Mercedes-Benz at Frankfurt IAA

Press Release

R-Class: Premiere of the European version of the Grand Sports Tourer

 

The IAA in Frankfurt will also serve as the backdrop for the world premiere of a special European version of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class. This car is 235 millimetres shorter than the recently unveiled long wheelbase version of the Grand Sports Tourer, which features a unique vehicle concept combining the advantages of several different automotive categories - such as the sport saloon, estate car, van and sport utility vehicle (SUV) - to create a new, distinct vehicle class focusing on design, dynamism and dimensions.

 

The Grand Sports Tourer concept is the answer for contemporary-minded people looking for an automobile that is both versatile and agile. The Grand Sports Tourer also offers a spacious interior, unparalleled safety and the very best in comfort for up to six occupants in its European version, the new R-Class. In addition, this Mercedes-Benz model captivates passengers with its formal aesthetics, sumptuous nature and, last but not least, its dynamic driving pleasure.

 

The body of the European version of the R-Class measures 4,922 millimetres in length, corresponding to that of a premium saloon, but significantly outperforming it in terms of its spacious interior. The latter is primarily the result of the advanced vehicle concept and its carefully conceived interior layout, which has been thought through down to the very last detail. The first and second rows of seats are 860 millimetres apart, for example, corresponding to the distance in a luxury saloon. But the European Grand Sports Tourer also stands out with regard to headroom, which amounts to 1,014 millimetres in the second row of seats and 935 millimetres in the third row. The width of the interior also exceeds that of other upper-range automobiles, with elbow room ranging from 1,550 millimetres at the front and 1,557 millimetres in the rear.

 

In typical Mercedes style, the new R-Class satisfies the sport- and leisure-oriented families demanding a versatile car that can quickly and easily be modified to perform different transport jobs: The four rear seats fold down individually, allowing the loading space to be increased to a maximum of 1,950 litres (based on the VDA measuring system) - considerably more space than that offered by estate cars. Cargo can be easily loaded and unloaded, thanks to the 1.98 metre-long level loading surface and the large EASY-PACK hatch with its optional remote-control operation.

 

Engines: Six and eight cylinder engines ranging from 165 kW/224 hp to 225 kW/306 hp

Powerful six and eight cylinder engines provide the kind of driving pleasure and comfort that is typical for Mercedes. The dynamic V8 drive can accelerate the R 500 from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 245 km/h. The vehicle’s engine programme also includes an all-new six-cylinder diesel with third-generation common-rail direct injection. Even at 1,600 rpm, the V6 engine delivers a maximum torque of 510 Nm, the highest value in its displacement class. The R 320 CDI has a combined fuel consumption rating of 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

Meanwhile, the new V6 petrol engine (200 kW/272 hp) can propel the R 350 from zero to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and attain a top speed of 230 km/h.

 

All of the engines work in tandem with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, which comes as standard equipment. Another special feature is DIRECT SELECT, an electronic gear-selection system that makes it possible for the Mercedes engineers to dispense with the usual automatic selector lever in the centre console and instead fit a transmission lever on the steering column. Additional steering-wheel gearshift buttons allow the driver to manually preselect the seven gears in order to fully exploit the capabilities of the six or eight cylinder engine in all driving situations.

 

Permanent all-wheel drive, the electronically controlled 4ETS traction system and ESP® team up to offer peerless driving safety and keep the new R-Class safely on course, even when faced with very bad road conditions. These systems all make up part of the vehicle's standard specification, as does air suspension on the rear axle. Mercedes customers also have the option of AIRMATIC all-round air suspension, which is combined with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) so that motorists can raise the car body by 50 millimetres when driving along bumpy roads. At speeds above 120 km/h, AIRMATIC automatically lowers the body by 20 millimetres to reduce wind resistance.

 

ML 63 AMG: Taking the pole position in the off-road segment

 

The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG is the new benchmark for sporty off-roaders. With its 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine, the new top-of-the-range M-Class model is the front runner in its competitive field. The all-new Mercedes-AMG off-roader is the very embodiment of a sporty and dynamic automobile, and its exclusive range of equipment fulfills even the highest expectations. The ML 63 AMG will celebrate its world debut at the International Motor Show and be introduced to the market in the second quarter of 2006.

 

Beneath the bonnet of the ML 63 AMG is a high-performance powerhouse: the new 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine. With an output of 375 kW/510 hp and a maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5,200 rpm, the drive unit is the world’s most powerful series-produced eight-cylinder aspirated engine. It ensures sports car-like performance, accelerating the off-roader from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and giving it a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Power is transmitted by an AMG SPEED-SHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with a DIRECT SELECT lever close to the steering wheel and shift programmes especially designed to conform to the AMG V8 engine’s sporty capabilities. The permanent all-wheel drive of the ML 63 AMG is also very sporty in nature.

 

To ensure maximum agility and cornering performance, the engine’s incredible output is transmitted to the front and rear axles in a ratio of 40:60. A stronger drive train ensures optimum power transmission and the level of reliability typical of Mercedes-Benz. The AIRMATIC air suspension is equipped with AMG-specific spring struts and a specially tuned Adaptive Damping System (ADS). The self-levelling suspension automatically lowers the car body at high speeds. Polished 19-inch light-alloy AMG rims with a five-spoke design and wide tyres measuring 295/45 R 19 ensure the vehicle always has a firm grip on the road.

 

AMG styling: Impressive appearance with wider fenders

 

The new ML 63 AMG’s unique standing is emphasized by its broad, powerful and crouching appearance. The high-performance off-roader’s powerful design is characterised by the eye-catching AMG styling with front and rear aprons, an AMG-specific radiator grille, wider fenders, stainless steel side running boards, and dimmed tail lights.

 

The vehicle’s sporty nature is also apparent in the car’s interior. The exclusive interior finishings include AMG sports seats with nappa leather upholstery; Alcantara inserts at shoulder level; heated multicontour seats; the ergonomic, leather-covered AMG sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons; AMG doorsills; and stainless steel sports pedals with rubber knobs. The look of the instrument cluster is just as dynamic, featuring distinct lettering, red needles and a 320-km/h speedometer scale. The ML 63 AMG also meets the most demanding safety requirements, and standard equipment includes the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®; the crash-responsive NECK-PRO headrests in the front seats; adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger; sidebags for the front seats; windowbags; and seat-belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats.