Rupert
Rupert
Small is beautiful. And also really fuel efficient. And damn easy to park.
View My AgentSpace

Print this Page | Digg It | del.icio.us

The R-Class - Flop of the Year?
While reading my latest Top Gear magazine, I was shocked to see the latest deals that are available on new cars. Among them was the R class 320cdi, with a massive 10000 pounds off list price, bringing it down from 39000 to 29000. That makes it cheaper than the C Class 280, or X3 2.0d! And the R500L can be found with over 15000 pounds off list price! That brings it down to a ridiculous 35000 pounds, the same as a C350 or X3 3.0si! It makes a 5.5 litre Mercedes less money than a 3.0 BMW, what's going on?
What happened Merc? Why did you design such a useless car, that nobody wants? And then you have to cut 30% of the price just to shift a few...it's sad how far Merc has had to sink.
The R-Class - Flop of the Year?



Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]
EL34EL34 - 1/21/2007 11:49:12 PM
-13 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
This MB is no flop.

It's a work of rolling art.

reply to this comment
EL34iEL34i - 1/22/2007 1:57:21 AM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Spoken like a graduate of the 'Gogo School of Automotive Design'.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 1/21/2007 11:53:21 PM
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I saw one of these R-Classes yesterday. They are UGLY. I don't know why anyone would spend that kind of money on such a hideous vehicle.

reply to this comment
EL34EL34 - 1/21/2007 11:55:08 PM
-9 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Out here in OC just driving to the mall you will see a half a dozen R-Class' and it is the perfect upscale van for moms with a scrum of kids.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/22/2007 12:02:52 AMView My AgentSpace
-5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
SHUT UP ABOUT THE OC!!!!


THIS CAR IS HIDEOUS AND YOU KNOW IT!!!

001, I pity you, being paid for by Benz with your hideous R-Class.


Agent001Agent001 - 1/22/2007 12:14:22 AMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
MB did not pay me to get it.

It is an awesome vehicle and you can lease them for less than a BMW X3.

What else is there to think about?

If you need a utilty vehicle, it is the best bargain on the planet right now.

001


PolePositionPolePosition - 1/21/2007 11:59:28 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
By FAR the worst looking MB ever to exist. Its a garbled disaster. People respond to good design even if they don't know how to talk about it. And people are not responding to the R-Class. Its just embarrassing.

reply to this comment
trd1trd1 - 1/22/2007 12:01:24 AM
+8 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
dang straight its embarrassing, i mean its not even good use for a van, i would take any other van over this even thought they cost like half of this.

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/22/2007 12:04:38 AMView My AgentSpace
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
My wife's cousin and her husband had an E320 and a 528i. She got a new E320... and he kept his 528i for another year or two.

Last year, they traded in their E39 for an R350. The husband had said, "Oh, I know it's ugly as sin, but they gave me a good deal and it can fit the kids."

I pity them, I really do.

reply to this comment
Matthew1Matthew1 - 1/22/2007 12:46:23 AM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Well at least you can get a versatile Mercedes for cheap!

You guys may think its ugly, but i think it is MUCH more attractive than any equivalent minivan.

A sleek, Estate-esque car is more appealing than a dressed up van.

reply to this comment
EL34iEL34i - 1/22/2007 1:58:51 AM
+8 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
This automobile is a pizza deliveryperson's dream!


EL34EL34 - 1/22/2007 1:33:06 PM
-4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
LexusAdmirer, the Honda minivan looks like Bart Simpson to me.


CarboyCarboy - 1/22/2007 5:51:52 PMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Matt, I agree.


senorgatosenorgato - 1/22/2007 2:32:28 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
There seems to be no marketing effort on this car that I've ever seen. And I've seen several in this area of California.

reply to this comment
07mcs07mcs - 1/22/2007 5:48:38 PM
-3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I thought it was a sport tourer, not as SUV.

reply to this comment
DavidRossDavidRoss - 1/22/2007 4:26:23 AM
-4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
They need to drop in the S's 382 hp V8, tighten up the overall aesthetics and maybe slap on a larger navigation screen (the most obvious stuff). Give the whole MB lineup a warranty as extensive as BMW's "Ultimate Service" and they'll be good. I don't quite think the R is an eye sore, but it also wouldn't be among my top choices in the "van-ish" category. What nut would choose an R63 over the cheaper, better looking, and slightly quicker ML63?

