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Mercedes-Benz R-Class

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Mercedes-Benz R
Mercedes-Benz R 350 Grand Edition
Overview
ManufacturerDaimlerChrysler (2004–2007)
Daimler AG (2007–2017)
Model codeW251 (SWB)
V251 (LWB)
Also calledR-Class Grand Sports Tourer
ProductionAugust 2004[1]–September 2017[2][3]
Model years2006–2013 (worldwide); 2014–2017 (China)
AssemblyUnited States: Vance, Alabama (2005–2014);
Mishawaka, Indiana (AM General) (2015–2017)[4]
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size luxury MPV
Body style5-door estate
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive / four-wheel-drive
PlatformMercedes-Benz W251
RelatedMercedes-Benz M-Class
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L M 272 V6
3.0 L M 276 V6
3.5 L M 272 V6
3.5 L M 276 V6
5.0 L M 113 V8
5.5 L M 273 V8
6.2 L M 156 V8
3.0 L OM 642 V6 diesel
Transmission7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
7-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic
Dimensions
WheelbaseSWB: 2,980 mm (117.3 in)
LWB: 3,215 mm (126.6 in)
LengthSWB: 4,922 mm (193.8 in)
LWB: 5,156 mm (203.0 in)
Width2006–2008: 1,922 mm (75.7 in)
2009–2017: 1,958 mm (77.1 in)
HeightSWB (2006–2008): 1,674 mm (65.9 in)
LWB (2009–2017): 1,661 mm (65.4 in)
Curb weight2,130–2,375 kg (4,696–5,236 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorMercedes Benz V-Class

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a mid-size luxury MPV introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 2005 for the 2006 model year. Following the success of the smaller A- and B-Class MPVs, Mercedes in collaboration with coachbuilder Stola presented a concept vehicle, Vision GST (Grand Sports Tourer), at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show[5] and a second one, Vision R presented at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show,[6] subsequently introducing the production version at 2005 New York International Auto Show. The R-Class was manufactured in Vance, Alabama until 2015 when its production was shifted to Mishawaka, Indiana for a smaller volume production until 2017.

The R-Class (W251) shared its platform with the M-Class (W164) and GL-Class (X164) and was available in two wheelbase lengths: standard 2,980 mm (117.3 in) and long 3,215 mm (126.6 in). The R-Class was sold in the United States and Canada in long wheelbase only. The R-Class in both standard and long wheelbases were sold internationally until the end of 2013 with exception of China where R 320 and R 400 with long wheelbase continued to be sold until 2017.

Updates

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2007 changes

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Mercedes-Benz announced in May 2007 that the R-Class model range would be expanded with more engine options and availability of rear-wheel-drive system for selected models in addition to 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. A new smaller 3.0-litre V6 was available in both petrol and diesel versions. The seating options became more flexible, offering five, six, or seven seats. AMG styling option was added to the extensive list of standard and extra-cost options.[7]

  • First facelift R320 CDI L with the AMG Line Package
    First facelift R320 CDI L with the AMG Line Package
  • First facelift R320 CDI L with the AMG Line Package Rear
    First facelift R320 CDI L with the AMG Line Package Rear

2010 changes

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The R-Class received a major update with facelift to the front and rear fascias, grille, side mirrors, and taillights for the model year 2011. The revised model was unveiled at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.[8][9]

At the same time, the new 5.5-litre V8 motor was introduced to R-Class for the first time since the last R-Class with V8 motors, R 500 and R 63 AMG, were withdrawn from the market in 2007.[10] The reintroduced R 500 was not offered in the North American market. The North American market continued with R 350 4MATIC and R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, both in long wheelbase form and with V6 engines only, for 2011 and 2012.

  • 2011–2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class (US)
    2011–2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class (US)
  • 2011–2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Rear
    2011–2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Rear

R 63 AMG 4MATIC

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Mercedes-Benz R 63 AMG 4MATIC
Mercedes-Benz R 63 AMG 4MATIC
Mercedes-Benz R 63 AMG 4MATIC

The AMG version of the W251, R 63 AMG 4MATIC, was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a 2007 model. It featured a handbuilt 6.2-litre M156 E 63 V8 engine producing 375 kW (510 PS; 503 bhp) and 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) of torque. The R 63 AMG was equipped with same engine, seven-speed AMG Speedshift 7G-TRONIC, and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system from ML 63 AMG and GL 63 AMG.[11] The driver can manually select the gears by pressing the upshift and downshift buttons placed behind the steering wheel spokes if desired. No rear-wheel-drive option was offered in R 63 AMG 4MATIC. The top speed is electronically restricted to 250 km/h (155 mph) or 275 km/h (171 mph) with optional extra-charge AMG Driver's Package. Despite its heavy weight, the acceleration was brisk with 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 4.6 seconds.

