Mercedes takes R-Class downmarket ...
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,283
Likes: 363
From: Canada
Mercedes takes R-Class downmarket ...
Mercedes takes R-Class down a notch
Posted Aug 13th 2007
After selling only 18,168 samples of their R-Class in 2007, even after dropping the base price by $5,000, Mercedes will try taking the uber-wagon downmarket in 2008.
For starters, the cheapest R-Class you can get next year will be the 268hp R350, which has a V6 and does without all wheel drive to come in under $43,000. Originally, the cheapest R350 started at around $48,000. Other R models will retain standard AWD.
In the past, spotting a 500 HP AMG R63 has been difficult, probably due to its $80,000 price tag. Spotting one now will be even harder. All 2008 R-Class models will get the body cladding of the 2007 AMG (pictured above) and 18" wheels, but not the performance mods. No AMG R-Class will be offered in 2008.
The most expensive R next year will be the 221hp R320 CDI at just over $46,000.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Posted Aug 13th 2007
After selling only 18,168 samples of their R-Class in 2007, even after dropping the base price by $5,000, Mercedes will try taking the uber-wagon downmarket in 2008.
For starters, the cheapest R-Class you can get next year will be the 268hp R350, which has a V6 and does without all wheel drive to come in under $43,000. Originally, the cheapest R350 started at around $48,000. Other R models will retain standard AWD.
In the past, spotting a 500 HP AMG R63 has been difficult, probably due to its $80,000 price tag. Spotting one now will be even harder. All 2008 R-Class models will get the body cladding of the 2007 AMG (pictured above) and 18" wheels, but not the performance mods. No AMG R-Class will be offered in 2008.
The most expensive R next year will be the 221hp R320 CDI at just over $46,000.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,416
Likes: 632
From: IL
I still don't think it'll sell. As I said in another thread, the R looks like Mercedes set out to build a minivan, but couldn't commit. Very few people would be interested in a MB minivan, and I suspect even fewer in a car that's sorta like a minivan, but doesn't really know what it's supposed to be.
wow.... i almost call this a failure....
look at it, they are putting themselves so "low" to be side by side with toyota sienna and honda odyssey..... mb is supposed to be a luxury brand!
i can almost see why lexus is not doing minivan
look at it, they are putting themselves so "low" to be side by side with toyota sienna and honda odyssey..... mb is supposed to be a luxury brand!
i can almost see why lexus is not doing minivan
Trending Topics
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,338
Likes: 213
From: Miami, Florida
It's just a minivan. I walked into an MB dealership in my neighborhood once to get a good look at it and the salesperson remarked to me it was for families who wanted luxury in transporting their family. Now that I can agree on, but as to whether it would sell...
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
actually, i think a lot of people do care about amenities and gadgets even in a minivan. but the problem is, for 40k you can get a fully loaded sienna with tons of great stuff that easily go head to head with the r class (regardless of price) and yet a much longer life span
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 21
From: California
According to the article, the cheapest R starting next year will be the 2WD version of the R350, at just below $43k.
And, the most expensive R next year will be the 221hp R320 CDI at just over $46,000?
So I guess either Mercedes managed to offer the R500 at just 1-2k above the low end 6 cylinder model or there must been a typo.
Jon
And, the most expensive R next year will be the 221hp R320 CDI at just over $46,000?
So I guess either Mercedes managed to offer the R500 at just 1-2k above the low end 6 cylinder model or there must been a typo.
Jon
