The Spies had the pleasure of getting an advance preview of an impressive new vehicle that could turn out to be a real ‘segment buster’ this fall for Mercedes-Benz. It could be just what the doctor ordered for them to increase sales numbers.
Originally called the GST (Grand Sports Tourer), the new Mercedes R-class is getting ready to hit showrooms starting this fall.
Before we get into the details, don’t forget to look at Glauser Mercedes ad for the 06’ S-class 13 month lease. At *$599 per month (Less than 14 days remain for this program…see dealer for full details), it’s the best lease deal we’ve ever seen on a car of this caliber. AND the price now is even CHEAPER than I paid!
Now, back to the top story…Can you say ‘ROAD TRIP’?
We had our first drive of this while we were hob knobbing this week in beautiful Carmel Valley, California (near Monterey).
Although we didn’t get to meet our favorite resident there, Clint Eastwood, Mercedes did throw a great party at one of his friend’s humble abodes (See article picture galleries).
And in case you’re curious and we KNOW you are, the house is valued at just under $30 million USD!
We also spent a great day driving the new R along the ocean near Hearst Castle.
So how do we like the new R-Class?
First, let’s dispel the three myths about the R.
1. IT IS NOT A RE-SKINNED PACIFICA!!!!!!!!
The R has a specially designed elongated M-Class chassis.
2. IT IS NOT AS SMALL AS A PACIFICA.
How much bigger is it?
A LOT!!!
The new R-class is four inches LONGER than a Cadillac Escalade!!!
It is TWENTY inches longer than the last M-Class!!!
And the third and final myth?
3. THE THIRD ROW SEATS ARE JUST LIKE THOSE IN ALL THE OTHER VEHICLES LIKE IT AND A NORMAL SIZE PERSON, WILL NOT BE COMFORTABLE RIDING BACK THERE.
The third row is designed to be comfortable for anyone 6’4” and under.
I’m 6’5” and it was the best third row I’ve ever been in.
You can REALLY fit six people comfortably in the R, on a regular basis.
What we liked about the new R-Class:
FINALLY! A legitimate alternative to a full size SUV, that you won’t regret. Just like the SUV brought practicality to a new level, the R raises the bar again. The concept really makes a lot of sense.
It has the best interior of just about anything out there that we’ve been in, in a long time.
The middle row seating is an even better experience than in the back seat of a long wheelbase S-Class (More adjustments, etc.)
The entry doors to the rear seats are the best on any car or truck out there next to a Maybach. Unreal ease of entry/exit!
You can REALLY fit six people comfortably in the R, on a regular basis
In the comfort air suspension setting, the ride is as good if not better than an S-Class.
Panoramic roof option is AWESOME.
Much easier to enter, drive and maneuver than vehicles like Escalades, Tahoes, etc.
Interior quality is now as good as the benchmark, Audi.
It’s AWD only.
Not only have they finally got the cup holder situation right, but they’ve one upped everyone with the handy cup holder separator that converts to a bottle opener…COOL! (See pics in the galleries).
Steering feel and handling is better than the current S-class and very BMW-like.
You won’t be disappointed if you get the six cylinder R350. It has more than enough power and it is quite good.
Flexible/removable center console is great.
iPod integration is a welcome option
Satellite antenna is finally hidden from site. The current one is really ugly on the E and S!
The R is made in America (Alabama) and when you see it, you will agree with us that is by far the best American luxury auto product to come off a production line in a long, long time. The interior quality will blow you away. Cadillac should be at this level but they are not even close. No more excuses GM…it CAN be done!
What we didn’t like:
We wish the price was a tad lower, maybe $5K…A loaded R500 can cross the 70K threshold.
Although it has a parktronic option, we would prefer a rear backup camera (coming on 07’ model)
From certain angles it looks a little minivan-ish.
The R350 doesn’t get that much better mileage than the R500 (based on our informal test using the dash computer mileage computer).
Final verdict:
Just the right size, well thought out design/packaging, good mileage and a great drive to go with it, makes this R a winner. The Spies predict the new R will be a hit and you will see Lexus, BMW and others follow, as early as a year from now, with similar vehicles. Until then, Mercedes is in the driver’s seat and will profit immensely for being first.
We think a lot of people looking at the Escalade, QX, LX, ML, RX, XC90, Touareg, Q7, MDX, all premium wagons and others may end up driving one of these home instead.
And yes, we slipped in a few photos of a gorgeous E55 wagon they had there...
More details in part two…