Two Mercedes R-class minivans coming to Canada

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class (photo : Mercedes-Benz)

The R-Class cockpit features a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with brushed aluminum accents on the lower spokes, an instrument binnacle with large chronometer gauges, and a console with climate control and a modular COMAND unit that integrates audio with the optional navigation and telephone.

The audio system includes AM/FM/weatherband radio and CD, as well as an auxiliary plug for MP3 players.

The new architecture of the R-Class uses power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel independent suspension with double control arms in the front and a new four-link suspension at the rear.

Braking is provided by large four-wheel vented discs and double-piston calipers up front.

The R350 has 17-inch, seven-spoke light-alloy wheels in 235/65R17 tires, and the R500 comes with 18-inch wheels fitted with 255/55R18 tires. Either model can be ordered with an AMG sport package that includes 19-inch wheels and tires.

As for that missing shift lever, Caza explains that ''thanks to the latest electronic control technology, a small stalk on the right side of the steering column now serves the purpose. Shifting the seven-speed automatic will be simpler than ever -- lift the stalk up for reverse, push down for drive, and push a button on the end for park. Once underway, pushing one of the shift buttons on either side of the steering wheel provides Touch Shift manual gear changes.''

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class (photo : Mercedes-Benz)

The new R-Class features unit-body construction with front and rear crumple zones that Caza says helps protect occupants during a collision by absorbing and dispersing crash energy.

More than 60 percent of the body structure is formed from high-strength steel, and its ''dual-phase'' steel alloy even falls into the very-high-strength category, contributing to the protection provided by the passenger cell.

Every body panel in the new R-Class is zinc-galvanized and coated on both sides with rust-preventing zinc pigments, Caza notes. A six-section plastic undercladding provides protection against stones, water and dirt, eliminating the need for any conventional PVC undercoating.

There will be ''many options'' on the R-Class, Caza says, highlighted by a sunroof with nearly 1.5 metres of glass that ''provides an even larger sense of space.''

On the safety front, the new R-Class comes with two-stage adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, window curtain side airbags that span all three rows of seats, and adaptive belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all six seating positions.

Finally, Caza points out that the R-Class also comes with a number of Mercedes-Benz active-safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, four-wheel traction control, and brake assist.

Perhaps Mercedes-Benz will address the quality issue of its products when it announces the prices for the R-Class closer to its on-sale date.
photo:Mercedes-Benz AG