R Class

[hawk20]

Where are they built - US or Europe?

Not sure but I think I read somewhere that they are built in the Mclass/GL class plant in the USA.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Yep, US - the Tuscaloosa plant I believe, along with ML and GL

 

[jeremytaylor]

The R class is appealing in many ways. I just think it is a bit too big for European towns roads. Shrink it to 80% and it would be just fine! (Or sell the E-class estate 4-matics over here - rumoured to be happening in the future when the GLK is re-engineered to be RHD).

 

[hawk20]

The R class is appealing in many ways. I just think it is a bit too big for European towns roads. Shrink it to 80% and it would be just fine! (Or sell the E-class estate 4-matics over here - rumoured to be happening in the future when the GLK is re-engineered to be RHD).

Just think about how much space a third row of seats must take (3ft?). There is already a legroom and bootspace problem on the SWB in order to fit in a third row of seats. It is 'only' the same length as the S class.

As for the E class 4 matics and the GLK it is maddening how their design department keep on doing designs with no allowance for the need to do right hand drive.

Will the GLK ever come here? They keep saying 'maybe' and 'probably' but has anyone heard any info re a firm date. Nice if they got their act together before the model becomes extinct!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

As for the E class 4 matics and the GLK it is maddening how their design department keep on doing designs with no allowance for the need to do right hand drive.

Clearly the cost of engineering - even if done from the outset - exceeds the value they will create from selling RHD cars. I don't know, but I suspect it's not the car per se that is restrictive but reusable components that are used.

Will the GLK ever come here? They keep saying 'maybe' and 'probably' but has anyone heard any info re a firm date. Nice if they got their act together before the model becomes extinct!

No firm date but I read in Autocar that it would be the next generation GLK, rather than current generation.

 

[jeremytaylor]

No firm date but I read in Autocar that it would be the next generation GLK, rather than current generation.

Yes, I read that it is the next gen GLK that will be engineered for RHD, and thus the C and E will be able to be offered with 4matic too (same running gear). Few years yet, I'm afraid.

 

[RichardM]

Not sure if anyone saw the latest Autocar magazine? They did a piece on some of the worst cars of the decade and came up with the R class amongst others. Full list below:

1. Renault Vel Satis
2. Fiat Croma
3. Peugeot 1007
4. Maybach 57/62
5. Seat Toledo
6. Vauxhall Signum
7. Dodge Avenger
8. Alfa Romeo Spider
9. Jaguar X-type
10. Fiat Stilo
11. Mercedes-Benz R-class
12. Subaru Tribeca
13. Nissan Primera
14. Peugeot 407 Coupe
15. Renault Avantime
16. Smart Roadster/Smart Coupe

 

[hawk20]

Yes, I read that it is the next gen GLK that will be engineered for RHD, and thus the C and E will be able to be offered with 4matic too (same running gear). Few years yet, I'm afraid.

Meanwhile BMW has the X1 available in 4wd both LHD and RHD as will the soon to arrive new X3. And the 5 series will be available in 4wd. And Honda and Nissan and Audi, and Volvo, and VW and Toyota and many others all manage to make a 4wd system that works in LHD and RHD for smaller 4x4's and for saloons in many cases. But not Mercedes.

 

[timwood2000]

I'm in Canada at the moment and have spotted several GLK's - I have to say that they look really odd, mis-proportioned and not very appealing to look at. And all the ones I have seen have been high spec with big wheels etc

..and yes I know, pot, kettle etc.