Like we reported last month, Mercedes Benz India has launched a luxury MPV, the R-class for Rs 58.7 lakhs Ex-Showroom Mumbai. The MPV sports a similar face that would not look out of sync with its stable-mates. The R-class launched in India is the R350 4MATIC that sports a 3.5L V6 engine and all wheel drive. The R-class faces virtually no competition in India and the only ones that come close are the Q7 and Mercedes’ own M-class and GL-class. The R-class that is launched in India is actually the facelifted model that went on sale Internationally just months back. Mercedes are so happy to market the R-class as the ‘Royal’ Class in India.
Hit the jump for more details and high resolution images,
Also Read :
Mercedes to launch R-class MPV in India; 10 hi-res images Aug 2010
Mercedes Benz’s latest launch : E-class cabriolet at Rs 64.5 lakhs Aug 2010
Mercedes Benz launches supercar SLS AMG in India Jul 2010
Mercedes launches the stunning E-class coupe at Rs 54.83 lakhs Apr 2010
The R-class available in India is the long wheelbase model and it definitely is no slouch – power is 272bhp @ 6000rpm and it produces a massive 37.5kgm of torque at 2400rpm. What this means is that the R-class can embarrass several sedans by hitting 100km/h in just 8.4sec on to a top speed of 230km/h. Power is channeled via Merc’s 7G tronic transmission with paddles on the steering wheel. Those figures are unlikely to be replicated in real life by customers as the R-class will invariably be driven by a chauffer. For back seat customers, there is the self-leveling AIRmatic adaptive air suspension to keep themselves as comfortable as it can get. Front suspension are however steel springs.
Move on to the interiors and there is nothing that comes close in terms of comfort in India at least. Like we see on the Jazz, the R-class makes efficient use of space and features several seating combinations and the third row comfort is rated to be higher than the GL! If you wish to move some goods, then the seats fold flat opening up to 2,285 litres of space. For a car of this price, interiors come draped in contrasting two tone leather with a choice of high gloss wood trim. You also get Merc’s Command system with an in-dash six-disc CD/DVD changer and an incredibly long list of entertainment options such as eight-inch screens for the rear passengers, a DVD player and wireless headphones.
There are only two things that would prevent one from buying an R-class and those are – The high price and lack of a diesel option. Will the brilliance of the R-class make up for that, especially when you can get an Audi Q7 and a Porsche Cayenne at that price?
hey there you have got a very good collection of pics.
Posted by Benz r fan | January 18, 2011, 12:51 pm