Mercedes R-class

    The R-class’s strengths are its middle-row space and fully usable third row, but that’s about it

    Published on May 29, 2011 07:00:00 AM

    27,199 Views

    Model : R-class

    This face-lifted R-class is a more cohesive looking design that benefits from new headlamps, grille, bonnet and bumper – all reflecting the latest Mercedes-Benz lineage. But no matter how sophisticated the looks are, you still can’t get away from the fact that this does look like a shapely, low-slung van. This is true especially when you look at the rear three-quarters – the sheer length between the axles and the uninspired rear styling do nothing to hide the fact that this is essentially a people-mover.

    It is based on the same platform as the Mercedes ML and GL 4x4s, which means the R-class is a monocoque and comes with 4MATIC, Merc-speak for a full-time, four-wheel-drive system. Suspension is by way of double wishbones up front and a multi-link setup at the rear and Merc’s AIRMATIC adaptive dampers. The car can be raised on its suspension to clear obstacles which is very useful when tackling speedbreakers. Enclosing all this is the massive body. At 5.1 metres, it is longer than the GL and quite a bit broader than an S-class. This substantial length and width adds a lot of weight and the
    R-class weighs a pavement-crumbling 2230 kilos.

    Surprisingly, the R-class doesn’t have the rigidity we expect from a Merc. Sure, the doors shut with a solid ‘thunk’ but over bad bits of road, the whole cabin shudders in a very un-German way.
     

    Mercedes-Benz Cars

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments
    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now
    Search By Car Price
    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.43%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.32%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.35%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.90%

    Total Votes : 1557
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe