New models - Mercedes-Benz - R-classR-class range expandsMercedes adds an entry-level diesel to the R-class range, which now offers seven seats27 Sep 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ is about to add a new entry-level diesel variant, an upgraded V8 and, finally, seven seats to its R-class people-mover, which it continues to prefer to call a "sports tourer". Released in Europe recently and to be released here on the opening day of the Sydney motor show (October 11), the expanded R-class wagon range will be headed by the new rear-drive-only, short-wheelbase R280 CDI, priced at $78,900. Like the rest of the revised R-class range from October, the R280 CDI will come as standard with seating for seven, with the current six-seat (2+2+2) cabin layout diteched for a more conventional 2+3+2 seating configuration. The R280 CDI is powered by the lower-spec version of Mercedes' 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, which produces 140kW and 440Nm of torque. Stated combined average fuel consumption is 8.9L/100km. rr It will come standard with Benz's Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system, ESP traction/stability control, eight airbags and Neck-Pro active head restraints, plus full Artico fake leather trim, a six-CD/MP3 player, Thermatic climate-control, 18-inch alloys and AMG body styling. Also from October, buyers of the all-wheel drive R350 and R320 CDI variants can choose between two Luxury packages as standard. Luxury pack one comprises full burr walnut timber trim, leather upholstery and Thermotronic multi-zone luxury climate control, while luxury pack two features front sports seats trimmed in a mixture of Artico and alcantara upholstery, plus sports instrumentation and aluminium sports pedals. Alternatively, customers can reduce the price of both six-cylinder AWD models by $8000 by deleting the luxury package. At the same time, prices for both the 350 and 320 rise by $9000. Powered by a 3.5-litre petrol V6, the revised R350 costs $91,900 (up from $82,900), while R320 CDI (powered by a higher-output version of the R280 CDI's 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel) is priced at $94,900 - up from $85,900. As before, long-wheelbase versions of both variants cost an extra $3000. The R500 R-class flagship, meantime, ditches its aged three-valve 225kW/460Nm 5.0 V8-litre V8 in favour of the new 285kW/530Nm 5.5-litre four-valve version that already powers the S500 limousine, as well as the E500, CLS500 and GL500 SUV. As such, combined average fuel consumption also drops from 13.3 to 12.9L/100km. The upgraded R500L (with long-wheelbase and 4Matic AWD system as standard) also scores bi-Xenon headlights and the choice of two luxury option packs as standard, and costs $124,900 - up from $122,900. The short-wheelbase R500 ($119,900) has been discontinued. Finally, two new options packages have been made available for the R-class. For $4800, the Vision Package is claimed to comrpise more than $7000 of extra features, including bi-Xenon headlights with active light function, cornering lights and washers, a sunroof anda 12-speaker Harman/Kardon Logic7 440-watt surround sound system. Meantime, for $4900, the Premium package is said to equate to $9300 of optional equipment, including Distronic radar cruise control, heated/ventilated Luxury front seats and Keyless-Go starting.
Read more:First drive: Diesel R320 CDI is the pick of the RsFirst drive: Benz R-class will have limited appeal First look: R-class gets AMG muscle Read our drive impressions of the Mercedes-Benz R-class range All new modelsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hyundai HSV Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Pagani Opel Porsche Peugeot Ram Proton Rolls-Royce Renault Saab Rover Smart Skoda Subaru SsangYong Tesla Suzuki Volkswagen Toyota Volvo Motor industry news |
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