A high performance version of R-Class wasn't well-received due to its poor handling dynamics, especially with the heavy V8 engine.[12] With 200 units built for the worldwide sale, this model was the rarest of R-Class and amongst the rarest AMG models.[13] Due to extremely low sales and the lack of advertisement, R 63 AMG was withdrawn from the market in 2007, making it a single model year.[14]

Chinese market

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From 2014 to 2017, the long wheelbase R-Class was sold in China only with one engine option in two different power outputs: R 320 4MATIC and R 400 4MATIC.[15] The R-Class enjoyed a steady popularity in China with annual sales between 12,000 and 14,000 units per year.[16] Due to its small sales volume, the production was shifted from Alabama to Indiana where the R-Class for Chinese market was assembled by contract manufacturer AM General from 2015 to 2017.[17][3][4][18]

Technical data

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Powertrains

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The entry with (Long) in parenthesie denotes availability in both standard and long wheelbases. Otherwise, the entry shows the standard wheelbase only. The Long without parentheses denotes long-wheelbase version only. The asterisk next to the figures denotes the long-wheelbase R-Class. The double asterisk denotes the optional extra-cost AMG Driver's Package.

Model Years Configuration Displacement Power Torque 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) Top Speed (km/h) Fuel Consumption/Efficiency (EU-Norm combined)
Petrol engines
R 280 2007–2009 V6 (M272 KE 30) 2996 cc 172 kW (234 PS; 231 bhp) at 5,000 rpm 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 1,300–4,500 rpm 9.6 seconds
9.7 seconds* 		222 km/h (138 mph) 10.9 L/100 km (21.6 mpg‑US)
10.9 L/100 km (21.6 mpg‑US)*
R 300 2009–2013 172 kW (234 PS; 231 bhp) at 5,000 rpm 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 1,300–4,500 rpm 9.6 seconds 222 km/h (138 mph) 11.0 L/100 km (21.4 mpg‑US)
R 320 4MATIC Long
(China only) 		2014–2017 V6 (M 276 DEH 30 LA red.) 200 kW (272 PS; 268 bhp) at 5,000 rpm 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,300–4,500 rpm 7.8 seconds 240 km/h (149 mph) 10.5 L/100 km (22 mpg‑US)
R 350 (Long) 2007—2010
(2008, US) 		V6 (M 272 KE 35) 3498 cc 200 kW (272 PS; 268 bhp) at 6,000 rpm 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 2,400–5,000 rpm 8.1 seconds
8.2 seconds* 		234 km/h (145 mph) 11.3–11.5 L/100 km (20.8–20.5 mpg‑US)
R 350 4MATIC (Long) 2006—2013
(2006–2012, U.S.) 		200 kW (272 PS; 268 bhp) at 6,000 rpm 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 2,400–5,000 rpm 8.3 seconds
8.4 seconds* 		230 km/h (143 mph) 11.6–11.9 L/100 km (20.3–19.8 mpg‑US)
R 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY (Long) 2012–2014 V6 (M 276 DES 35) 225 kW (306 PS; 302 bhp) at 6,500 rpm 370 N⋅m (273 lb⋅ft) at 3,500–5,250 rpm 7.8 seconds
7.9 seconds* 		245 km/h (152 mph) 10.0–10.1 L/100 km (24–23 mpg‑US)
R 400 4MATIC Long
(China only) 		2014–2017 V6 (M 276 DEH 30 LA) 2996 cc 245 kW (333 PS; 329 bhp) at 5,250–6,000 rpm 480 N⋅m (354 lb⋅ft) at 3,600–4,000 rpm 6.7 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph) 10.5 L/100 km (22 mpg‑US)
R 500 4MATIC (Long) 2006–2007
(2006–2007, U.S.) 		V8 (M 113 E 50) 4966 cc 225 kW (306 PS; 302 bhp) at 5,600 rpm 460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft) at 2,700–4,250 rpm 6.9 seconds 245 km/h (152 mph) 13.2 L/100 km (17.8 mpg‑US)
R 500 4MATIC (Long)* 2010–2014 V8 (M 273 KE 55) 5461 cc 285 kW (387 PS; 382 bhp) at 6,000 rpm 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) at 2,800–4,800 rpm 6.1 seconds
6.3 seconds* 		250 km/h (155 mph) 13.2–13.4 L/100 km (17.8–17.6 mpg‑US)
R 63 4MATIC (Long) 2007
(2007, US) 		V8 (M 156 E 63) 6208 cc 375 kW (510 PS; 503 bhp) at 6,800 rpm 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) at 5,200 rpm 5.0 seconds
5.1 seconds* 		250 km/h (155 mph)
275 km/h (171 mph)** 		16.3 L/100 km (14.4 mpg‑US)
Diesel engines
R 280 CDI 4MATIC 2007–2009 V6 (OM 642 DE 30 LA red.) 2987 cc 140 kW (190 PS; 188 bhp) at 4,000 rpm 440 N⋅m (325 lb⋅ft) at 1,400–2,800 rpm 9.8 seconds 210 km/h (130 mph) 9.3 L/100 km (25 mpg‑US)
R 280 CDI (Long) 9.7 seconds
9.8 seconds* 		210 km/h (130 mph) 9.0 L/100 km (26 mpg‑US)
R 300 CDI 4MATIC 2009–2010 9.8 seconds 210 km/h (130 mph) 9.3–9.5 L/100 km (25–25 mpg‑US)
R 300 CDI BlueEfficiency (Long) 2009–2012 9.5 seconds
9.8 seconds* 		215 km/h (134 mph)
210 km/h (130 mph)* 		7.6–7.8 L/100 km (31–30 mpg‑US)
8.6 L/100 km (27 mpg‑US)*
R 320 CDI (Long) 2006–2009 V6 (OM 642 DE 30 LA) 165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp) at 3,800 rpm 510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–2,400 rpm 8.7 seconds
8.8 seconds* 		222 km/h (138 mph) 8.7 L/100 km (27 mpg‑US)
8.8 L/100 km (27 mpg‑US)*
R 320 CDI 4MATIC (Long) 2006–2009
(2007–2009, U.S.) 		8.7 seconds
8.8 seconds* 		222 km/h (138 mph) 8.7 L/100 km (27 mpg‑US)
8.8 L/100 km (27 mpg‑US)*
R 350 BlueTec 4MATIC Long 2009–2012
(2010–2012, U.S.) 		155 kW (211 PS; 208 bhp) at 3,400 rpm 540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–2,400 rpm 8.9 seconds 220 km/h (137 mph) 8.4–8.5 L/100 km (28–28 mpg‑US)
R 350 CDI 4MATIC (Long) 2009–2010 165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp) at 3,800 rpm 510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–2,400 rpm 8.7 seconds
8.8 seconds* 		222 km/h (138 mph) 8.5 L/100 km (28 mpg‑US)
2010–2012 V6 (OM 642 LS DE 30 LA) 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) at 3,800 rpm 620 N⋅m (457 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–2,400 rpm 7.6 seconds 235 km/h (146 mph)
  • R 500 was sold with 5.5L in the U.S., Canada as the R 550.

