Mercedes-Benz R-Class Showcases Efficiency and Versatility
07/01/2009
Mercedes-Benz
The innovative Mercedes-Benz R-Class crossover boasts the perfect vehicle for today's world - the fuel-sipping R350 BlueTEC diesel, which features AdBlue exhaust treatment that helps the diesel meet the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.
For the 2010 model year, all R-Class models are fitted with a steering wheel covered in premium leather and a new monitoring system that shows individual tire pressures. In addition, the R350 BlueTEC comes with standard chrome trim, while its gasoline-powered sibling - the all-wheel-drive R350 4MATIC - receives larger 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels and privacy glass. New options for 2010 include an automatic tilting passenger-side mirror for parking; seven-place seating as a stand-alone option and a Sport Appearance package with first-row blue-tinted glass, darkened taillight lenses and five-spoke 20-inch AMG wheels.
R350 BlueTEC Diesel Boasts 500-Mile Cruising Range
The R350 BlueTEC is changing consumers' dated perceptions about diesel engines - it gets surprisingly good performance and extremely low exhaust emissions, in the process of delivering more than 20 percent better fuel economy. The roomy vehicle also boasts impressive cruising range - more than 500 miles at highway speeds, without sacrificing power. In addition, V8-like pulling power makes the R350 BlueTEC ideal for towing when equipped with an optional 3,500-pound, Class II trailer hitch.
BlueTEC - A Modular Technology
BlueTEC is a modular system that includes an oxidation catalyst and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions - the last type of exhaust gas that's higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines.
The BlueTEC diesels use a NOx storage converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions. The AdBlue system injects an aqueous carbamide solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR converter.
Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides. On average, only a quart of AdBlue is needed for every 600 miles driven, so its tank only needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during normal preventive maintenance.
In Command with the COMAND System
The R-Class cockpit features a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with brushed aluminum accents on the lower spokes. The instrument cluster is designed with large chronometer gauges, and the console houses climate control and a COMAND system featuring a large 6.5-inch display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD/DVD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car's audio system. It can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface, Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, and an enhanced voice control system.
The COMAND system can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or SD memory card. The system can also display maps and directions for the optional hard-drive navigation system, which can be set up with Sirius real-time traffic and Zagat restaurant ratings as well. The R-Class can be equipped with an optional rear-seat entertainment system that includes an integrated DVD player with dual-source capability, two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones, and wireless remote controls.
PRE-SAFE(R) Gives The R-Class Reflexes to Protect Occupants
Standard on all R-Class vehicles, PRE-SAFE(R) is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact. The PRE-SAFE system automatically tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact, and the front passenger seat moves to a position that can provide better protection. Side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.
An Automotive Decathelete
The R-Class crossover was launched in 2005 as an entirely new type of Mercedes-Benz that combines the defining advantages of several distinct vehicles - the sure-footedness of a four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle, the performance and comfort of a sports sedan and the versatility of a luxury wagon.
With a sharp focus on design, comfort, space and performance, the R-Class is designed as a spacious, roomy vehicle with space for up to seven adults. Its standard sunroof or an optional Panorama sunroof further contributes to its openness.
In comparison to other Mercedes-Benz models, the R-Class is about the same length as the flagship S-Class sedan. As an indicator of comfort and roominess, cabin space in the R-Class represents 65 percent of its total volume, and there's up to 40 inches between the first and second seat rows, with more than 30 inches between the second and third rows.
The R-Class allows occupants to create their own sense of space with features such as reading lights, armrests, air vents and cup holders as well as seat adjustments for each seat and two separate-source audio plugs. This individualization is further enhanced with the optional MP3 media interface and dual-screen video entertainment system.
A Unibody Chassis Worthy of a Sports Sedan
The R-Class boasts a strong unibody platform and four-wheel independent suspension with double control arms in the front and four-link air suspension at the rear. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering delivers impressive on-road driving performance and comfort, and ample braking is provided by large four-wheel disc brakes, with vented discs and double-piston calipers up front.
The Mercedes-Benz Alabama Plant
Along with the M-Class and GL-Class, the R-Class is produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which began production in 1997 with the first-generation M-Class. Since 2001, more than $600 million has been invested to expand the facility for production of the three SUV lines.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.