R-Class 'Grand Sports Tourer' |
| 26 Jan 2006 |
The revolutionary six-seat R-Class will arrive in UK showrooms on 6th April. The standard wheelbase R 350 retails for £38,470 on the road, with the R 320 CDI costing just £5 more, due to the diesel surcharge for road fund licences. Buyers can opt for the long wheelbase version - giving an extra 235 mm between the axles - for £1500. In addition to the standard variant, SE and Sport upgrades are available, costing £2,950 each. The range-topping R 500, available in SE or Sport trim only, starts from £49,990 on the road.
Equipment and specification levels are generous, and each model has the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with Speedtronic speed limiter and cruise control as standard (controlled by a DIRECT SELECT wand on the steering column); as well as permanent 4MATIC four-wheel drive. Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers; Parameter speed-sensitive power-assisted steering; automatic climate control; 17 seven-spoke alloy wheels (with 235/65 R 17 tyres) and three rows of spacious seating all feature on every model. Partial electric adjustment of the front seats is coupled with a reach/rake adjustable steering column to give drivers the perfect seating position.
Six electric windows (rear row has vent opening) give everyone a breath of fresh air, meaning each of the individually-folding seats has an outside view. Long wheelbase variants also include Parktronic parking sensors to make reversing and low speed positioning easier.
As with every Mercedes-Benz, safety is paramount. All R-Class models share a wealth of safety features including ABS with BAS brake assist, and ESP® electronic stability program with ASR acceleration skid control. The permanent 4MATIC four-wheel drive system is controlled by the latest 4-ETS traction control system.
Every seat has a three-point safety belt with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters, while front seat occupants also have the benefits of the pioneering PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system. Neck Pro front head restraints push forwards and upwards in the event of a severe impact, reducing whiplash injuries.
Six airbags (two-stage front bags, front seat side impact bags and full length windowbags) are fitted as standard, and ISOFIX child seat mounting points with top tethers are fitted to all rear seats. The front passenger seat includes the Mercedes-Benz automatic child seat sensor, which deactivates airbags when an appropriate transponder-equipped baby seat is used. Remote central locking and tyre pressure loss warning system are also standard. All this is alarmed and immobilised, and numerous cubby holes and storage areas in the cabin help keep valuables away from prying eyes.
Upgrading to SE for £2,950 adds a host of extra features. Metallic paint is standard, and the red-tinted rear lights complement the exterior chrome trim elements. An interior lighting package keeps things inside visible when it's dark, thanks to their calming orange glow. The executive front seats are now fully electrically-adjustable, and the standard model's aluminium trim is replaced with burr walnut. Rather than being trimmed in fabric and Artico material (standard models), the SE cars have full leather upholstery - available in three colours.
Sport models also feature similar enhancements to the SE versions, like metallic paint, but with a more sporting intent. The alloy wheels are 19 with five spokes and 255/50 R 19 tyres. The front seats are heavily-bolstered sports seats (still electrically-adjustable); the interior trim is black aluminium whilst the seats are clad in Alcantara and Artico materials.
Every R-Class sold in the UK through an official Mercedes-Benz Retailer has a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, variable service intervals and up to 30 year MobiloLife anti-corrosion and breakdown cover. Full pricing and options details are included at the end of this press release. |
| This news is supplied by Car News (http://www.car-news.co.uk/) |
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