Transmissions

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All models except for R 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, R 400 4MATIC, R 300 CDI BlueEfficiency, and R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC use seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmissions. The latter four models use seven-speed 7G-TRONIC plus automatic transmission.

Safety and security

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Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz V251
Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz R350
Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz W251 Rear

The R-Class scored "Good" in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) front crash test but "Acceptable" in the side impact crash test due to the excessive load against the dummy's torso.[19][20] After modifying the seatbelts and interior door trim for the 2009 model year, the IIHS rated the R-class "Good" overall in side impacts allowing the R-Class to receive the Top Safety Pick award.[21]

In the United Kingdom, Thatcham Research's New Car Whiplash Ratings (NCWR) tested the R-Class and awarded it the top "Good" rating overall for its ability to protect occupants against whiplash injuries.[22] Thatcham Research's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) awarded R-Class with five out of five stars for vehicular theft deterrent and four out of five stars for breaking-in deterrent.[23]

Sales

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Mercedes targeted 50,000 sales per year, half of those for the North American market. While the initial strong sales of first two model years, 2006 and 2007, the sales fell in 2008 following the recession, reaching less than ten percent of ML-Class sales.[24][25] Sales continued downward, and R-Class was discontinued in 2012 for the North American market and in 2013 for Europe and other markets — with exception of China where R-Class enjoyed popularity. Mercedes-Benz Metris introduced in 2014 is considered a successor to the R-Class for the North American market.

In Germany, the limited engine choices and lack of available rear-wheel-drive option at the launch led to slow sales with almost 4,500 units sold in 2006. The sales decline followed for a few years despite adding more engine choices and rear-wheel-drive option. The 2011 mid-cycle refresh increased the sales to almost 2,500 before dropping to less than 500 units for the final model year, 2013.[citation needed]

Calendar year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
US sales[26] 4,959 18,168 13,031 7,733 2,825 2,937 2,385 1,636 30 8 4
Germany sales 159 4,449 3,967 3,065 1,529 1,679 2,161 1,242 429
Europe sales[27] 226 11,740 10,735 7,960 4,042 3,507 4,422 2,607 1,133 29 8 3

