R-class What is it?

[glojo]

On another thread it was mentioned that the new R-class will be a refined, or more luxurious ML?

What do other folks think of this new vehicle?

Is it a luxury estate car?

Is it a luxury 4 x 4?

Is it a Sports Utility Vehicle?

Is it a luxury People carrier

I was very seriously thinking of purchasing one, but even before the vehicle is released I am having doubts.

 

[Thmsshaun]

Are Mercedes trying to see if they can have as many models as possible?

Shurely they would make more money concentrating on a few and getting the problems right rather than spending it on development.

Sorry the reply is OT

 

[glojo]

Are mercedes trying to see if they can have as many models as possible?

Shurely they would make more money concentrating on a few and getting the problems right rather than spending it on development.

Sorry the reply is OT

I think it is a very valid point and certainly no need to apologise. I am getting confused as to what the R-class really is and would love to read the opinions of other members.

I would like to see no R-class and an S-class estate built instead, but that is a non starter.

Regards,
John

 

[R2D2]

I add an extra category "we dont know either".

 

[Shude]

It's a sports utility people carrier or something

I see AMG have announced a 503 bhp R63 too!

 

[scumbag]

i think it kind of fits in between the ML's and such like and the less Vaineo or B thingys. in as much as the Volvo XC90 does all the carrying of a 4x4 with all the fuel efficiency too, but also has the offroad capablity of the 4.4 volvo estate and the AUDI allroad job. mind you, a Subaru Forester is better than both them and cheaper.

which means I think its in a class of its own. much like Mercedes then?

dont you just like the way that sounds?

i want my brother to buy one. to replace his defender, that never ever sees the off road at all, ever.

Maybe it goes head to head with the RR sport, which does mostly what the RR does for a couple of grand cheaper. altho that does mostly what a disco does for a couple of grand more.

am off for a drive in the SLK. now is that a coupe, or cabriolet or convertable. is a retractable hard top car mean it isnt a softtop? does the colour moondust actually have any in? why does glue not stick in the tube?

questions questions.

 

[grober]

Its a Grand Sports Tourer

Mercedes call the R class a "Grand Sports Tourer" what ever that means. see http://www.whnet.com/4x4/w251.html Personally I think its another attempt at my SUVs bigger/ cost more/more prestigious than yours. Do you really want a vehicle built by the "good ol boys" in Tuscaloosa Alabama which looks a bit like an unscheduled coupling of an randy S class saloon with a M Class in heat? It will probably be a great success. I should reserve judgement till I see one in the flesh tho.

 

[glojo]

Personally I think its another attempt at my SUVs bigger/ cost more/more prestigious than yours. Do you really want a vehicle built by the "good ol boys" in Tuscaloosa Alabama which looks a bit like an unscheduled coupling of an randy S class saloon with a M Class in heat?

I think there has been some very constructive observations about this new vehicle, some of which are hovering at the back of my mind.

I just find it hard to accept that this vehicle is considered in the same class as the ML or Discovery. I thought the four wheel drive system was solely there for road safety???

American car design has tended to be loved mainly by Americans and it is only the more specialised market that has crept across the Atlantic. I have always enjoyed owning 'larger' cars but these have always been, and it looks like, always will be either British, or European. The more pictures I look at the more this vehicle is to 'in your face' for my personal taste.

It is still possible that we will be won over when this vehicle is released.

John

 

[DC_insider]

The R-Class is designed, primarily, for the US market which is why it seems to be very odd vehicle here.

There are currently 2 very popular segments in the US market - Minivans (MPVs to you or I) and SUVs (4x4s). However, it is thought that demand for these types of cars will decline in the future. Customers are bored of the van style of Minivans and rising fuel costs, poor safety etc are making SUVs less popular.

The R-Class is designed to sit somewhere in between these 2 segments - a 6 seat minivan that looks more like a car than a van and an SUV that isn't as "in your face" as other off-roaders.

I just find it hard to accept that this vehicle is considered in the same class as the ML or Discovery. I thought the four wheel drive system was solely there for road safety???

I think that the R-Class may be pitched in the UK as a 6 seat alternative to the 7 seat Discovery. The yet to be unveiled GL will be a full 7 seater but will be aimed against the Range Rover.

I think that the R-Class could have been made as RWD insted of 4WD but as the majority of cars are expected to be sold in the US it makes sense to assemble the car there - this means sharing a platform with the ML and in order to simplify and reduce costs it retains 4WD.

 

[glojo]

I think that the R-Class could have been made as RWD insted of 4WD but as the majority of cars are expected to be sold in the US it makes sense to assemble the car there - this means sharing a platform with the ML and in order to simplify and reduce costs it retains 4WD.

Thank you very much indeed for the informative, although disheartening reply. I fully understand the reasons for building the R-class in the US and I suppose Mercedes-Benz has already decided that Americans will be the main buyers.

Could you try to persuade Herr Boss to build a one off S-class estate as a design project then I would buy it. (joke)

Take care,
John

 

[scumbag]

Is it a bus?

 

[glojo]

Is it a bus?

