The versatile and spacious R-Class SUV tourer will be joined by a new model powered by the marque’s celebrated 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6. Additionally, a host of revisions are included, designed to further enhance the flexibility and driving enjoyment this unique luxury sports tourer offers.

The R 280 CDI

Coinciding with the opening of the 2007 Sydney Motor Show, the R 280 CDI will be available in Mercedes-Benz passenger car showrooms across Australia.

Powered by Mercedes’ 3.0 litre turbo-diesel V6, this new model produces 140 kW of power and 440 Newton metres of torque in a luxurious and economical package, consuming only 8.9 litres of diesel per 100 km travelled (combined cycle).

The rear-wheel drive R 280 CDI boasts a wide array of standard equipment tailored to optimise comfort and safety for both the driver and passengers. These features and include:

• Seating for seven as standard
• PRE-SAFE^® anticipatory occupant protection system, ESP^® Electronic Stability Programme, eight airbags, BAS Brake Assist System and NECK-PRO active head restraints
• Full ARTICO upholstery, a 6-disc CD changer (with MP3 compatibility) and THERMATIC automatic climate control
• 18-inch light alloy wheels in a sporty five twin-spoke design and AMG body styling

From 11th October, all models in this versatile SUV tourer range will benefit from numerous enhancements designed to increase both performance and comfort. They are outlined by each model, below.

R 350 4MATIC and R 320 CDI 4MATIC: More choice

Customers of the all-wheel drive R 350 and R 320 CDI can now chose from one of two Luxury Packages, fitted as standard equipment.

Luxury package 1 offers a variety of traditional Mercedes-Benz features including full burr walnut timber trim, leather upholstery and THERMOTRONIC multi-zone luxury climate control. Alternatively, Luxury Package 2 offers a sports finish and includes front sports seats in a mixture of ARTICO and alcantara upholstery, sports instrumentation and aluminium sports pedals.

Customers also have the option to delete the standard-fitment Luxury Package from the R 350 or R 320 CDI, which sees the recommended retail price reduced by $8,000.

R 500 4MATIC (long-wheelbase)

This month also sees the introduction of the powerful and smooth 285 kW petrol V8 engine to the R 500. Replacing the model’s previous 5.0-litre motor this 5.5-litre unit has impressed customers the world over in the Mercedes-Benz E-, CLS and S-Class passenger car ranges as well as the SUV range-leader, the GL-Class.

Outputs for the R 500 now move to 285 KW of power (previously 225 kW) and 530 Nm of torque (previously 460 Nm) with combined-cycle fuel consumption now down to 12.9 litres per 100 km (previously 13.3).

The new R 500 also gains Bi-xenon headlamps as standard equipment, along with the choice of either of the two luxury packages available.

Option Packages

The R-Class will now be available with the option of the value-rich Vision Package and Premium package. Both of these packages have proved extremely popular with customers of other models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. They are detailed below.

Vision Package

• Bi-xenon headlamps with active light function, cornering lights and headlamp cleaning system
• Glass electric sunroof with tilt and slide functions
• Harman/Kardon LOGIC7^® 440 watt surround sound system with 12 high performance loud speakers (including sub-woofer) and additional amplifier

Priced at $4,800, the Vision Package combines more than $7,000 of optional features.

Premium Package

• DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control
• Luxury front seats (both heated and ventilated)
• KEYLESS-GO automatic lock/unlock and drive authorisation system

The Premium Package brings together $9,300 of optional equipment for $4,900.

First-Class comfort for seven

The concept of the sports tourer, first presented by Mercedes-Benz in 2002, combines the popular features of an estate, a sporty saloon and an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) to provide a versatile and stylish vehicle in a flexible package for both professional and recreational use.

Initially released in a ‘4 + 2’ seating format, the R-Class will, from October this year, be fitted with seven seats as standard equipment, further enhancing the versatility of this luxury tourer.

Key information on the Mercedes-Benz R-Class

R-Class Model	R 280 CDI	R 350	R 320 CDI	R 500 L
Price* (RRP)	$78,900	$91,900	$94,900	$124,900
Long Wheel Base	Not Available	+ $3,000	+ $3,000	Standard
Drive System	RWD	4MATIC	4MATIC	4MATIC