Reference Auto

The R-Class comes for a cool Rs 58.79 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) and opens up a new category in the existing range currently available in India like the C, E, S, GL and M classes.

A bullish Mercedes-Benz India director (sales and marketing) Debashis Mitra said, “We are very optimistic about the R-Class as it fits right in place with our existing brands in the country. The R-Class comes in between the M-Class and the GL-Class and opens a new segment altogether.” India is one of Mercedes-Benz’s first markets to see roll out of the R-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class will be available in the long wheel base R350 4MATIC that has a 3498cc V6 petrol engine. The car will also have bi-xenon headlamps, steel spring suspension in front and AIRmatic (Adaptive Intelligent Ride control) system featuring self-levelling air suspension in the rear for a more stable drive.

The engine is capable of generating 272 bhp of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 350 N/m at 2,400 to 5,000 rpm, making it arguably the most powerful engine in its class.

With its extra output and performance, the R350 4MATIC displays high efficiency of the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The R350 4MATIC is equipped as standard with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission to pave the way for an effortless drive. Mercedes-Benz R-Class has a maximum speed 230 km/hour and can reach 100 km/hour in 8.4 seconds.

The R-Class comprises ‘classic interior’ which gives even more space and comes with a larger luggage compartment. There are leather interiors, a leather-covered tilt and telescopic steering wheel along with three zone automatic climate controls.

Morever, the R-Class also comes with an audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD/DVD changer, a DVD player and wireless speakers.

Even though the recall may be a cause of worry initially for the company, a new category by Mercedes-Benz could create an enthusiasm among luxury car buffs, neutralising the dent suffered by the recall and see R-Class drive the company’s sales to a new high.