Brawnier 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class leaked ahead of New York debut
03-28-10, 01:38 PM
#1
Brawnier 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class leaked ahead of New York debut
Brawnier 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class leaked ahead of New York debut
The R-Class has had a rough life. Not only did it suffer from odd, disproportionate styling, but Mercedes-Benz never really marketed the vehicle the way that it should have, choosing to position it as a "sports tourer," rather than the obvious upscale family hauler that it is. Dismal sales ensued. Makes sense, then, that the 2011 R-Class benefits from a slightly more comprehensive overhaul than the standard mid-cycle refresh usually entails.
Right away, we must say that the R-Class's new schnoz is a giant leap forward from drooping proboscis of the outgoing car. New, more chiseled headlamps accent a larger, more upright grille and a less angular hood. The revised lower fascia features the automaker's new quad foglight design – something we've already seen on the E- and GL-Class. Not much has been changed out back, save the standard mid-cycle enhancements (revised taillights and a tweaked bumper).
Interior changes are minimal, which is fine, since we've never really had a problem with the sports tourer people mover's cabin. Look for the typical array of Mercedes-Benz technology features, as well as a new AMG sport interior, which includes different seats, a better steering wheel with shift paddles, a new lighting package, and stainless steel pedals. As for powertrains, we expect the standard V6 engines – both petrol and diesel – to be offered. Us? We're secretly crossing our fingers for the return of the R63 AMG.
Check back later this week for full details from the New York Auto Show. In the meantime, click through the gallery below to see preview shots of the new R-Class. Hat tip to Ashley!
The R-Class has had a rough life. Not only did it suffer from odd, disproportionate styling, but Mercedes-Benz never really marketed the vehicle the way that it should have, choosing to position it as a "sports tourer," rather than the obvious upscale family hauler that it is. Dismal sales ensued. Makes sense, then, that the 2011 R-Class benefits from a slightly more comprehensive overhaul than the standard mid-cycle refresh usually entails.
Right away, we must say that the R-Class's new schnoz is a giant leap forward from drooping proboscis of the outgoing car. New, more chiseled headlamps accent a larger, more upright grille and a less angular hood. The revised lower fascia features the automaker's new quad foglight design – something we've already seen on the E- and GL-Class. Not much has been changed out back, save the standard mid-cycle enhancements (revised taillights and a tweaked bumper).
Interior changes are minimal, which is fine, since we've never really had a problem with the sports tourer people mover's cabin. Look for the typical array of Mercedes-Benz technology features, as well as a new AMG sport interior, which includes different seats, a better steering wheel with shift paddles, a new lighting package, and stainless steel pedals. As for powertrains, we expect the standard V6 engines – both petrol and diesel – to be offered. Us? We're secretly crossing our fingers for the return of the R63 AMG.
Check back later this week for full details from the New York Auto Show. In the meantime, click through the gallery below to see preview shots of the new R-Class. Hat tip to Ashley!
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/28/b...-new-york-deb/
Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2011...***-preview/#2
I've never really been a fan of the R-Class, but between this and the current generation I do think it's an improvement. The return of a V8 and or AMG variant would be nice
03-28-10, 04:35 PM
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03-28-10, 05:15 PM
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03-28-10, 05:56 PM
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The most important thing about the R class is that it debuts a new diesel engine from Mercedes. A 3.0 V6 with 265-horsepower. Factory fuel economy ratings are 8.5 liters per 100 km.
It also seems that customers have more options regarding interior individualization.
It also seems that customers have more options regarding interior individualization.
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03-28-10, 07:48 PM
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In Europe the R class did quite well actually. It wasn't a stellar seller but it also didn't do as poorly here as it did in the US. Then again, Europeans get more variants of the R class including a simple RWD model. I'll see if I can dig up some sales figures.
03-29-10, 09:58 AM
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I looked into this when I new my kids were on the way, but I was dissapointed at every turn. I am surprised (like others) that they are keeping it. I fully expected them to kill off this model.
Oh well, restyled and looking better, but still not interested.
Oh well, restyled and looking better, but still not interested.
03-29-10, 10:31 AM
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I am also a bit surprised, because in the US market it was a known flop. Mercedes wants to have a presence in the people-mover/minivan market, so this is an improvement.
03-29-10, 10:38 AM
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