Mercedes-Benz R-Class In Depth

Mercedes-Benz R 500

World debut at the New York

March 23, 2005 8:08 PM
Filed Under: German, Mercedes-Benz

Press Release

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
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
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.	Standard for all seats
Bi-xenon headlamps: Gas-discharge lamps for main and low beam improve safety when driving at night.	Optional
Child seat recognition: A transponder system automatically detects whether a rear-facing child seat is installed and deactivates the front passenger airbag if this is the case.	Standard
COMAND APS: This system integrates the radio, DVD navigation and telephone operation.	Optional
Cornering light system: 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: This 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
Paintwork: Nano-technology makes the paint finish more scratch-resistant and ensures a higher sheen.	Standard
Rear entertainment system: This system consists of an additional CD/DVD player and colour monitors on the backs of the front head restraints.	Optional
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

NECK-PRO: During a rear impact the sensor-controlled rear head restraints are moved forward by approx. 40 millimetres.	Optional
7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission: The world’s first and only automatic car transmission with seven gears in used in conjunction with all the engines in the new R-Class.	Standard
Particulate filter: This system developed by Mercedes-Benz requires no additives and significantly reduces the already low particulate emissions.	Optional (standard in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland)
PRE-SAFE^®: Preventive occupant protection measures are taken before an impending collision.	Optional
Sidebags: These side-mounted air cushions reduce the risk of injury in a lateral collision.	Standard for driver and front passenger
Sound system: A new multi-channel system provides surround sound on every seat.	Optional
Speed-sensitive power steering: The amount of servo assistance is varied as a function of road speed.	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