A few negatives include a gas cap that didn't fit flush to the body,
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| A trip down the options list can lead to a heart-attack inducing $118,306 R500. AMG versions could tip the $200,000 mark. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
not acceptable in this class, and cheap plastic used to form the panel on the inside of the rear liftgate - its plastics quality is also a little lackluster when poking around the not immediately visible areas throughout the rest of the cabin. What's more, Mercedes-Benz still incorporates archaic manual foot-actuated parking brakes in most of its cars instead of the slick electronic types used by its rivals, plus the brand forgoes one of my favourite new features in standard trim, the "look Ma no-hands" automatic entry and ignition systems, dubbed Keyless Go in Mercedes-speak and costing an extra $1,895, a feature that comes standard on some BMWs and almost all Lexus models. Also, features that are available on minivans that cost much less, such as a power rear liftgate, aren't standard even with the $75,950 R500. And why the heck aren't heated seats standard with the $64,400 R350? Other items that don't come standard that should include Sirius satellite radio, an iPod integration kit, electric pop-out rear windows (base minivans have these), a cargo net, leather and wood trimmed steering
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| The R's side mirrors not only integrate side marker lights for added safety, but also fold in automatically when shutting the car off - necessary to get by its widebody fuselage. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
wheel, and a much needed Parktronic audio-visual parking assistance system. Customers don't appreciate getting the nickel and dime treatment when purchasing a premium car, especially when a loaded R500 will end up setting them back a staggering $118,306 - that's some minivan!
But this ultra-high price begs the question, why is it priced at close to $30K more than the equivalent fully-loaded U.S.-spec R500, even after the exchange rate? You do the math (or use the www.xe.com currency converter like I did). Take the all-options-on price of $78,520 USD, and then multiply it by the current currency rate of $1 CAD = $0.866854 USD, and the R500 sticker stretches to $90,580 and change. Even if you add on an extra $10 grand for any extra costs that Mercedes may incur when equipping it for the Canadian market, although I can't think of any other than a separate crash test, specifically, it still leaves $17,726 on the table (or more accurately in MB Canada's silk-lined pocket). That silk lining is a bit tattered and frayed right now, mind you, so wouldn't it make sense for M-B to align the price with its U.S. division in order to sell more vehicles? And Mercedes isn't alone in gouging Canadians, by the way. Porsche does it, Ferrari, Maserati, and the list goes on. Being that Porsche and Ferrari sells everything it makes before the cars even arrive at the dealership, they can be forgiven, but for Mercedes to make itself less competitive just doesn't make any sense.
Lacking
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| Odd proportions and styling are a bit ahead of Mercedes' time. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
the features of less expensive non-premium brands or not, M-B drivers at least can feel cool. After all, they've got that priceless three-pointed star attached to the grille. But the R's styling? What's up with that? OK, this is one of those "to each his or her own" type of things. Personally, it's the first Mercedes-Benz I've driven that I've actually been a bit embarrassed to be seen in. C'mon, if this isn't a soccer mom's station wagon I don't know what is. Or is it a minivan cum crossover thingy? It's funny though. I drive a lot of soccer mom type vehicles; heck, Jennifer is a soccer mom and I suppose I'm a soccer dad for that matter. I never feel awkward pulling up to the community centre in the driver's seat of an Odyssey, Sienna or Town & Country minivan, or a Chrysler Pacifica or Ford Freestyle CUV, or any number of car-like crossovers. But the R-Class is so, well, odd looking, and so... I can't really put my finger on it. Just how many, "Hey, that thing looks like a hearse," comments I heard during the week would be impossible to number, especially because both the R350 and R500 testers I've had were painted black. Some people will inevitably like how it looks, however, possibly you. So please take my opinion for what it is, merely one person's personal preference.