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/23/2007 12:11:04 AMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Someone who needs over 500hp and seven seats.


senorgatosenorgato - 1/22/2007 6:06:00 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Well, based on the write-up, it appears this is referring to the UK market. I can't see this kind of car being successful in the UK, anyway, or anywhere outside the US for that matter. So, bad marketing on MB's part.

reply to this comment
RupertRupert - 1/22/2007 12:03:04 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
i live in london too, and i have seen precisly none.
no mothers driving them at all. that is a disaster for mercedes.


KostinCKostinC - 1/22/2007 7:29:51 AM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
This car is embarrassing especially because it's built by Mercedes.They could have done a quick survey to see if people like this car or release some "spy" photos or something.Hundreds of millions of Euros wasted for nothing.

reply to this comment
spiceacespiceace - 1/22/2007 8:46:24 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
One da#n expensive minivan for sure.

reply to this comment
htra0497htra0497 - 1/22/2007 11:54:02 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Their largest market is the US and so it just simply too expensive. Better off with an 7 seater SUV - which are now normally heavily discouted, probably with free fuel thrown in.

reply to this comment
no1listensanywayno1listensanyway - 1/22/2007 3:32:42 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Plenty in NY, I just find them way overpriced.

reply to this comment
answeranswer - 1/22/2007 7:44:38 PMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
R Class - "prestige" = Chrysler Pacifica

reply to this comment
MBKingMBKing - 1/23/2007 12:42:33 AM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
yeah it's wack but I'd take a R63 in a hearbeat and romp on people in a mini van. Just think it'd be fun.

reply to this comment
berne1berne1 - 1/23/2007 2:24:37 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I was recently in a Benz store for something related to work. As I waited for the General Mgr, I checked out the product in the showroom. Sat in an E-Class, sat in a GL-Class. Fairly non-eventful. As soon as I cracked the door of the R-Class, all the salesmen in the place swarmed me. That thing is really not selling well and judging from their reaction, I'd say there is some kind of spiff, either from MB or the dealer himself. Wow.

reply to this comment
KoruKinshiKoruKinshi - 1/23/2007 2:25:48 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Personally, I'm not a fan of the R-class. I don't like it really. I'll stomach the AMG model because it looks better, and it's an AMG, but that's about it. They could've done without this one.

reply to this comment
ElSparquitoElSparquito - 1/23/2007 5:03:14 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Is it meant to resemble a tall wagon or squashed SUV? It almost looks like an attempt to merge the CLS look with an SUV. The CLS, though, is mighty fine!

reply to this comment
kuvakaskuvakas - 1/23/2007 5:05:03 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I'm not ready to judge the car on styling. There are plenty of vehicles out there that cause me to scratch my head (Pontiac Aztek anyone?) and wonder who came up with that design? Since this vehicle was designed with the American market in mind, here's the big question; Is it meeting the sales projections? Does anyone know the actual number sold here in the states?

reply to this comment
huu76huu76 - 1/23/2007 6:58:43 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I haven't seen many R, S or CLS' lately. I wonder how their sales are doing.

See plenty of MLs and Es though.

reply to this comment
EL34EL34 - 1/23/2007 8:08:30 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Get an R-Class, you'll love it!

reply to this comment
huu76huu76 - 1/25/2007 10:26:48 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Let ammend correct my previous post.
I have barely seen any R or S'
I used to see CLS' more, but it's been a long time since I've seen one on the road. 4-door coupe novelty has worn off maybe? (Due to rear passengers headaches).

