The R-Class - Opposites have never been reconciled more attractively The new R-Class, the Grand Sports Tourer from Mercedes-Benz, reaffirms the role of Mercedes-Benz as the visionary and trendsetter amongst automotive brands. The unprecedented vehicle concept takes the acknowledged strengths of established vehicle categories, such as sporty saloon, estate, MPV and SUV, and fuses them to create a new car with a character all of its own, a car that is all about the three Ds: Design, Dimensions and Dynamism. The concept of the Grand Sports Tourer caters to the needs of modern-minded people looking for a car that offers tremendous versatility combined with athletic performance. Quite apart from boasting ample spaciousness, exemplary standards of safety and impeccable comfort for up to six passengers, the R-Class also enthrals with its beguiling style, prestigious flair and, last but by no means least, its dynamism out on the road. The design provides a visual expression of the poised, assured and dynamic character of the new R-Class. The front end is dominated by a striking radiator grille whose long, horizontal louvers symbolize strength and energy - attributes which characterize more than just the shape of Grand Sports Tourer. The arcing roof line provides a sweeping link between the A-pillar and D-pillar and lends the car a sleek, coupe-like silhouette. First-class space and comfort for six passengers Measuring 5157mm from noise to tail, the body of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class has the dimensions of a luxury saloon but is considerably more spacious inside. This is due partly to the sophisticated vehicle concept and a dimensional design that has been ingeniously planned right down to the finest details. Up to six passengers can be accommodated in three seat rows in the R-Class - each of them with a window seat. Anybody settling down in one of the individual seats will soon notice another characteristic of the R-Class: space travel on wheels. The seating capacity, an important criterion when it comes to freedom of movement and spatial comfort, amounts to 920mm between the first and second rows, equivalent to the level found in luxury saloons. Likewise, the figures for headroom (rear: up to 1027mm) and shoulder room (front 1530mm, rear up to 1514mm) take the levels of space and comfort aboard the Mercedes-Benz R-Class into a new dimension. Families who are keen on sports and recreational activities and who are looking for a versatile car that can adapt to all manner of transportation takes quickly and easily are also catered for by the new R-Class as only Mercedes knows how. The four seats in the rear fold flat individually, allowing the load capacity to be expanded to as much as 1950 or 2385 litres (VDA measuring method). Loading and unloading is particularly straightforward, courtesy of the level load floor and the generously proportioned EASY-PACK tailgate. Powerful engines with the latest common-rail technology Engine outputs range from 224hp up to 306hp, clearly signaling just what the new R-Class is capable of in terms of dynamism and motoring enjoyment. The powerful V8 powerplant under the bonnet of the R 500 propels from standstill to 100km/h in just 6.9 or 7.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 245km/h. Powered by the new 272 hp V6 petrol engine, the R 350 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 8.3 or 8.4 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 230 km/h. All engine models are partnered as standard by the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, which itself comes with a noteworthy new feature in the form of DIRECT SELECT. This electronic transmission control system has allowed Mercedes engineers to dispense with the conventional automatic selector lever in the centre console and to replace it instead with a lever on the steering column. Additional gearshift buttons on the steering wheel enable drivers to manually preselect the seven forward gears, just as in a Formula One racing car. Permanent all-wheel drive, the electronically controlled 4ETS traction system and ESP® team up to offer top-notch driving safety and keep the new R-Class safely on course, even in very bad road conditions. These systems all make up part of the vehicle's standard specification, as does air suspension for the rear wheels. Mercedes customers also have the option of AIRMATIC all-round air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System ADS, which automatically lowers the suspension by 20mm at high speeds to reduce wind resistance. State-of-the-art safety features such as PRE-SAFER and NECK-PRO head restraints The latest technology offers passengers in the Grand Sports Tourer the safety to be expected of a Mercedes. PRE-SAFE, the multi-award-winning anticipatory protection system which is available as an option, detects critical handling situations and immediately springs into action to prepare occupants and vehicle alike for an imminent collision. Precautions include pulling the driver's and front passenger's seat belts taut, adjusting the electrically adjustable front passenger seat with memory function to the optimum position and automatically closing the sliding sunroof. These preventive protection measures improve the seating position of the vehicle's occupants prior to impact, thereby enhancing the restraining effect of the seat belts and airbags. Adaptive front airbags and front sidebags as well as windowbags can all be found on the standard specification list of the new R-Class, and all passengers enjoy the added reassurance of belt tensioners and belt force limiters. A further Mercedes first for improving standards of occupant safety still further is NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints (optional).