NEWS: Mercedes Benz R-Class Crossover MPV launched in Indiyeah: The Rich man’s Innova?

Friday, October 8, 2010

Mercedes Benz R-Class Crossover MPV launched in Indiyeah: The Rich man’s Innova?

nitya007's | Friday, October 08, 2010 | Technology |

If you want a Multi Purpose Vehicle like the Toyota Innova but simply don’t like being seen in one because your other drive is a Jaguar XJ as the sun rises and a Porsche 911 Turbo when the sun goes down, taking the entire family out for Friday dinner would be a little iffy, isn’t it? And, you simply hate the big, beefy SUVs with which you’ll never ever traverse across more than, say the potholes of Indian streets. So where does that leave you? At the Mercedes Benz dealer staring at the 2010 R-Class Crossover MPV.

The Toyota Innova for the big moneyed is what the Mercedes Benz R-Class really is and Mercedes Benz just pulled the wraps of the R-Class in a flashy launch today in Mumbai. Amongst other things, this big multi purpose vehicle from the three pointed stars’ stables can seat seven amply sized homo sapiens in Mercedes Benz comfort and when you feel like home hopping, there’s enough room to fill in your living room, literally . That’s pretty much what the Mercedes Benz R-Class is all about, a Toyota Innova the really rich would like to be seen around in.

R Class Top View

Under the bonnet, the long wheelbase Mercedes Benz R-Class MPV has a 3498cc V6 petrol engine pumping out 272 bhp of power and 355 Nm of torque. If it rains a little too heavily and you have slush all around the city, you’d be happy to hear that this big two tonner comes with a full time All Wheel Drive option. This allied with the 7G-Tronic slush box will mean that you can see a sub ten second nought to hundred time with a heady top whack of about 230 Kph. Very respectable figures for a Crossover with seven people aboard. Pocket rockets beware.

But I still don’t get the point. Why this car for India, Mercedes Benz? If all goes well, some wealthy families bored with the usual SUV fare in the market may buy a few samples of the R-Class. The rest of the sales of course should come in from the hospitality sector. India, in my opinion is simply not ready for such cars but you can’t blame Mercedes Benz for trying, can you? You need to shell out INR 58.79 Lakhs ex-showroom, Mumbai, for one of these.

Mercedes Benz R-Class Tech Specs

Technical Specifications R-Class (R 350 L)
No & arrangement of cylinders	V/6
Total Displacement	3498 cc
Rated Output (kW/hp @ rpm)	200 @ 6000
Rated Torque (Nm @ rpm)	350 @ 2400 – 5000
Top Speed (km/h)	230
Acceleration (0-100 km/h, s)	8.3
Compression Ratio	10.7
Tyre size front	255/55 R 18
Tyre size rear	255/55 R 19
Fuel	Petrol
Tank Capacity (l)/including reserve, appro	80/13
Boot capacity (l)		633
Turning circle diameter (m)		12.6
Kerb weight (kg)		2230
Permissible gross vehicle weight (kg)		2880

Mercedes-Benz Press Release
Mercedes-Benz launches the New R-Class in India
Spacious & exceptionally comfortable – Versatility at its best

Conceived to combine all the best characteristics of a luxury sport sedan with the versatility of an SUV, the 5-door design and finely tuned features of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class enable it to seamlessly and simultaneously fill ones needs and desires like no other vehicle. It’s the very definition of a crossover, redefined for 2011.

Priced at Rs. 58.79 lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai), the all new Mercedes-Benz R-Class aims to target the untapped luxury crossover segment in India.

The premium MPV will be available in the Long Wheel Base R350 4MATIC with a 3498cc V6 petrol engine.

Mumbai – Aiming to create a new niche segment in the luxury bracket, Mercedes-Benz India today launched the all new R-class in India. Combining sedan like performance, all-wheel-drive SUV confidence and Mercedes-Benz safety in a luxurious package with first class seating for up to seven, the R-Class practically defies categorization while redefining practicality.
After attaining huge international success, Mercedes-Benz introduced the all New R-Class in the Indian auto market. India is one of the first markets to witness the introduction of the R-Class and will be available in the Long Wheel Base R350 4MATIC which has a 3498cc V6 petrol engine. The car will also come with bi-xenon headlamps, steel spring suspension in front and AIRmatic (Adaptive Intelligent Ride control) system featuring self-levelling air suspension in the rear to aid comfort and improve driving dynamics.
Speaking on this occasion Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director –Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The all new R Class is the latest addition to the successful Mercedes-Benz stable. Like the luxurious and spacious SUVs, the new R-Class treats its occupants to a travelling environment characterised by generous accommodation and highest comfort while ensuring maximum occupant safety. It embodies the passion, performance, design, technology and engineering excellence – values that make us one of the most exciting brands in the world, today. We are assured that this crossover model will be an attractive communication possibility reflecting the fascination and exhilaration of MB products.”
Simply stunning: the design of the R-Class

The new generation R-Class celebrated its world premiere on 31 March 2010 at the New York International Auto Show. India which has emerged strongly in the arena of world-class luxury automobiles is one of the first markets to witness the introduction of this automobile marvel. The R-Class features a new, self-assured appearance, highlighting the unique personality of this versatile vehicle. The overall impression is determined by integrity of design that encapsulates the unique personality of this highly versatile vehicle. The New R-Class seamlessly blends function and style with multi-element headlamps, standard front fog lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips and LED tail lamps.
Engine Specification:
Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, the R350 4MATIC is capable of generating 272 BHP of max power at 6000 RPM and a maximum torque of 350 N/m at 2400 to 5000 RPM making it one of the most powerful engines in its class. With this extra output and performance (top speed 230 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds), the R 350 4MATIC demonstrates the high efficiency of the 4MATIC all wheel drive system. Also, to make sure one enjoys all this power as effortlessly as possible, the R 350 4MATIC is equipped as standard with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission.
A relaxed environment for both longer journeys and everyday use

Thoughtful accommodations and rich appointments define the R-Class experience. With three luxuriously spacious rows of seating, generous legroom and headroom, rich materials, power windows that include flip-open 3rd-row quarter windows, and numerous armrests and storage areas let every passenger enjoy the ride.
The classic interior - which seems even more spacious with the electric sunroof – makes use of new materials and colour combinations to enhance the high-class appeal and quality of this unique luxury tourer. Also, another benefit in the car is in the form of its large, versatile luggage compartment.
Further, the R-class also features an Audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD/DVD changer and a long list of entertainment options such as eight-inch screens for the rear passengers, a DVD player and wireless speakers. Leather interiors, a leather-covered tilt and telescopic steering wheel, three zone automatic climate controls and a choice of high gloss wood trims are also available.
Safety: PRE-SAFE

Mercedes-Benz originated this revolutionary safety system, and it’s still the only manufacturer to offer it standard. A predictive occupant-protection system, PRE-SAFE® acts decisively to prepare for a possible accident, using sensors from two of the active safety systems in the vehicle: Brake Assist and our Electronic Stability Program. If system sensors detect certain vehicle movements that indicate that an accident is possible, PRE-SAFE takes action to help protect the vehicle’s occupants. Reversible electronic tensioners tighten the front seat belts. On vehicles equipped with front-seat memory, PRE-SAFE adjusts the occupied front passenger’s seat to a more favourable position for air-bag and seat-belt effectiveness, as well as both active front head restraints for optimum positioning. In the event of severe skidding, which indicates that a rollover is likely, PRE-SAFE closes the sunroof and side windows.