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The new R-Class range, which starts from $82,900 for the 200 kW V6-powered R 350, builds on the acknowledged strengths of established vehicle categories such as the E-Class Estate and M-Class off-roader.

“The new R-Class caters for people who need extra space without compromising on-road dynamics,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director of the Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

“The R-Class is luxurious, powerful and stylish. Thanks to powerful engines, a seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent all wheel drive, the R-Class is as dynamic out on the road as it looks,” he said.

Mercedes-Benz will offer the R-Class, from May this year, with two petrol engines and a high-tech diesel engine featuring third-generation common rail direct injection technology. The company also recently unveiled the high-performance R 63 AMG, which will join the R-Class line-up later this year. This particularly dynamic interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is powered by the new AMG 6.208-litre V8-engine. With an output of 375 kW, 630 Newton metres of torque and permanent four-wheel drive, this vehicle by AMG will offer an unprecedented combination of unrivalled sportiness, spaciousness and top-class comfort.

The V6-powered R 350 boasts 200 kW and 350 Nm and accelerates the R-Class from 0-100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds. The powerful V8 petrol engine under the bonnet of the R 500 propels from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds. The V6 diesel engine places its class beating torque of 510 Newton metres on tap from as low down as 1,600 rpm with an equally impressive fuel consumption figure in the R 320 CDI of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

The standard-fitted seven speed automatic transmission, permanent all wheel drive, electronically controlled 4ETS traction system, air suspension at the rear axle and ESP®, team up to offer peerless driving safety.

Measuring 5157 millimetres from nose to tail (long wheelbase), the body of the new Mercedes Benz R Class is akin to a luxury saloon 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.

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.

Standard specification list brims with high-tech for added safety and comfort

Drive and enjoy - this high billing is not just reflected by the concept of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class but also by its extensive list of standard equipment, as summarised below*:

• 235/65 R 17 tyres
• 4ETS traction system
• 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission
• Acceleration skid control
• Airbags for driver and front passenger, adaptive
• All-wheel drive, permanent
• Aluminium trim
• Ambient lighting in exterior mirrors
• Anti-lock braking system
• Armrest between front seats with two-section stowage compartment underneath
• ASSYST PLUS service interval display
• Audio 20 CD radio with eight speakers
• Belt force limiters for all seats
• Belt tensioners for all seats
• Brake Assist
• CD changer, 6 disc
• Central display in instrument cluster
• Central locking with remote control
• Child seat recognition in front passenger seat
• Chrome tailpipes
• Courtesy lights in the doors
• Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC
• Cup holders, 2 for each seat row
• DIRECT SELECT gearshift
• ESP® with tyre pressure loss warning function
• Executive seats in rear, including armrests
• Four-link, air-sprung rear axle
• Front seats with partial power adjustment
• Headlamp Assist
• Heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors
• Heated windscreen washer nozzles
• 17” light-alloy wheels
• Multifunction steering wheel, leather-trimmed
• NECK-PRO
• Outside temperature display
• PARKTRONIC
• Power windows front and rear
• Pre-installation for mobile phone, including roof aerial
• PRESAFE
• Projection-beam headlamps
• Rain sensor for windscreen wipers
• Rear windscreen wiper
• Rev counter
• Seats upholstered in combined fabric/ARTICO man-made leather
• Sidebags in front and rear
• Spare-wheel, collapsible
• Speed-sensitive power steering
• Steering column adjustable for height and reach
• THERMATIC automatic climate control
• Tinted windows
• Windowbags

*Selection

The R 500 V8 top-of-the-range model, adds the following extra equipment as standard (selection listed): 18-inch light-alloy wheels, 255/55 R 18 wide-base tyres, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats including automatic steering wheel adjustment, heated front seats, COMAND incorporating DVD navigation, electrically folding and automatically dimming exterior and rear-view mirrors, AIRMATIC air suspension combined with the ADS Adaptive Damping System, centre console for second row seats, Harman Kardon LOGIC7® surround system, THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control with separate control unit for second row passengers, velour floor mats for all seat rows and the touring package (see below for list of features in the touring package).

Equipment packages offer even greater scope for individuality.

Further outstanding technical and appointment features are available by opting for one of the attractive equipment packages which allow Mercedes customers to inject their vehicle with even more individuality.

The touring package, which is standard on the R 500 models, includes burr walnut interior wood trim with chrome highlights, compass, electric rear vent windows for the third row seats, full electric adjustment on the front seats, full leather upholstery, multi-contour backrests for the front passenger and driver’s seat, rear centre console between second row seats, high gloss aluminium window frames and shoulder line trim strips, silver radiator grille with chrome trim, door handles in vehicle colour with chrome trim and side rub strips in vehicle colour with chrome insert and extended lighting package which consists of ambient light in the tailgate, footwell lighting for second row seats, illuminated cup holder in centre console of the first row seats, illuminated door-handle recesses, illuminated storage compartment and mobile phone compartment in the centre console of the first row seats, illuminated air vent thumbwheels, reading lights for third row seats, rear storage compartment with touch control lid in the centre console between the front seats, tailgate marker light and illuminated storage compartment and cup holder on rear centre console.

The sports package combines, among other things, 19" light-alloy wheels, size 255/50 R 19 tyres, chrome/silver radiator trim and blue-tinted glass all-round. Inside, the sports package comprises a specially designed instrument cluster, stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs and electrically adjustable sports seats upholstered in Alcantara/ARTICO man-made leather. The decorative trim is in aluminium.

Manufacturers recommended retail prices:
R 350	$82,900
R 350 long wheelbase	$85,900
R 320 CDI	$85,900
R 320 CDI long wheelbase	$88,900
R 500 Touring	$119,900
R 500 long wheelbase Touring	$122,900
Optional vehicle packages:
Touring package	$8,500 (standard on R 500 models)
Sports package	$8,500 (free of charge on R 500 models)