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The R-Class is a vehicle concept that takes the acknowledged strengths of established vehicle categories, such as a sporty saloon, estate, and SUV, and fuses them to create a new car with flexibility and space.

“We are pleased with the consumer response we have had towards the R-Class since the R 500 was launched in April. The R 320 CDI will only add to the appeal as initial predictions suggest this will be the volume seller”, said Horst von Sanden, Managing Director for Mercedes Car Group.

The concept of the R-Class caters to the needs of modern-minded people looking for a car that offers tremendous versatility combined with athletic performance. Boasting ample spaciousness, exemplary standards of safety and impeccable comfort for up to six passengers, the new R-Class also enthrals with its beguiling styling, prestigious flair and, last but by no means least, its dynamism out on the road.

R 320 CDI: V6 diesel with outstanding output and torque

With 165 kW the V6 engine in the R 320 CDI is among the most powerful six- cylinder diesel units in this displacement class. This newly developed engine also generates outstanding torque: 510 Newton metres are already available from 1600 rpm. The combined fuel consumption of the R 320 CDI is 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The six-cylinder unit is equipped with third- generation common-rail direct injection. This means that the injectors, high-pressure pump and electronic engine management operate even more efficiently, further reducing fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and combustion noise. Instead of the previous solenoid valves, the injectors are equipped with piezo-ceramics whose crystalline structure changes within microseconds under an electric voltage. The engine developers used this effect, which was discovered in 1880 by the brothers Pierre and Jacques Curie, to lift the needle jet at the tip of the injector with a precision of mere thousandths of a millimetre and thereby achieve an extremely fine jet of fuel.

Moreover, piezo injectors are considerably lighter and operate at twice the speed of conventional solenoid valves. With a response time of only 0.1 milliseconds, the fuel injection process can be even more precisely suited to the current load and engine speed situation, with favourable effects on emissions, fuel consumption and combustion noise. The number of fuel injections per power stroke is increased from three to five thanks to this piezo technology.

Mercedes engineers have also made improvements to other components of the common-rail system and the injection process:

• The hydraulically optimised injector nozzles have eight holes (previously seven), which ensures even finer distribution of the fuel within the combustion chamber and more efficient mixture formation.
• The inlet-metered high-pressure pump operates with a maximum injection pressure of 1600 bar.
• The pilot injection process developed by Mercedes-Benz, which ensures a smoother combustion process and thereby audibly reduces the operating noise of the engine, takes place twice in succession in the new V6 engine. Small pilot quantities of fuel are injected within less than a millisecond and preheat the combustion chambers even more efficiently.
• To burn off the soot particles in the particulate filter, there is a double post-injection of fuel when required.

The new V6 diesel engine is aspirated by a VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbine) turbocharger. This technology enables high levels of output and torque to be achieved even at low engine speeds. The electrically controlled VNT turbochargers are able to vary the angle of their turbine blades rapidly and precisely to suit the operating status of the engine, and can therefore use the largest possible volume of exhaust gas to compress the intake air and build up charge pressure. More efficient cylinder charging and therefore higher torque are the results of variable, demand-related turbocharger control. Moreover, electric VNT technology allows a precise interaction with other units which are responsible for reducing untreated emissions and for exhaust gas aftertreatment.

The turbocharger is combined with a downstream intercooler which reduces the temperature of the compressed, heated air by up to 95 degrees Celsius, allowing a larger volume of air to reach the combustion chambers. Behind the intercooler there is an electrically controlled flap which enables the V6 engine to be throttled back precisely when the exhaust gas recirculation is in operation. This electrically regulated control flap allows the volume and mix of the exhaust gases added to the combustion air to be very precisely metered. To optimise the volume of recirculated exhaust gas, it is abruptly cooled in a high-performance heat exchanger. Acting in conjunction with the hot-film air mass sensors integrated into the intake air ducts, which provide the engine control unit with precise information about the current volume of intake air, this significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions.

The combustion air then flows into the charge air distribution module, which supplies each cylinder in equal measure. The distribution module features an integral, electrically controlled intake port shut-off function with which the intake port cross-section for each cylinder can be variably reduced. This modifies the swirl of the combustion air, ensuring that the charge flow to the cylinders is adjusted for the best possible combustion and exhaust emissions under any load and engine speed conditions.

Emission control with two catalytic converters

Two oxidising catalytic converters clean the exhaust gases emitted by the new Mercedes diesel engine. One acts as pre-catalytic converter, and is ready for action very soon after a cold start thanks to its position close to the engine. This unit is accompanied by a downstream main catalytic converter. The purpose of the oxidation-type catalytic converters is to convert carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons by combining them with oxygen to form chemical compounds (oxidisation).

