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Full Gallery : The new-generation Mercedes-Benz R-Class

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Khatir Soltani
Two-tone interior appointments are a new addition to the range: this is where the base colour almond beige can be combined with the contrasting shade of mocha brown. Alternatively, the base colour alpaca grey combined with contrasting dark basalt grey is also available. Both colour combinations are used on the dashboard, steering wheel, centre console, seats, door linings and floor coverings. When choosing ARTICO or leather appointments at the same time, the piping is finished in a contrasting colour. The AMG Interior Sports package includes single-tone black nappa leather appointments as standard. As alternatives to the aluminium trim with a dark longitudinal grain or the chrome trim in silver shadow, it is also possible to order luxurious wood trims in high-gloss brown eucalyptus, high-gloss brown burred walnut or high-gloss anthracite poplar.

Model range: the R-Class with a personal touch

The nine basic variants already provide plenty of opportunity to select an R Class to suit specific individual requirements. All models boast numerous features as standard which help to make travelling both on long journeys as well as on short urban trips even safer and more relaxed. These features include the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, a complete restraint system with eight airbags, crash-active NECK-PRO head restraints, a tyre pressure loss warning system and adaptive brake lights. Safety is also enhanced thanks to high-performance telematic systems such as the Audio 20, Audio 50 APS or COMAND APS with an extremely user-friendly interface.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

The THERMATIC automatic climate control system is fitted with a combination filter to further reduce pollutants which may be contained in the outside air entering the vehicle. As an optional extra, a THERMOTRONIC system providing separate rear air conditioning is available to meet all interior air conditioning requirements. The spacious glove compartment now comes with an AUX-IN connection for external audio or entertainment devices. Connection options can also be extended further with an optional Media Interface (UCI).

To complement the extensive standard equipment, the R-Class provides a variety of assistant systems which push ride comfort and safety to the highest level and underpin the vehicle's leading position in this market segment. These include DISTRONIC proximity control, AIRMATIC air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS), or Blind Spot Assist, which can make changing lanes significantly safer. The modern LINGUATRONIC voice control system makes using the telematics systems even easier and more convenient, while a reversing camera provides for smooth, easy parking or manoeuvring in blind spots. As soon as the driver engages "R" gear, the image from the camera is shown on the high-resolution COMAND APS display. Rear passengers, meanwhile, can enjoy their own entertainment programme thanks to the rear seat entertainment system. Seat heating can also be ordered for the second row of seats to increase comfort even further in winter.

Valuation: surveys confirm high resale expectations
Experience shows that Mercedes-Benz models are among the most stable on the market in terms of value retention, and they therefore offer a significant financial advantage. This was confirmed once again last year by a neutral third-party when the German specialist magazine "Auto Bild" selected the "2010 Value Champions" in different vehicle categories based on surveys conducted by Saarbrücken-based market research institute Bähr & Fess Forecast. The "Value Champion" among MPVs, the R 300 CDI, emerged at the head of the field in this market segment, and according to the forecasts would retain a value of 47.5 percent after four years. The R Class already held this leading position in an expert analysis of residual values last year.


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada