|
|
MERCEDES-BENZ R320: Milestone for the marque
publication date: Jul 20, 2007
|
author/source: Robin Roberts
When the world’s first car company comes up with a new model you had better take notice.
Mercedes-Benz history is marked with milestone models and the latest of these is the R-Class.
Derived from the Vision GST shown over four years ago and launched in its own right in 2005, the R-Class is a six-seater which crosses the concepts of 4x4 and MPV and blends them with a bit of saloon character and estate.
It is very well done and while it drives as a big saloon, it offers more space, greater versatility, better all weather capability and a sporty feel in the model tested.There are 11 models in the range and you can also specify a long wheelbase derivative if you really want to “go large”. Engines provide a choice between petrol and turbo diesel from 2.8 to 5.0 and a price range which spans £36,500 to £50,125. |
.jpg) |
 |
The proven powertrain delivers a strong performance with instant start-up and very good mid-range pulling power while providing excellent cruising capability and a refined top speed potential.
The seven-speed transmission is a good match to the engine and ensures there are no gaps in the acceleration while providing very good long legged ability which promotes excellent economy in a car weighing over 2,200KG.
The sophistication of the powertrain is matched by the fluidity of the steering and feel through the brake pedal with excellent power build up from only modest effort. The suspension travel means it also soaks up bumps with ease and the permanent four wheel drive delivers reassuring grip in any situation.
Secondary controls and instruments are straightforward and clearly displayed and the heating and ventilation is also easy to understand and use with good performance throughout the very large cabin. |
It holds a little over 300 litres with the rear seats occupied but folding down the seats creates over 1,900 litres of space. The amount of oddments space is generous throughout the vehicle.
Access is very good even for the rearmost seats and no-one felt they were short of space anywhere in the vehicle.
The seats are typically MB and large, well shaped but slightly firm, with plenty of adjustment range even for a small driver to achieve a safe and comfortable position behind the wheel.
The vision is very good to front and sides but the high waistline to the rear and series of roof pillars mean that over the shoulder and reversing vision is restricted.
Equipment levels are good but options tend to be expensive and need to be carefully chosen to ensure you buy what you need and that they will maximise the resale value which is already good in any case.
On the road, most big Mercedes-Benz cars behave like something half their size but I thought the R-Class did not achieve this characteristic and behind the wheel you know you have a lot of vehicle around you. You may like that impression, you may not, but it is there in the R-Class.Most large MPV type vehicles end up looking like and doing the work of hotel or airport shuttles but the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is certainly a step up from these workhorses. Its six-seat configuration is unusual and it creates a lot of room, it’s very comfortable and capable of doing many things very well and nothing badly.
It will be interesting to see who is the next to follow its lead where luxury cars have to fulfill more than one role. |
.jpg)
|
Model
|
Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI |
| Price |
£41,555 |
| Powertrain |
224PS V6 3.0, 7sp |
| Max speed |
134mph |
| 0-60mph |
8.7sec |
| Consumption |
30mpg |
| Running cost |
101ppm |
| Emissions/ tax |
253gkm/ 35pc |
| Insurance group |
20 |
| Retained value |
52pc |
| Warranty |
3yrs/unlimited, 30yrs body, 1yr paint |
©ROBIN ROBERTS WheelsWithinWales
|
Download the Wheels Within Wales toolbar for your quickest way to keep in touch with everything that's happening on Welsh roads and in showrooms or use our RSS feed for the headlines you will not want to miss
|
|
|
.gif){kind=small}