This efficient exhaust gas after treatment combined with the complex in-engine measures already enables the V6 diesel engine to meet the stringent EU4 exhaust limits. To lower exhaust emissions even further, Mercedes-Benz combines the new six-cylinder powerplant with a maintenance-free particulate filter system as standard in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland, leading to a further significant cut in particulate emissions. The particulate filter regenerates itself without the use of additives and remains effective over a very high operating mileage.

Mercedes-Benz has developed the first V6 diesel engine made of aluminium

As a world first, Mercedes-Benz has developed a six-cylinder diesel engine with an aluminium crankcase and cast-in grey iron cylinder liners. It tips the scales at just 41 kilograms. Aluminium is also used for the cylinder heads, cylinder head covers, pistons, coolant pump, sump and charge pressure distributor. Plastics are also used to save weight. Components in the fresh and charge air ducting systems, damper filter and engine shrouding are of plastic.

A likewise newly developed valve control system reduces both friction and moving masses: the 24 intake and exhaust valves are controlled by an overhead camshaft for each cylinder bank, via roller-type cam followers with hydraulic valve clearance compensation. The camshafts are driven by a tried-and-tested double-bush timing chain system into which the balancer shaft and the high-pressure pump for the fuel injection system are integrated.

Dynamic space: The new R-Class from Mercedes-Benz

Dynamism: V6 and V8 engines with up to 510 Newton metres of torque

Powered by the new 200-kW V6 petrol engine, the R 350 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 230 km/h. The powerful V8 powerplant under the bonnet of the R 500 propels it from standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 245 km/h.

All engine models are partnered as standard by the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, with 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 pre-select the seven forwards gears, just like in a Formula One racing car. This allows the power reserves of the six and eight-cylinder engines to be harnessed to optimum effect in any driving situation.

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 (standard on R 500 models) all-round air suspension. This is interlinked with the ADS Adaptive Damping System, offering motorists the facility of raising the body by up to 50 millimetres when driving along rough roads. At high speeds above 120 km/h, the body is automatically lowered by 20 millimetres to reduce wind resistance.

Dimensions: first-class spaciousness and luggage capacity up to 2385 litres

Measuring 5157 millimetres from nose to tail, the body of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class is akin to a luxury saloon in size but is considerably more spacious inside. This is due primarily to the sophisticated vehicle concept and a dimensional design that has been ingeniously planned right down to the finest detail. Take the seat spacing, for instance, which amounts to 920 millimetres between the first and second rows, while the second and third rows of seats are separated by 840 millimetres. Moreover, the second-row seats can be adjusted individually fore and aft, thereby increasing the seat spacing to as much as 990 millimetres. The maximum distance between the second and third rows of seats (depending on seat position) is 920 millimetres.

Likewise, the figures for headroom (rear: up to 1027 millimetres) and shoulder room (front 1530 millimetres, rear up to 1514 millimetres) take the levels of space and comfort aboard the Mercedes-Benz R-Class into a new dimension.

Each of the vehicle's six passengers can sit back and relax in comfortable individual seats which offer the added luxury of armrests in the second row. The list of optional extras includes a centre console between the individual seats in the second row with extra stowage compartments along with large cup holders for holding both cups and bottles upright during the journey.

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 tasks 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 2385 litres (VDA measuring method), a figure which clearly eclipses the load space offered by estate cars. Loading and unloading is particularly straightforward, courtesy of the level load floor measuring over 2.20 metres in length and the generously proportioned EASY-PACK tailgate, which is available with remote-control opening and closing as an optional convenience-enhancing feature.

Safety: preventive PRE-SAFE® occupant protection and NECK-PRO head restraints as standard

Quite apart from making travelling in the R-Class an extremely comfortable experience, the very latest innovations from Mercedes also make it an extremely safe one too: PRE-SAFE®, the multi-award-winning anticipatory protection system, 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 the NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints (standard): in the event of a collision from the rear, the head restraints instantly slide forwards by 44 millimetres and upwards by 30 millimetres. This has the effect of cushioning the front passengers' heads earlier, which reduces the risk of whiplash.

Equipment: valuable extras in package form

The specially developed panoramic sunroof (optional), whose glass panels extend over virtually the entire surface of the roof, ensures a cooling supply of fresh air for the interior whilst letting in a pleasant amount of extra light, which all adds up to a matchless open-air motoring sensation for the occupants.

