If Merc did S Class estates......

[st4]

An S class is a luxury car, not a work horse unlike an E class. To keep the S as the premier luxury car is is quite right that it isn't offered in esate form, an estate would deminish this luxury as more noise would enter the cabin (especially around the rear wheels). The image of luzury comes in a saloon package, not an estate. Estates are practical things for doing practical and rugged things. An S class is neither these.

In an E the increase in noise is acceptable, in an S not so good, plus the idea of going to the tip in a car as well apppointed as an S doesn't feel "right".

if I needed more boot space than a S211 could offer, I'd hire a van.

 

[Adam230K]

Isn't the R-Class an S-class estate? Just like the 'CLC-Class' is a C-class coupe?

/begin rant

I do wish mercedes would stop making idiotic classifications and just keep it like audi and bmw do. ie. CL should just be an S-class coupe, CLK should be the c-class coupe and they scrap the actual c-class coupe cuz it looks crap, and i could go on and on... A class.. B class etc etc..!

/end rant

 

[st4]

I agree with Adam here but the R class is based on the ML/GL and really isn't comparible to an S class. Its a niche product, more MBs idea of an MPV and another type of "Work horse".

 

[alanuk400]

Like these!

Alan

 

[glojo]

Isn't the R-Class an S-class estate? Just like the 'CLC-Class' is a C-class coupe?

Nooooo

Definitely, definitely 100% NO...

Snob mode

The R-class is no doubt very nice but to me it is an American designed vehicle built for an American market. I have no idea what an R-class is, but a Mercedes-Benz estate it is not

Before this vehicle hit the UK shores I was tempted to buy one as it seemed to be the

S-class estate

But as soon as the demonstrator landed on our driveway, the bubble burst and I was hugely disappointed. To me it is just not a Mercedes-Benz.

The GL is another vehicle that I cannot get my head around. If I wanted a luxury 4x4 then I would get a V8 diesel Range Rover... The GL is a nice vehicle, but sitting inside a top of the range Range Rover just has more presence

End of snob mode

 

[hawk20]

Personally I think the GL is way better than a Range Rover.

As for the R class, it could be rescued and made into a sort of S class estate come hybrid 4x4 crossover. All they need to do is move the front seats back to give normal MB legroom. Move the middle seats back to give normal MB legroom. Fit a proper bench seat in the back like an E class. Scrap the forward facing third row of seats which make cramping up the front two rows necessary.

Then spec it out like an S class. At the moment everything is extra on an R class (Command, Bi-Xenon. leather seats, etc etc.). It rides beautifully and can have the Airmatic suspension like an S. It has the same power plant and gearbox as an S. But it would be pretty pricey -even more than now.

 

[Druk]

Like these!

Alan

Me want one of these. Betcha they cost an arm anda............

 

[219]

How about these ?

 

[219]

My copy of Mercedes-Benz Classic just dropped through the letterbox today . Besides an excellent buyers guide to the W126 series , there was an article on the W140 estate that might have been , built by Binz . Here are a couple of photos to whet your appetite - I've purposefully downsized them and reduced resolution - if you want to see them in their full glory , you'll have to buy the magazine - either through your dealership or by joining the MBOC .

 

[Bear]

I know Erich quite well and have seen this in the flesh and it's cavernous inside.

 

[hawk20]

Sat in a GL last week and it really is a wonderfully luxurious 4wd estate. Has airmatic suspension like an S class, great seats, COMAND standard, same engines as the S class and far more room than a Range Rover.

And it may look big but it is actually very close in length to the S class.

 

[st4]

Sat in a GL last week and it really is a wonderfully luxurious 4wd estate. Has airmatic suspension like an S class, great seats, COMAND standard, same engines as the S class and far more room than a Range Rover.

And it may look big but it is actually very close in length to the S class.

I always thought there were a bit plasticy inside, especially for a £50k motor. Can't argue with the roominess etc but always thought the 211 is much more nicely appointed, and a 221 a real cut above a 211

 

[Mactech]

Took the ML for a 700 mile round trip to Anglesey last week and it does a reasonable impression of a S Class estate. It is not quite so 'Gentlemens Club' on the inside but the ride and comfort levels with Airmatic are very close to S levels.
Had to pick up some people from Caernarfon Airport (yes there is one!) and five up with stacks of baggage was no problem.
I really enjoyed my drive home on the deserted A458. The ML is no sports car, but the elevated driving position allowed a great view of the Welsh countryside and it even gave me 38mpg on my outward leg.
I might just be borrowing it from my better half more often

 

[renault12ts]

Not an S Class but interesting from 2006 thread:

 

[Shude]

Not wishing to dredge up old threads but courtesy of a much older thread:

My previous "artist's impression" pics of an s221; s-class estate

 

[The Boss]

Like these!

Alan

I rather like the green station wagon.. nice nice

 

[blondebier]

The W140 estate that pontoneer posted is huge! Look at the load space in there...

Be a bit of a pig to find a parking space long enough at the supermarket.

 

[The Boss]

looks quite sporty for an estate - i like it

 

[The Boss]

Isn't the R-Class an S-class estate? Just like the 'CLC-Class' is a C-class coupe?

/begin rant

I do wish mercedes would stop making idiotic classifications and just keep it like audi and bmw do. ie. CL should just be an S-class coupe, CLK should be the c-class coupe and they scrap the actual c-class coupe cuz it looks crap, and i could go on and on... A class.. B class etc etc..!

/end rant

TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU MATE

THE BRAND HAS BECOME SO DILUTED, IT HURTS SOMETIMES WHEN I SAY I OWN A BENZ.. or two...

Lost prestige, lost brand...

 

[hawk20]

TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU MATE

THE BRAND HAS BECOME SO DILUTED, IT HURTS SOMETIMES WHEN I SAY I OWN A BENZ.. or two...

Lost prestige, lost brand...

If you want to go back to being a small exclusive brand, then you must accept the prices that go with that policy.

Can anyone give us 1970 or 1980 prices for MBs adjusted for inflation?

Few will like the answer.