Motoring in Spain - Mercedes Benz R Class
SLEEK FAMILY TOURING
Mercedes Benz R Class SLEEK FAMILY TOURING
THE MERCEDES BENZ R-CLASS IS AGILE AND SURE-FOOTED
TAKING A BREAK FROM HIS CHORES BACK ON THE FARM, MOTORING CORRESPONDENT CHARLIE FLINDT HAD A SPECIAL REASON FOR ENJOYING HIS LATEST SORTIE TO FRANCE’S SKI SLOPES.
I’m a great believer in fate. For instance: back in the early spring, I was trying to organise a late ski holiday on a very tight budget. I had done well with the chalet: self-catering is always cheaper, and going in April usually saves a bob or two. I had just looked up the prices of flights to Geneva, which were threatening to wreck the whole economy concept. I couldn’t help thinking that what I needed was a big people carrier to take all five of us and our luggage; if it had four-wheel-drive, a smooth and economical diesel engine and a general air of luxury to ease the 2,000 kilometre round trip, so much the better.
Just then the phone rang: it was the Mercedes press office. They just happened to be trying to promote the new R-Class, and would I like to borrow one? "Would this be," I asked, "the new Mercedes that has four-wheel-drive and executive seats?"
"The very same," they said. "And it has a smooth diesel engine – and DVD players in the headrests." What are the chances of that, eh? Funny thing, fate.
That’s how, a few weeks later, all five of us found ourselves tonking our way down L’Autoroute des Anglais in a Mercedes R-Class. And as it glided smoothly down the immaculate French roads, I had plenty of time to consider exactly what the R-Class is supposed to be.
It’s not quite a "people carrier"; it’s far too classy for that, and it has only six seats instead of the normal MPV quota of seven. They are arranged in three rows of two, and thanks to the R-Class’s immense length, each one is roomy and comfortable. From our point of view, it was just perfect for keeping children away from each other for the long and tedious journey. They weren’t sitting three-abreast across the middle, with elbows and shoulders colliding, and sitting in the boot was as comfy and luxurious as anything. In fact, whoever was "tailgunning" used the break from the DVD player to have a snooze, snuggled over on a comfy pile of ski coats.
It’s not a proper 4WD – mind you, Mercedes don’t claim that it is. They modestly point out that the 4MATIC system will improve handling and stability, and grip in wet and slushy conditions. Ours was fitted with snow tyres, and had a set of snow chains in the boot, but, sadly, neither was tested. During our forays off the autoroute, and up into the mountains, there was no doubt that the R-Class is agile and sure-footed, especially when you consider its size.
Our test car was 320Cdi, which had a V6, 24-valve diesel. While this proved to be no rocket, it was perfect for the task. At 130 kph, it turned over at a silent and economical 2,000 rpm, and it gave us a highly respectable 9.74 litres/100 km – good news when you’re trying to eke every inch out of that first free tank of fuel.
But, if the R-Class seems a bit unsure of what it is, it is still a Mercedes. What you get is superb build quality and finish. You get magnificent ergonomics: fabulously comfortable seats and clear dials and controls – vital for eight-hour drives across three countries. You also get a couple of MB idiosyncrasies – the left foot parking brake and the gear selector mounted just where many indicator stalks tend to be; more than once I found myself rolling along in neutral when changing lanes. But you soon get used to these.
What you also get is admiring glances. The R-Class is a stunner, with styling echoes from the CL, sleek and sporting. I’m used to small gatherings around my exotic and extrovert test cars, but I couldn’t believe how often I had to call upon my schoolboy French to answer questions about the R-Class from tetes d’essence.
There was really no point trying to decide what the R-Class is, or trying to slot it into an existing segment of the car market. Mercedes have made a very successful habit of inventing their own segments over the last few years. Before A-Class, no one realised they needed a premium family hatch. What about a premium compact sports roadster? No such thing, until the SLK. And no luxury car company had made an off-roader until the M-Class was born.
So accept the R-Class for what it is. A superb, big, roomy, six-seater, 4wd grand sports tourer. Perfect for holidays, family outings, executive transport and load carrying. Other manufacturers are even now working feverishly to produce something in this new segment of the market. Will anyone have one ready for me next ski season? Well, even if they do, I know I’d still try and scrounge an R-Class off Mercedes.
Mercedes-Benz R 320 CDI L Sport
Engine: V6, 2987 cc
Power: 167kW @ 3,800 rpm
Max speed: 216 kph
Performance, 0 to 100 kph: 8.8 seconds
Combined fuel economy: 9.29 litres/100 km
SUMMARY: MB create a new segment, and immediately dominate it.
