Mercedes-Benz R-Class: world premiere in New York

Stuttgart, Germany 23.3.2005 (ots/PROTEXT) - The New YorkInternational Auto Show is to provide the stage for anotherworld premiere from Mercedes-Benz, 51 years after hosting theunveiling of the legendary SL gullwing. Now it is the turn ofthe new Mercedes-Benz R-Class to make its world debut at thetraditional show.

The unique vehicle concept at the heart of the Mercedesmodel founds a new and highly promising "Sports Tourer" marketsegment. "Our developers had no role model to follow when theycreated this totally new vehicle. But they did have a guidingprinciple: dynamic space", says Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of theBoard of Management DaimlerChrysler AG, responsible for Researchand Technology and Development within the Mercedes Car Group

The R-Class Grand Sports Tourer takes the acknowledgedstrengths of established vehicle categories, such as sportySaloon, Estate, MPV and SUV, and fuses them to create a new carwith a character all of its own. It caters to the needs ofmodern-minded people looking for a car that offers tremendousversatility combined with athletic performance. Quite apart fromboasting ample spaciousness, exemplary standards of safety andimpeccable comfort for up to six passengers, the new R-Classalso enthrals with its beguiling styling, prestigious flair and,last but by no means least, its dynamism out on the road.

"The new R-Class is 'inspired by and built in America' andis therefore very much at home in the U.S. market", says DrThomas Weber. "Here we expect to achieve some 60 percent of ourunit sales after the market launch in autumn 2005." Deliveriesto customers in Europe will begin in early 2006.

According to Dr Weber, it takes three Ds to sum up theunique character of the R-Class: Dimensions, Design andDynamism. "Dimension refers to the synthesis of exceptionalspaciousness, premium comfort and high variability. The designreflects power, confidence and individuality. And the R-Class isas dynamic as it looks thanks to powerful engines, a seven-speedautomatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive."

Measuring 5157 millimetres from nose to tail, the body ofthe new Mercedes-Benz R-Class is akin to a luxury saloon in sizebut is considerably more spacious inside. There are 920millimetres between the first and second rows of seats.Moreover, the second-row seats can be adjusted individually foreand aft, thereby increasing the seat spacing to as much as 990millimetres. The maximum distance between the second and thirdrows of seats (depending on seat position) is 920 millimetres.

Families who are keen on sports and recreational activitiesand who are looking for a versatile car that can adapt to allmanner of transportation tasks quickly and easily are alsocatered for by the new R-Class as only Mercedes knows how: thefour seats in the rear fold flat individually, allowing the loadcapacity to be expanded to as much as 2057 litres (VDA measuringmethod), a figure which clearly eclipses the load space offeredby estate cars. Loading and unloading is particularlystraightforward, courtesy of the level load floor measuring over2.20 metres in length and the generously proportioned EASY-PACKtailgate, which is available with remote-control opening andclosing as an optional convenience-enhancing feature.

Engine outputs range from 165 kW/224 hp up to 225 kW/306 hp,clearly signalling just what the new R-Class is capable of interms of dynamic performance and motoring enjoyment. Thepowerful V8 gasoline engine under the bonnet of the R 500propels it from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds andon to a top speed of 240 km/h (provisional figures). Also to befound in the engine line-up (from the beginning of 2006) is anew six-cylinder power unit with third-generation common-rail,direct-injection technology. The V6 engine places its class-beating peak torque of 510 Newton metres on tap from as low downas 1600 rpm. The fuel consumption figures returned by the R 320CDI are no less astounding: 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres(combined consumption).

A seven-speed automatic transmission, permanent all-wheeldrive, the electronically controlled 4ETS traction system andESPŽ team up to offer peerless driving safety. These systems allmake up part of the standard specification of the new R-Class,as does air suspension at the rear axle.

In addition, some of the very latest Mercedes safetyinnovations are available as optional extras: PRE-SAFEŽ, themulti-award-winning anticipatory protection system, detectscritical handling situations and immediately springs into actionto prepare occupants and vehicle alike for an imminentcollision. Precautions include pulling the driver's and frontpassenger's seat belts taut, adjusting the front passenger seatto the optimum position and automatically closing the slidingsunroof. Another Mercedes first for improving standards ofoccupant safety still further is the NECK-PRO crash- responsivehead restraints (optional).

Contact: Global Product Communications Mercedes-BenzPassenger Cars Wolfgang Zanker, tel.: +49 711 17-75847wolfgang.zanker@daimlerchrysler.com Jörg Zwilling, tel.: +49 71117-75849 joerg.zwilling@daimlerchrysler.com

Internet site Further news and photos from DaimlerChrysler isavailable by visiting: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com Furtherinformation on the R-Class can be found by visiting:www.mercedes-benz.com/grandsportstourer

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