Mercedes-Benz R-Class

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Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler AG
Production	2006–
Class	MPV / Crossover SUV
Body style	5-door wagon
Wheelbase	2980mm and 3215 mm (126.6 in)
Length	5157 mm (203.0 in)
Width	1922 mm (75.7 in)
Height	1661 mm (65.4 in)
Similar	Ford Freestyle Toyota Sienna Chrysler Pacifica Renault Grand Espace Chevrolet Uplander Nissan Quest Saturn Relay

The R-Class is an MPV/SUV crossover automobile offered by DaimlerChrysler in 2006 model year under the Mercedes-Benz brand. A concept was first seen at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show as the Vision GST (Grand Sports Tourer) concept, and the final production vehicle was shown at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. DaimlerChrysler assembles R-Class vehicles destined for the United States, and possibly other countries as well, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The R-Class is built on the V251 chassis. The R-Class slots between the ML-Class and the GL-Class. It is not related to the older boxier G Class 4X4.

Although described by the manufacturer as a "Sports Cruiser" many sources and casual observers have noted that the vehicle is remarkably similar to a minivan in form, as well as its DaimlerChrysler cousin, the Chrysler Pacifica.

The R-Class is offered in two wheelbases, 2980mm and 3215mm.[1] [2]

The R 350 has a base MSRP of USD$43,000 and the R 500 is set at around USD$49,500.

Models using Bluetec Diesel engine with urea injection will be introduced in 2009 model year.

Models:

R 350 - 3.5 L V6, 272 PS (268 hp SAE/200 kW)
R 500 - 5.0 L V8, 306 PS (302 hp SAE/225 kW)
R 63 AMG - 6.2 L V8, 510 PS (310 hp SAE/303 kW) (prototype presented at 2005 IAA) Hand Built Engine, special order only.
R 320 CDI - 3.0 L V6, 224 PS (221 hp SAE/165 kW)
German-spec R320 CDI 4MATIC (Christian Wimmer, 2006)235 PS (232 hp/173 kW), 540 N·m (398 ft·lbf)
German-spec R420 CDI 4MATIC, Performance oriented turbo diesel, not available in the US, 314 PS (310 hp/231 kW), 730 N·m (538 ft·lbf)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:R320CDI_01.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:R320CDI_02.jpg

[edit] R63 AMG

The AMG version of the W251, the R63 AMG, was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a 2007 model. It features a 6.2 L M156 V8 engine producing 503 hp (375 kW) and 465 ft·lbf (630 N·m) of torque. Mercedes-Benz's 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission is standard but has AMG calibrated shift times with shifting buttons on the back of the steering wheel. It also has an AMG body kit with quad chrome exhaust tips and 20" AMG wheels in the US while Europe gets optional 21" wheels. The brakes in the front are dual piston calipers with 15.4" rotors while the rear are single piston calipers with 14.4" rotors. It also has an AMG calibrated airmatic suspension and sport front seats with nappa leather and alcantara shoulders on all six seats. The R63 has a MSRP of $88,175 and has 3 optional packages, Premium III $3,200, Lighting Package $900, and the Entertainment Package $3,050. The Premium III package includes Distronic and Key-less go while the lighting package includes bi-xenon headlamps, cornering fog-lamps, and heated headlight washers, the entertainment package includes dual 7" screens mounted on the back of the front headrests and has a dvd player mounted under the included 2nd row center console. The dvd player has two A/V jacks so gaming systems and other personal entertainment can be connected. The single option equipment include the wood/leather steering wheel $540, 2nd row center console $400, heated rear seats $690, and key-less go $1,200. The R63 AMG is manufacturer estimated to have a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, which is the same time as the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG which weighs 3,573 pounds while the R63 weighs 5,060 pounds.

[edit] References

"2006 Volkswagen C1: Link with Maserati provides platform", an article under "Sketchpad" in the "News" section of the March, 2003 issue of Motor Trend, on page 31

Info on R63 from www.mbusa.com