Mercedes-Benz today confirmed the new R-Class Grand Sports Tourer will be available in Australia from May

Melbourne – Mercedes-Benz today confirmed the new R-Class Grand Sports Tourer will be available in Australia from May this year. Starting from approximately $85,000, the R-Class will tap into a new segment of buyers who want athletic performance coupled with exceptional versatility.

The new R-Class will debut in Australia at next month’s Melbourne Motor Show, which opens to the public on February 9.

The unique vehicle concept at the heart of the Mercedes model founds a new and highly promising "Sports Tourer" market segment.

The R Class Grand Sports Tourer takes the acknowledged strengths of established vehicle categories, such as sporty Saloon, Estate, MPV and SUV, and fuses them to create a new car with a character all of its own. It caters to the needs of modern minded people looking for a car that offers dynamic space combined with sporty performance.

The R-Class provides ample spaciousness, exemplary standards of safety and impeccable comfort for up to six passengers, the new R Class also enthrals with its beguiling styling, prestigious flair and, last but by no means least, its dynamism out on the road.

“The R-Class boasts exceptional spaciousness, premium comfort and high variability, coupled with power, confidence and individuality. Thanks to powerful engines, a seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent all wheel drive the R-Class is as dynamic as it looks,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director responsible for Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

Measuring 5157 millimetres from nose to tail, the body of the new Mercedes Benz R Class is akin to a luxury saloon in size but is considerably more spacious inside. There are 920 millimetres between the first and second rows of seats. Moreover, the second-row seats can be adjusted individually, thereby increasing the seat spacing to as much as 990 millimetres. The maximum distance between the second and third rows of seats (depending on seat position) is 920 millimetres.

Families who are keen on sports and recreational activities and who are looking for a versatile car that can be adapted to all manners of transportation quickly and easily are also catered for by the new R Class: the four seats in the rear fold flat individually, allowing the load capacity to be expanded to as much as 2057 litres (VDA measuring method), a figure which clearly eclipses the load space offered by estate cars. Loading and unloading is particularly straightforward, courtesy of the level load floor measuring over 2.20 metres in length and the generously proportioned EASY PACK tailgate, which is available with remote-control opening and closing as an optional convenience enhancing feature.

Engine outputs range from 165 kW to 225 kW, clearly signalling just what the new R Class is capable of in terms of performance and motoring enjoyment. The powerful V8 petrol engine under the bonnet of the R 500 propels from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds (short wheel base). Powered by the new 200-kW V6 petrol engine, the R 350 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds

In addition to the R 350, a new six cylinder power unit with third-generation common rail, direct injection technology will also be available. The V6 diesel engine places its class beating peak torque of 510 Newton metres on tap from as low down as 1600 rpm. The fuel consumption figures returned by the R 320 CDI are no less astounding: 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres (combined consumption).

A seven speed automatic transmission, permanent all wheel drive, the electronically controlled 4ETS traction system and ESP® team up to offer peerless driving safety. These systems all make up part of the standard specification of the new R-Class, as does air suspension at the rear axle.

In addition, some of the very latest Mercedes safety innovations are also available as standard: PRE SAFE®, the multi-award-winning anticipatory protection system, detects critical handling situations and immediately springs into action to prepare occupants and vehicle alike for an imminent collision. Precautions include pulling the driver's and front passenger's seat belts taut, adjusting the front passenger seat to the optimum position and automatically closing the sliding sunroof. NECK-PRO, crash responsive head restraints, will also be offered as standard.

© Copyright 2006 Driveguide.com.au

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