Super tourer gains all-wheel drive
Lake Placid, NY - I've said it before and I'll say it again: "If you have to drive a minivan, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is the minivan to drive." Of course, the manufacturer won't appreciate the R being called a "minivan" - they prefer the term "sports tourer" - but when you strip away all the branding, this is a prototypical people mover.
For the 2007 model year, two new R-Class vehicles join the R 350 and R 500 in the line-up: the monstrous R 63 AMG and the frugal R 320 CDI. At the recent "100 Years of All-Wheel Drive" event in Lake Placid, journalists had the opportunity to test out the latter vehicle as it was equipped with Mercedes' 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system.
The weather didn't co-operate in terms of providing the R 320 CDI 4MATIC with much of a challenge; the roads from Albany to Lake Placid were, for the most part, bone dry. Still, the drive route, on a combination of freeways and picturesque country roads, did offer the chance to sample the Mercedes' diesel powerplant and significant level of grip.
Early impression: At one point, while following a colleague in a new Mercedes-Benz S 550 4MATIC at a healthy clip, it was surprising at how easily the R 320 kept pace. Even more surprising was how flat the vehicle cornered at relatively high speeds. Clearly, the R Class was engineered to offer autobahn-style motoring for the extended family.
Also noteworthy: Typical of a diesel engine, the 3.0-litre V6 nestled in the engine bay of the R 320 CDI has an abundance of torque; specifically 398 lb.-ft., which arrives between 1800 and 2800 rpm. Impressive. Yet, at 2295 kg, plus approximately 105 kg for the 4MATIC system, this R is a hefty ride. And the penalty is in the acceleration.
Mercedes rates the base R 320 CDI as traveling from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, just a shade slower than the R 350. The 4MATIC version is even slower, although by how much is not certain at this time. One thing for sure: Merging into highway traffic from a stop was not a comforting experience. Foot to the floor, even with no fewer than 7 speeds at the ready, this R could have definitely used more oomph.
Lake Placid, NY - I've said it before and I'll say it again: "If you have to drive a minivan, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is the minivan to drive." Of course, the manufacturer won't appreciate the R being called a "minivan" - they prefer the term "sports tourer" - but when you strip away all the branding, this is a prototypical people mover.
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| The R-Class could be described as a gilded minivan. |
For the 2007 model year, two new R-Class vehicles join the R 350 and R 500 in the line-up: the monstrous R 63 AMG and the frugal R 320 CDI. At the recent "100 Years of All-Wheel Drive" event in Lake Placid, journalists had the opportunity to test out the latter vehicle as it was equipped with Mercedes' 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system.
The weather didn't co-operate in terms of providing the R 320 CDI 4MATIC with much of a challenge; the roads from Albany to Lake Placid were, for the most part, bone dry. Still, the drive route, on a combination of freeways and picturesque country roads, did offer the chance to sample the Mercedes' diesel powerplant and significant level of grip.
Early impression: At one point, while following a colleague in a new Mercedes-Benz S 550 4MATIC at a healthy clip, it was surprising at how easily the R 320 kept pace. Even more surprising was how flat the vehicle cornered at relatively high speeds. Clearly, the R Class was engineered to offer autobahn-style motoring for the extended family.
Also noteworthy: Typical of a diesel engine, the 3.0-litre V6 nestled in the engine bay of the R 320 CDI has an abundance of torque; specifically 398 lb.-ft., which arrives between 1800 and 2800 rpm. Impressive. Yet, at 2295 kg, plus approximately 105 kg for the 4MATIC system, this R is a hefty ride. And the penalty is in the acceleration.
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| Every model is equipped with the 4MATIC full-time all-wheel drive system. |
Mercedes rates the base R 320 CDI as traveling from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, just a shade slower than the R 350. The 4MATIC version is even slower, although by how much is not certain at this time. One thing for sure: Merging into highway traffic from a stop was not a comforting experience. Foot to the floor, even with no fewer than 7 speeds at the ready, this R could have definitely used more oomph.