 mm (203.7 in)
Width	2006–08 & 2011-: 1922 mm (75.7 in) 2009–2010: 77.1 in (1958 mm)
Height	2006-2010: 1661 mm (65.4 in) 2011-: 1,663 mm (65.5 in)
Related	Mercedes-Benz M-Class Mercedes-Benz GL-Class