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:
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 |
