Test drive Mercedes Benz R-class since 2010 Minivan

All photos of Mercedes Benz R-class since 2010

The cult of the three "D"

Let others work, crossing the advantages of different classes of cars in order to get all-in-one-flapon, so that with savings for the client. And breeders from Mercedes-Benz can afford such experiments without thinking about the price.

For example, instead of one R500, you can buy a sports car, business sedan, SUV Plus Pay the parking for a year for the whole car park.

And something else will remain. We are sure that Mercedes-Benz is in the know. And in response to the calculations presented by the Germans, the Germans would only nod and once again feel the pleasure of the work done

Transmission 7G-Tronic
The 7G-Tric transmission is installed along with all the engines for the R-class. Its distinctive feature is a non -standard location of the switching lever. The selector is located in a place more familiar to the janitors' handle: like in Americans. In this case, the parking position is turned on the button on its top. The second feature of the round buttons on the back of the steering knitting needles. They can be switched by hand by hand: as on the Formula 1 car.

Design

The advantages of the R-class in Mercedes-Benz were characterized by three D: Design, Dimensions and Dynamism-design, dimensions and dynamics. The design is perhaps the only D that may not like someone. Mini-ven is expressive and dynamic; At the same time, with his outlines, he copies the younger brother of the B-class. (Although, whoever copies this another question). From afar, mini-wen can easily be accepted for a compact van: they will misinform large wheels and a hatch-like silhouette.

Full -wheel drive 4matic
Mercedes R-class has a distribution of traction force between the front and rear bridges in an equal proportion of 50:50. Instead of numerous locks of differential differentials, Mercedes use one handout that works together with the 4TS traction system and the electronic stabilization system (ESP). Sensors are installed on each wheels, information from which is transmitted to electronic blocks of 4TS and ESP systems. As soon as these systems recognize the scrolling of one or more wheels or the possibility of a drift, there is an instant redistribution of torque and brakes of the necessary wheels.

In front, the usual tone is set by a wide grille of the radiator with a three -beam star and three longitudinal lines flaunting in the center. A pair of oval lens-spectators is divorced in the corners of the muzzle (itself suggests itself), and the triangles of overall lights are attached closer to the center. The falling line of the roof and rapid relief lines on the sidewalls give the silhouette visual dynamics, and short overhangs suggest a completely different one, and far from the utilitarian, the purpose of the new erka ...

Dimensions
The impressive size of the R-class resulted in an incredibly spacious salon, designed for six full passengers. It is full-fledged, because in most seven and six-seater cars the third row of seats is designed for children or people of short stature. But Mercedes R-class exception.

Here, for each of the six, its own chair: no continuous sofas. This completely excludes the very opportunity to feel the shoulder of the neighbor. Here everyone is on their own, which cannot but rejoice. Moreover, each of the seats can be configured by the most selfishly determined desire, and the back rows are no exception. Even in the third row, a couple of people talked at 180 cm can sit and not feel the slightest discomfort. This is dimensions: the second D-coincidence.

Airmatic pneumatic suspension
Airmatic pneumatic suspension is in standard configuration, only from behind. The exception is the top R63 AMG. But as an option, the air suspension is available for any version of the R-class. The height of the road clearance in this case is controlled by Adaptive Damping System, which at high speeds automatically reduces 20 mm clearance to reduce the resistance to air flows.

Between the first and second rows of seats can be up to 990 mm, and the second and third can be moved from each other by 920 mm. At the same time, more than a meter has been left for the heads of passengers, and for the shoulders of more than one and a half meters (both in front and behind). We will not forget about the presence of a trunk, which, with the rear four seats folded, is ready to accommodate up to 2,385 liters of baggage, allowing the transportation of objects up to 2.20 m long.

But no numbers convey an amazing if you want, the bus sensation that arises in the third row. A giant space is spread in front of them, the driver is somewhere far ahead, and they float as if of their own free will. The only minus is the absence on the third row of the handles for which you could hold on.

Thermatic and Thermotronic
A large car needs an adult climate control capable of maintaining a comfortable temperature in a huge mini-wen. Is it a joke: to cool and heat four and a half cubic meter of interior space in time, 1.5 square meters. m of windshield and panoramic roof of 1.2 square meters. M?! The R-class was tested for frost resistance, heat-transmission and hurricane in Vienna, where RTA Rail Tec Arsenal GmbH is based. Herematic climate systems (two-zone climate control) and Thermotronic (multisone climate control) that maintain the temperature in the R-Class salon were tested here. On an area of \u200b\u200babout 7,000 square meters. m is one of the most powerful weather training grounds in the world. Cars and even trains are testing here, imitating African heat, the cold of the North Pole and even recreating hurricanes and tornadoes racing at a speed of 300 km/h!

Dynamism

Finally, the dynamics is the third of the D-Queens of the R-Medes. The latter on the list, but not in importance. If the new R-class is a large gorgeous and spacious mini-van, then the R500 is a VIP cruiser, which, in addition to the qualities of an ordinary ER class, is able to show who is the main one on the road. And for persuasiveness, to develop the first hundred for 7 s, moving towards the maximum 245 kilometers-in-hours. Under the hood of our R-class there was a five-liter V-shaped eight with a capacity of 306 liters. With. and a torque of 460 NM.

Prices:
In the basic configuration, the R350 costs 63,500 euros. Among other things, this includes a 3.5-liter 272-horsepower engine, an automatic 7-speed KP, ABS, ASR antiproopter system, an ESP emergency braking system, an electronic engine adjustment system for all-wheel drive, and GDL. Automatic braking control during the descent 4ets, front, side and window pillows. R500 prices start at 81,400 euros.

To cope with the pressure of any of the possible engines is intended for a seven-speed gearbox of 7G-Tronic. Its selector is located on the steering column, and on the back of the steering wheel there are manual transfers buttons. In addition, the central console has the Comfort/Sport mode switch, which controls the work of the transmission. If you convert the KP to the sport mode, the computer will twist the gears longer, holding the engine speed in the optimal range.

Summary for
With regard to Mercedes R-class, it is hardly correct to talk about some specified standards. Firstly, because this car did not have predecessors, but no followers or competitors are expected. And secondly, because these standards are incredibly high. The impressive dimensions of the salon, powerful engines, thoughtful ergonomics, a comfortable suspension and many pleasant options turn the trip on the R-class in an extremely pleasant and safe enterprise. I want to go on a long journey on a long journey just on such a car.

Summary against
For a machine, the functionality of which is not doubtful, chic and honed style elements are important, but optional. Mercedes did not compromise, wishing to provide the best in everything. This step, of course, deserves respect, but the wallets of buyers were in the red. The price here is the only drawback of the car: 116,000 euros for the tested car are strong. Such money is usually paid for aesthetics, chic and brand. The R-class, among other things, carries utilitarian functions for which it is not customary to pay so much. Therefore, for the dealer 5 sold R-class per month will be a happy result.

The car was provided by Olympus - the official Daimchrysler dealer in St. Petersburg

Text: Alexander Korobchenko, Philip Berezen
Photo: Roman Ostanin