2010 Mercedes R-Class Facelift Spied Again

Mercedes R-Class Facelift Prototype Spy Photo / Copyright by CarPix

Padded front indicates major change. Hopefully, it is for the better

By Zack Newmark
December 18, 2008 6:56 PM
Filed Under: German, Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos

In case you have not seen heavily padded spy photos of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class severe facelift, we have some fresh ones for you. The large Mercedes luxury sport touring wagon, which is really closer in size to an MPV, had worse sales than Mercedes expected, causing them to cut prices, add another rear seat and offer 4Matic all-wheel-drive system last year.

Even with that pricing adjustment, the R-Class sold 75% fewer vehicles than the 50,000 Mercedes-Benz had expected.

But Mercedes-Benz is not ready to give up on the R-Class, with hopes that the six-seater will carve out its own corner of the market. Previous efforts, like added choice in engine/transmission layout, making the AMG exterior standard, and slashing prices, were to no avail.

Now the company is stepping up efforts by trying again to beautify the giant. We expect the front, hidden completely under padding in these photos, to be nip/tucked into something that does not look so dull. Perhaps they will square off the front a bit more, as the current version has a front end reminiscent of a late-90s Chrysler. Only minor changes are expected at the rear, with new tail lights, tail pipes, and a nicer bumper on its way.

Engine choices were never a problem with this van/wagon (vagon?). The R-Class choices include two 3.0-liter V6 diesels, which get 190 hp and 272 hp. Also available are a 3.5-liter V6 with 272 horses, and a 5.0-liter V8, which cranks out 306 hp. The latter pulls the wagon from 0-100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds. The R63 AMG, which had a 6.2-liter V8 rated at 503 hp, got the axe some time ago.

We also would not be surprised if the weight is cut down, and a more fuel efficient engine becomes available. Either way, expect the same amount of choices on the updated version. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is expected to debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

Source: WorldCarFans

Comments

deliverinsanity
December 18, 2008 7:24 PM
While GM is desperately trying to stay alive, Merc is test-driving cars noone ever buys.

machida
December 18, 2008 7:28 PM
The R offered 4MATIC since the beginning; they just didn't badge it as such. Why are they bothering with this thing? (And why haven't they changed those silly taillamps?)

dolcegabbana
December 18, 2008 8:34 PM
deliverinsanity - you should come to nyc , and you're going to see 10000000000's of them here , every other minivan is the r class lol espcially brooklyn , and no I dont like it either

coopergt
December 18, 2008 9:06 PM
still ugly. They need to change the rear as well. That silly sloaping rear window has to go.

Mike.F1
December 18, 2008 9:47 PM
This market MB keeps trying to carve out with the R... does it even exist?

wjaprep
December 18, 2008 11:06 PM
Ive seen 3 of these on the road since they came out.

*aims RPG* now if it will just stand still...

abramo
December 18, 2008 11:58 PM
This is basically a family car. For middle class families, the R Class makes a lot of sense, I can assure you. Plenty of space, travel-worthiness, beautifully made, a quality product. But, arrogantly, MB brutally overcharged for it and thus killed it in the market. Families don't buy "lifestyle concepts" they buy cars. Try to fool them with overpriced marketing hype and you will fail miserably. At all times.

BabyMilo
December 19, 2008 12:04 AM
Mercedes why havent u learnt?? no one likes it just kill it and dont bother facelifting it

nendor
December 19, 2008 3:18 AM
there are tons of this car in southern California

James2911
December 19, 2008 12:23 PM
It can't be selling that bad - because BMW are bring a rival out either next year or in 2010. The 5-Series PAS is the same concept - a E-Segment estate crossed with a MPV and SUV.

Bimman
December 20, 2008 4:58 AM
Looks like a hearse. And what's with the rear doors, why not go all the way and use a sliding door so it can be a proper MPV.

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