Ouch

 

[grober]

OOPS forgot to vote last time. Forgive my somewhat frivolous comments but thats just the thought that popped into my head. It would appear from Wolfgangs site the european market will get a shortened wheelbase version with less seats, so maybe MB are aware of different european sensibilities. There's always the X class in a couple of years http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102231 if a small 4x4 appeals.

 

[glojo]

It would appear from Wolfgangs site the european market will get a shortened wheelbase version with less seats, so maybe MB are aware of different european sensibilities.

Personally I respect people that say what they mean, and mean what they say. What remarks were an honest opinion that I mostly concur with.

Regarding the short wheelbase for Europe then I understand to some extent, but it would be the final nail in my decision. I have asked my dealer if we will get the long wheelbase version, and they have tactfully stated that 'As far as they are aware' we will have the option of both!!!

The more I read about the R, the more I am being turned off. I certainly did not realise it was built on the same platform as the new ML????

In my opinion executive estate cars have a limited market and I am confused as to why they are taking sales from a different model, but....... Executives at Mercedes-Benz are paid mega bucks to make these decisions and they are not in the habit of getting things wrong

The E-class is being replaced in a couple of years time and this might be the alternative option. I am absolutely delighted with our car, it is optioned perfectly, but I would love to spoil 'she that must be obeyed' with something a little better.

Regards,
John

 

[scumbag]

i actually think that Mercedes are inventing a new class of car here. i dont think it will take sales from one area. if you want a 4x4 then you will be an ML if you want a Mercedes that is. but if you want something that sist between executive and off road then this maybe the car for you. your alternatives may be a run of the mill 4x4 or a large exec car.

why make the B Class? only got 5 seats and is bigger than a class, but no better than a C class but less well equipped! i know that was destined for Yankland but they wouldn't sell at a profit so they canned the idea but why bother in the first place? maybe its a choice thing. maybes the top brass said, lets make cars and see which sells. at least they have given it a go.

you could buy a BMW X3 or is it an X5? i dont know.

 

[glojo]

i actually think that Mercedes are inventing a new class of car here. i dont think it will take sales from one area. if you want a 4x4 then you will be an ML if you want a Mercedes that is. but if you want something that sist between executive and off road then this maybe the car for you. your alternatives may be a run of the mill 4x4 or a large exec car.

I understand what your saying and I hope your right. I am a genuine prospective customer and I am voicing my thoughts to hear other opinions. This might be called a new class, or it might be called a mongrel!!! Is it being created from the joining of two classes?

The nitty gritty question is.... Would you buy one? Three or four months ago I would of definitely said yes, but I don't want a 4 x 4, I don't need a 4 x 4. I certainly like the thought of four wheel drive from a safety point of view as per the Quattro. If this vehicle is using the platform of the ML then surely it is a hybrid (mongrel)

Internally I still very much like the vehicle and would buy it in a heart beat. Externally it looks too 'American' which is clearly the market they are after, and something that has always been very clear right from the vehicles conception.

John

 

[Madferrit]

On another thread it was mentioned that the new R-class will be a refined, or more luxurious ML?

I think it wasn't an R Class that was mentioned as a luxury ML but the new GL Class, which is a replacement to the G Class. Doesn't have the off road capabilities as a G Class, but i think its more up market to take on the likes of Range Rover etc, where i guess the ML just falls short.

The R Class to me seems more of a Sports Utility vehicle... not an MPV, and not a Estate E Class.. somewhere in between, with the dogs dangly bits fitted inside.

 

[scumbag]

i dont think the model it is based on should affect the descison to buy or not. its a personal taste. the latest M Class seems to be a decent car and i would think, mechanically it will be sound.

the R will be more dynamic to drive than the m but wont be car-like. you often get people comparing 4x4's with car like qualites. the subaru impreza and Mitsi EVO's are cars with 4x4 added but even the forester is a bit roly in the corners. and i dont care how many people say the X5 is like a car. go drive one. it isnt.

i wouldn't buy one. i have no need. were i to be in a different situation? i still wouldnt buy one. but its personal. i like the CLS you see.

my advice, for what its worth. wait till they come here and see one in the flesh. then have a test drive...then wait a year. then all the gripes will be sorted and you will have convinced yourself its good or bad.

 

[Dieter]

Hi,

Isn't the R-class a 'luxury' people carrier i.e. it's supposed to carry 6 adults in great comfort etc. (more room than S-class?, I don't know?).

So it's built on ML platform but remember ML platform is no longer a ladder frame one , R is lower so should be more stable and 4wd aids stability (in these heavy verhicles etc.).

It's not for me but if you often travel > 4 up then the R- may be preferable to S-, if not stick with M (height) or E (length) etc.

My 60 grands worth

Cheers

PS John. Honours 'even' today

 

[wallingd]

Hmm I think it's a people carrier because it can carry more than 5 people... The 4*4 is there for safety yes. It's not an estate. Woudl you call a Disco an estate? It's a utility vehicle as well because you will have seat-moving-about-and-xyz-ability.

God what a mess .

GL will probably only replace LWB Gs - the SWB soldiers on I believe. Can't get rid of a true 4*4.

It's an alternative to an S. Like an S MPV. Yes that's it...