The cause of its poor sales performance is hard to attribute, considering a multitude of possible reasons. One is the confusing marketing of what the R-Class is: Mercedes-Benz tried to persuade customers that the R-Class represented a new category of luxury passenger vehicle with the attribution of station wagon/estate, crossover, SUV, and van rolled into one.[28] Additionally, Mercedes-Benz initially marketed the R-Class as a "Sports Cruiser" and later as a "Family Tourer".[29] It also suffered from the "image problem" caused by the ill-fated Chrysler Pacifica that looked too similar to the R-Class and was similarly sized despite the R-Class having more luxury features and a better managed launch. The Chrysler Division of its parent company, DaimlerChrysler, had introduced the Pacifica two years prior to the R-Class, and the Pacifica was plagued with production and quality issues as well as poor marketing and few engine choices. Secondly, the customer preference had shifted away from MPV minivans and vans to CUV's and SUV's during the late 2000s and most of the 2010s. Thirdly, the Great Recession of 2008-2009 greatly impacted automotive sales and consumer confidence along with a strong increase in fuel prices, making the R-Class less desirable due to its higher fuel consumption.

The mid-cycle refresh didn't help with sales at all despite an updated fascia appearance more in line with the M-Class and GL-Class and a better interior.

References

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  1. ^ "R 320 CDI 4MATIC / W 251 DE 30 LA 4-M, 2005 - 2010". mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  2. ^ "About Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI)". Orion International. Retrieved 31 August 2014.
  3. ^ a b Baumann, Uli (27 July 2017). "Abschied von der Mercedes R-Klasse Produktion endgültig eingestellt". auto motor und sport (in German).
  4. ^ a b Naughton, Nora (11 August 2015). "Mercedes R class production launched at AM General". Automotive News.
  5. ^ "STUDIOTORINO - 012 Vision GST". studiotorino.com. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  6. ^ "STUDIOTORINO - 013 R CLASS". studiotorino.com. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  7. ^ "The Unofficial Mercedes-Benz Weblog". eMercedesBenz. 10 May 2007. Archived from the original on 2017-02-01. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  8. ^ Bowman, Zach. "First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is better by a nose". Autoblog. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
  9. ^ Ewing, Steven J. (28 March 2010). "Brawnier 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class leaked ahead of New York debut". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  10. ^ Jordan, Markus (15 September 2010). "Die neue Generation der R-Klasse: ab 18.09. beim Händler". Mercedes-Benz Passion (in German).
  11. ^ Simona (4 August 2006). "2007 Mercedes-Benz R 63 AMG 4MATIC". Top Speed.
  12. ^ "2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Reviews". Autoblog.com.
  13. ^ Kinton, Will (21 September 2016). "The Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG Was the Rare, V8-Powered Minivan of Our Dreams". Auto Trader.
  14. ^ Quiroga, Tony (1 November 2006). "2007 Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG". Car and Driver.
  15. ^ "R-Class". Mercedes-Benz China. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  16. ^ Ramey, Jim (18 June 2015). "Could the Mercedes R-class return?". Autoweek.
  17. ^ "Commercial: Offering advantages that affect your bottom line, and ours: experience, scalability, cost-consciousness, and location". AM General. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  18. ^ Williams, Marcus (12 August 2015). "AM General begins contract production". AutomotiveLogistics.
  19. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Mercedes R class". Iihs.org. 2009-11-18. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  20. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Mercedes R class". Iihs.org. 2009-05-04. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  21. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Mercedes R class". Iihs.org. Archived from the original on 7 April 2010. Retrieved 25 June 2010.
  22. ^ "Safety | New Car Whiplash Ratings | Car Search | Thatcham MIRRC". Thatcham.org. Archived from the original on 2011-07-28. Retrieved 2011-08-02.
  23. ^ "New Vehicle Security Ratings | Car Search | Car Results | Thatcham MIRRC". Thatcham.org. Archived from the original on 2011-08-02. Retrieved 2011-08-02.
  24. ^ "Mercedes-Benz Posts Highest Sales Month for the Year With 20,025 Vehicles Sold in December". Prnewswire.com. 5 January 2010.
  25. ^ "Highest Sales Month for the Year at 21,469 Brings Mercedes-Benz to an 18 Percent Increase for 2010". Prnewswire.com. 4 January 2011.
  26. ^ "Mercedes R-Class – US – By Year". Retrieved 3 November 2019.
  27. ^ "Mercedes-Benz R-Class". Retrieved 3 November 2019.
  28. ^ Bowman, Zach (16 January 2010). "First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is better by a nose". Autoblog.
  29. ^ "Mercedes-Benz Canada from waybackmachine". Archived from the original on 2010-01-03. Retrieved 2012-02-23.
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