Test drive Mercedes Benz R-class w251 2005-2010 Minivan

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Mercedes R-350. Big Sports Traveler
Some 15 years ago, when foreign cars began to appear on our roads, Mercedes had only three mass cars of the 190th, e-class and S-class. Try to look into the price list of Mercedes now. In the eyes it will be charged from the abundance of models. In addition to commercial machines, you can count 14 classes. None of the manufacturers have such a variety. But the question arises how much does the consumer need it?
Once again, Mercedes R-Class forced us to think about the quirks of automobile selection. Recently, he appeared in the salons of official dealers, and we hastened to take him on a test drive. We got the R-350 performed by LONG with a 235 mm wheelbase elongated by 235 mm.
In its external dimensions, the R-class does not fit into any segment of modern classification. In length and width, it is comparable to the representative sedan of the S-class, and in height turned out to be in the middle between cars and minivans. At the same time, a full -wheel drive transmission is hidden under the floor. Recently, such cars that do not fall under the classification are usually called crossovers. But Mercedes marketers came up with an even more ornate designation GST (Grand Sports Tourer) a large sports traveler. It was from such a concept car that the R-class occurred.
It will not work to call Mercedes R-class even with a big stretch. In the photographs in successful angles, it is not bad, but the car alive looks different. A long, relatively low body contrasts with large off -road wheels. The design of the front is slurred and, if not for the large three -beam star on the radiator grille, do not know the Mercedes.
But in the cabin more and more familiar. The interior is almost completely copying the ML SUV, the R-350 also got the steering wheel selector R-350. The manufacturer never hid that the R-class car is based on an all-wheel drive chassis of the ML SUV, but this fact for many can be a pleasant surprise. Of course, on the dry asphalt of the transmission, it is difficult to prove itself, but when the R-class starts from the ground roadside as quickly as on the asphalt, you recall that in Russia there is snow and all-wheel drive here is simply the necessary attribute for a large car. The owner of the S-class who is trying to find a tugboat for his car, stuck in a snowy court, a miserable sight. In addition, if you order an R-class with air suspension, it becomes possible to increase the clearance by 50 mm, and then the crossover really becomes like an SUV.
Car management does not promise revelations, but does not disappoint. In a comfortable operating mode of the R-350 air suspension, it resembles a large ocean liner that floats around the city, ignoring potholes in the Moscow asphalt. Even lying policemen swallow them without much indignation. The transfer of the suspension into Sport mode makes the car a little tougher, more collected. The car begins to obey the steering wheel better. However, a large weight (R-class is heavier than ML by 150 kg) makes itself felt: a sportsman from a crossover will definitely not work. As a result, even a driver who preferred the active style of driving, very soon wanted to return to a comfortable regime.
As for the large rolls of a heavy body, they scare only the first time, then you get used to them and stop paying attention. Moreover, a wide off -road chassis has a large supply of stability.
For the test we got the most modest representative of the R-class with a 3.5-liter engine with a capacity of 272 hp. and a 7-speed automatic. But I did not have to regret the choice. Of course, in races from the traffic light to the R-350 traffic light, it is unlikely that its first machine is clearly not enough for the sports mode of operation. But if you consider the purpose of moderately active movement both around the city and on the highway, then the capabilities of the motor are quite enough. Distant trips are one of the R-350 skates. Courser stability is beyond praise, and a comfortable suspension allows you to literally fly over the realities of Russian roads.
And what kind of silence in the cabin! The engine is audible only after 3500 vol./Min., But if the revolutions reach the maximum mark, the buzz of the motor does not press on the ears, but only reminds that now it works at the limit of his strength. Even on rough asphalt, at a speed of 140 km/h, you can talk in an undertone or listen to music on minimum volume.
My acquaintance, a longtime fan of Mercedes, learning that I have a R-class on a test drive, he begged to let him ride behind the wheel. In the meantime, I decided to test the middle sofa. Here is the place where the real owner of this car should sit. In terms of the stock of legs space, the R-class even exceeds the S-class, only there are not enough seats with massage and other attributes of the representative category. The sofa is divided into two personal chairs with an abundance of adjustments, there is no place for the third passenger here. The back row of seats can also be called a gallery here very freely, only powerful body racks limit visibility on the sides.
As expected, with a spacious salon, there are very few 314 liters left. But this is only on condition that all six passenger places are occupied. If not, then each of the seats can be folded in a matter of seconds with the floor, you will get a solid trunk, which in a double version reaches 2.4 cubic meters. m, as in a real minivan.
According to the results of the trip, my friend and I could not find mutual understanding. Being an avid fan of the brand, he argued that the R-class is a real breakthrough. Indeed, a universal car, no matter what side you look at him. You can take the whole family to the country, including a mother -in -law who does not like shaking. Suitable for traveling to business negotiations Mercedes is Mercedes. And all -wheel drive with the possibility of an increase in the clearance has not yet prevented anyone.
I stayed with my opinion. When I need a large and spacious car for the whole family, I will rather pay attention to an SUV or a full -fledged minivan, like Mercedes Viano. Eclecticism is not to my liking.
Retail prices for R-class cars begin at 63,500 euros for this money. You can buy an R-350 option with a short base. A version with an elongated base will cost 2300 euros more expensive. A more powerful R500 with a 5-liter engine, 306 hp It costs from 81,400 euros.
Characteristics:
body type 5-door station wagon, 6 seats
drive/type of checkpoint full/7-speed automatic
working volume of the motor (L) 3.5 V6
power (L.S.) 272
maximum speed (km/h) 230
acceleration time to 100 km/h (c) 8.3
average fuel consumption (l/100 km) 11.6
dimensions (length / width / height) (mm) 5157 /1922 /1656
equipped mass (kg) 2205
trunk volume min/max (l) 314/2395
Competitors in the class: Audi Q7, Mercedes Viano
 
Igor Sirin

Source: Wheel (company)