The efficient air conditioning system makes long journeys aboard the new R-Class all the more comfortable. In addition to the standard-specification THERMATIC dual-zone climate control featuring a separate control panel for the rear, Mercedes-Benz is also able to offer a newly developed multi-zone THERMOTRONIC system as standard on R 500 models. Equipped with over a dozen sensors as well as an auxiliary booster blower, the system is able to faithfully maintain the temperatures set by the driver, the front passenger and the occupants in the rear. Climate control in the new R-Class is rounded off by a separate rear air conditioning unit which can be ordered as an option for the third row of seats.

An optional DVD/CD player also gives rear-seat passengers full control over their own in-car entertainment programme. Colour screens and earphone connections are integrated into the backs of the head restraints in front. Mercedes-Benz offers a number of packages comprising valuable extras for the new R-Class. This allows customers to appoint and upgrade their R-Class to suit their personal taste.

At a glance: Technical highlights of the new R-Class*

4ETS Electronic Traction System: Wheels with poor traction are automatically braked to increase the drive torque at the wheels with good traction.	Standard
7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission: The world's first and only automatic car transmission with seven gears is used in conjunction with all the engines in the new R-Class.	Standard
Active Light System: The headlamps follow the driver's steering movements.	Optional in conjunction with bi-xenon headlamps
Adaptive front airbags: The front airbags are deployed in two stages depending on impact severity.	Standard
AIRMATIC: This air suspension system improves ride comfort and from 120 km/h can automatically lower the suspension height. The Adaptive Damping System is also included in the package.	Optional, standard on R 500 models
Belt force limiters: This technology reduces the belt forces acting on the occupants during a crash. Belt force limiters with adaptive control are used for the front occupants.	Standard for all seats
Belt tensioners: Any slack in the seat belt is instantly taken up in a crash. Buckle-type tensioners are fitted to the front seats; inertia-reel tensioners to the rear seats.	Standard for all seats
Bi-xenon headlamps: Gas-discharge lamps for main and low beam improve safety when driving at night.	Optional
COMAND APS: This system integrates the radio, DVD navigation and telephone operation.	Optional, standard on R 500 models
Cornering light function: More safety at road junctions and on tight bends.	Optional in conjunction with bi-xenon headlamps
Crash boxes: Impact-absorbing elements in the front end can be inexpensively replaced after a minor collision.	Standard
DIRECT SELECT: The automatic transmission is operated by nudging a lever on the steering column.	Standard
EASY-PACK tailgate: Hydraulic power ensures even easier opening and closing of the tailgate at the touch of a button.	Optional
ESP®: This system reduces the risk of skidding and alerts the driver to any loss of tyre pressure.	Standard
Headlamp Assist: A sensor on the windscreen detects low light conditions and automatically switches on the vehicle lights.	Standard
KEYLESS-GO: The doors and tailgate may be opened without using a key.	Optional
Multicontour seat: Air cushions enable the seat contours to be individually adjusted to suit the occupant's body.	Optional
Multifunction steering wheel: The radio, telephone, navigation system and other units can be operated from the steering wheel.	Standard
Multi-zone THERMOTRONIC: This newly developed system individually regulates the temperature and air volume for the driver, front passenger and rear occupants. Rear air conditioning is also optionally available for the third seat row.	Optional, standard on R 500 models
NECK-PRO: During a rear impact the sensor-controlled rear head restraints are moved forward by approx. 40 millimetres.	Standard
Paintwork: Nano-technology makes the paint finish more scratch-resistant and ensures a higher sheen.	Standard
PRE-SAFE®: Preventive occupant protection measures are taken before an impending collision.	Standard
Rear-seat entertainment system: This system consists of an additional CD/DVD player and colour monitors on the backs of the front head restraints.	Optional
Sidebags: These side-mounted air cushions reduce the risk of injury in a lateral collision.	Standard in front and rear
Sound system: A new multi-channel system provides surround sound on every seat.	Optional, standard on R 500 models
Speed-sensitive power steering: The amount of servo assistance is varied as a function of road speed.	Standard
THERMATIC automatic climate control: This system regulates the fan speed according to the temperature selected and automatically varies the proportion of recirculated air at high ambient temperatures to cool the interior down more rapidly.	Standard
Tunnel closing: Prolonged pressure on the air recirculation button closes any open windows and the sliding sunroof when the car enters a tunnel or underground car park.	Standard
Up-front sensors: Crash sensors in the front end enable the restraint systems to be activated as the situation requires.	Standard
Windowbags: This large air cushion extends from the A to the D-pillar (across three seat rows) during a side impact, reducing the risk of head injuries.	Standard