The daunting taskAlways with the intent to please, car buyers are faced with a barrage of new cars in new segments. Every manufacturer wants a larger piece of the market-share pie. The trick to doing so is by offering a seemingly endless variety of models. Even niche builders such as Mercedes-Benz has
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
jumped on the bus. Where they used to be satisfied with sedans, wagon and an Army truck, they now have 14 distinct models including 3 SUVs and 2 crossovers. One of the newest additions to the Benz family tree is the R-Class.
Ideal for 4 on a long tripThis very large vehicle is intended to basically replace the sedan, wagon and SUV in your driveway. Mercedes-Benz once again plunged into their inventory and used the all-new M-Class' platform, stretched it both length and width-wise to support the huge body of the R. With an increase in
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
dimension, the outside is not only larger but the occupant quarters have also grown in size, especially where the second row of seats is concerned. Although there are seats for 6 passengers, the R is the definition of the perfect road trip machine for four. With the third row down, there is tons of room for umpteen bags and gear. As the first 2 rows are nearly limousine-like in room, I cannot imagine that anyone could find something to complain about comfort-wise.
The cabin is, as you may have guessed, roomy and easy to get in and out of. The driving position resembles that of a minivan more than any car. This allows for a commanding view of the road. The interior materials are top-drawer stuff and may not be criticized. The same can be said for the suede (MB-Tex)-leather seats that not only look good but are grippier than regular full-leather buckets. The dashboard is well thought-out and functional. The soft-touch materials are classy and well assembled.
Covering terrain |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
The big Merc gobbles up kilometres with ease in cosseting comfort and serenity. The 268 hp 3.5L V6 is no slouch when it comes to lugging the 2,225 kg family hauler around. Transmissions have always been the key to putting the power down and little work with as much precision as Mercedes-Benz's 7-speed automatic with Direct Select. The gears are managed with fluidity regardless of the pressure applied to the Go pedal. The two Direct Select shifter control buttons, located behind the steering wheel, can both control the up-shift or downshift. Although they work fine, their double action somewhat ruins
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
the sporty driving experience. Together, the engine and slushbox prove to be a wise duo with agreeable
fuel consumption numbers. I managed an average of 12,5L per 100 km during my test. Even though the 5.0L V8 can drastically increase performances, the fuel sipping numbers would suffer consequently.
In the chassis and suspension department, the R's fully independent suspension controls body movements as long as they do not consist of rapid weight transfers. The Sport Tourer, as Mercedes-Benz calls it, firmly grips the tarmac thanks, in part, to the enormous 19" wheels shod with P255/50R19 Continental tires. The rack and pinion steering supplies little feedback however it always keeps going in the direction that you point the R at. The large disc brakes straightforwardly manage the vehicle's momentum when needed.
