Mercedes unveils R-Class

24 March 2005

This is the Mercedes R-Class, the German car maker's effort to create a luxury crossover mixing the best bits of an off-roader, MPV and estate car.

Officially dubbed a Grand Sports Tourer, it was unveiled at this week's New York Motor Show but is not due in UK showrooms until early next year.

The R-Class has seating for six people over three rows but, when the two rear seats are not in use, they can be folded flat into the floor to provide up to 2057 litres of luggage space, which is more than a Mercedes E-Class Estate.

Permanent four-wheel drive is standard for all models, as well as a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Three engines will be available from launch: two petrols and a diesel. The two petrol units include a 272bhp 3.5-litre V6 and a 306bhp 5.0-litre V8, while there is a Euro IV-compliant 224bhp 3.0-litre diesel V6.

A 315bhp V8 diesel will follow, as will a 500bhp petrol engine in a high-performance AMG model will follow.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but are expected to start from around £40,000. Mercedes has said that all R-Class models will include electronic stability control, front, side and curtain airbags, alloy wheels, climate control and electric front seats.

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