Mercedes Benz R

The Mercedes Benz R is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) manufactured by Daimler AG during 2006 under the Mercedes-Benz brand name. This was the first ever multi-purpose vehicle introduced by Mercedes-Benz.

First Generation (2006—Present)

It was first exposed at the Detroit Auto Show in 2002 as the Vision GST concept car, and the actual production car was exposed at the New York International Auto Show in 2005. The R-Class was developed on the W251 chassis, and was assembled in Mexico City, Alabama, and Tuscaloosa.

The R-Class was provided in two wheelbases:

• 3,215 mm (126.6 in) and
• 2,980 mm (117.3 in).

Power-Trains

The AMG Version of the R63 and W251 was prefaced at the North American International Auto Show during late 2006 and delivered as a 2007 model. It featured a 6.2 L M156 V8 engine that could deliver

• 465 ft-lbf (630 N-m) of torque and
• 503 hp (375 kW) of power.

It had standard 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission of the Mercedes-Benz. The R63 model featured an AMG-calibrated shift-gear that operated by shifting switches on the rear side of the steering wheel.

The AMG R63 was electrically restricted to a maximum speed of 250 km/hr (155 mph) and it required just about 5 seconds to reach 62 mph mark.

Updates in 2007 version

In May 2007, Mercedes Benz revealed that range of the R-Class was broadened. The variants with rear-wheel drive pattern would be available in 4-wheel drive editions, and more adaptable seating choices were offered.

Safety Amenities

The IIHS had given good rating to the R-Class for front crash test. However, it gave only ‘Acceptable’ rating in the field of side impact test before the development of 2009 models. For 2009 versions, Mercedes redesigned the cabin door trim and seat belts and the IIHS finally decided to give the R-Class a “good” rating.

2011 Update

The 2011 version is entirely redesigned and will be launched internationally in 2011. To date, nothing has been officially revealed about 2011 model. But, all customers and reviewers are expecting the car with an advanced facelift and features.