Lots of MLs and Es.

reply to this comment
To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories
Jaguar XF Cabrio to debut at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show in JanuaryLA AUTO SHOW: More Goodies For The Eyes From The Show Floor In The City Of AngelsOfficial: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel unveiled and priced at €47,250Volkswagen Touareg TDI Trophy Truck unveiled in LALast Ditch Deal With Automakers May Get Approval- But Can They Be Trusted?GMAC Files For Banking Status In Effort To Access $700 Billion Bailout PackageVw Touareg V6 TDI priced at $42,800Saab 9-6x patent photosLA AUTO SHOW: The All New RX, The Bread And Butter Crossover/SUV Makes Its Grand Entrance Audi Sees Dual Clutch Transmissions Making Into 90% Of Lineup In Near FutureMitt Romney Makes An Open Call To Let Detroit Go Bankrupt LA AUTO SHOW: Infiniti's G37 Convertible Officially Hits The RoadCongress Takes The Detroit 3 To The Whipping Shed And They STILL Have No Clue Why!Jaguar XF coupe and convertible receive the greenlightLA AUTO SHOW: 2009 Bentley Azure TunveiledLA AUTO SHOW: 2009 BMW 750 Li gets iDrive powered owner’s manualLA AUTO SHOW: 2009 Nissan 370Z pricing announced2010 Nissan GT-R No Longer with Launch ControlLA AUTO SHOW: First Day Recap Highlights From The Show Floor-Some Sweet Stuff!LA 2008: Honda surprises with FC Sport fuel cell sports car conceptLA AUTO SHOW: Toyota's New CNG Powered Hybrid Camry Is A GasLA AUTO SHOW: Mazda 3 Compact Sedan Gets A Re-do And Will Be The Future Underpinnings For The Next Ford Focus. THANK GOD!LA AUTO SHOW: Nissan's Iconic 370z Gets Edgy With This Redo Audi's Q7 and A5 Both Take KBB Top Resale Value Honors How About The Full Scoop On BMW's New 7 Series Hybrid!German Company Offers GM $1.3 Billion To Buy Opel And Turn It GreenFord of Europe to remain profitable in 2009, says CEODetroit Three Beg For Money From Congress After Arriving In Corporate Jets2009 Porsche Cayman and Boxster facelift unveiled in Los AngelesJaguar Leads The Pack In Latest Sales Satisfaction Index 2010 Ford Mustang Live Reveal at Santa Monica Airport (Video)LA AUTO SHOW EXCLUSIVE STUD OR DUD? Did Infiniti One Up BMW's 3 Series Cabrio With The G37 Convertible?LA Auto Show Preview: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder2010 Nissan Cube Revealed: Coming to U.S. in spring 20092010 Mercury Milan & Mercury Milan Hybrid Launched in L.A.2010 Ford Fusion Facelift Breaks Cover2010 Toyota Prius US production in danger?Ford Fiesta Sedan makes debut, coming to U.S.2009 Toyota VenzaLA AUTO SHOW: Spies Add More Photos And A Close Up Look At The Next E-Class Coupe Interior And NavLA AUTO SHOW: Spies Get You Inside Show ONE DAY EARLY With EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!!!LA AUTO SHOW: BMW Releases Mini E Electric VehicleChrysler Blames Financial Meltdown For Woes, But It Needs $22 Billion For Health Care And RetireesHyundai's Genesis Ranks In NADA Top 5 Luxury CarsBMWNA acknowledges N54 engine turbo lag issueChrysler Woes Bankrupt Getrag Dual Clutch Transmission PlantSOUND OFF: Has Detroit Just Become Another Dirty Word?Cutaway Shows The True Nuts And Bolts Of Acura's New NSXUAW Says It Will Rather Tax Payers Foot The Bill Than Accept Cuts To Keep Detroit AfloatRumor Mill: Are The Chinese Carmakers Quietly Planning To Buy GM and Chrysler?