Mercedes gives facelift to R-Class

Mercedes-Benz has restyled the R-Class with a modified front and rear-end design that will be available in European showrooms by autumn this year, according to the car maker. For the first time, the SUV Tourer features a second row of seats for three people, giving a total of five seats and a larger load compartment.

From the exterior the facelifted SUV Tourer is distinguishable by circular fog lamps and 18-inch light-alloy wheels for all V6 versions. The top-of-the-range R 500 4MATIC is fitted with 19-inch wheels.

The engine line-up is augmented by the new V6 petrol powerplant in the R 280. The unit develops 170 kW/231 hp. Consumption is listed at 10.9 litres per 100 km.

The R 280 CDI 4MATIC, fitted with a latest-generation common-rail diesel engine has an output of 140 kW/190 hp. With a peak torque of 440 Nm, the V6 requires 9.3 litres of diesel per 100 km.

The R 500 4MATIC model also features a new engine, the 5.5-litre V8 developing 285 kW/388 hp and a peak torque of 530 Nm. The flagship V8 engine develops 82 hp more than the previous model, while fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 7 per cent. The R 500 4MATIC sells for 70,000 euros (95,000 dollars) in Germany.

All R-Class models are specified with the G-TRONIC automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever on the steering column.

Mercedes-Benz now offers three new entry-level R-Class models - the R 280 CDI, the R 280 and the R 350 - all of which are V6 versions with rear-wheel drive and a choice of a short or long wheelbase. The most fuel-efficient R-Class is now the R 280 CDI which consumes 8.9 litres of diesel per 100 km. It sells for 47,421 euros in Germany.

All five-seater and 4+2-seater model variants are equipped with steel suspension, while air suspension with level control is available as an optional extra for the rear axle. All 5+2-seater variants and the flagship R 500 4MATIC model have air suspension with level control fitted as standard at the rear. AIRMATIC air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is available as an optional extra for all versions.