Autoblog

These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Volvo

It happens every year. We bid adieu to some cars and trucks that will be missed, and say good riddance to others wondering how they stayed around so long. Whether they're being killed off for slow sales or due to a new product coming along to replace them, the list of vehicles being discontinued after 2012 is surprisingly long and diverse.

CNN Money has compiled a list of departing vehicles, to which we've added a few more of our own. In the slow sales column, cars like the Lexus HS 250h, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the full Maybach lineup appear, while the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda CX-7 and Hyundai Veracruz are all having their gaps filled with more modern and more fuel-efficient alternatives. Obvious exceptions to the rule include models that still sell in decent numbers like the Jeep Liberty and the Chrysler Town & Country (which will eventually be replaced by a crossover-like vehicle).

Check out our gallery of discontinued cars above, then scroll down for more information.

Continue reading These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz to nix R-Class from U.S. lineup despite being built in Alabama

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

After years of lackluster sales, Mercedes-Benz is finally pulling the plug on the company's R-Class, at least as far as sales in the United States go. The vehicle will continue to be manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and exported to markets around the globe.

According to Yahoo! Autos, the company has sold just 300 R-Class units nationwide through March of this year despite the fact that the German automaker is having no trouble moving any of its larger SUV models. With R-Class sales bumbling along, Mercedes-Benz says it simply can't maintain a business case for selling the overgrown wagon in the States.

As of right now, the company will continue to produce the R-Class through 2015 for sale in Mexico, Canada and China. After that date, Mercedes-Benz will likely replace the vehicle with a new creation based on the bones of the current M-Class.

Mercedes-Benz to nix R-Class from U.S. lineup despite being built in Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz recalling 6,800 diesel models

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Mercedes-Benz

Nearly 7,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles are being recalled for potentially leaky fuel filters. Included under the recall are diesel (read: Bluetec) versions of the 2011 E-Class, GL-Class, M-Class, and R-Class, as well as the 2012 S-Class.

The 2011 model year vehicles being recalled were built between January 2010 and April 2011. NHTSA says fuel filters on affected vehicles "may develop leaks from the area around the heating component."

Mercedes-Benz USA will be contacting owners for free inspection and replacement, beginning in November. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz recalling 6,800 diesel models

Mercedes-Benz recalling 6,800 diesel models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vehicles take flight at the 'Ring's Flugplatz

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Audi, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche

All four off at Flugplatz - Click above for high-res image gallery

Many areas of Germany's demanding 13-mile Nürburgring race track have became notorious in their own right, and have nicknames that hint at the challenge they present. One such section is called Flugplatz, which means "airport," and the name certainly fits because this crest is enough to send some cars skyward.

Our friendly spy photographers decided to take a break from the cat-mouse-camo-car game, and trained their lenses on Flugplatz. In the gallery below, we have airborne units from Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan, all attacking the airport. Engineers like to use this lift-off point to check a variety of parameters. They also like to use Flugplatz to force suspension setups to reenact heavyweight prize fights.

We hear that drivers need to exceed 100 miles per hour at Flugplatz in order to play games with gravity. That makes the shots of the Panamera that much scarier, and the shots of the McLaren MP4-12C that much more amazing. Check out all of Flugplatz finest in our high-res image gallery.

Vehicles take flight at the 'Ring's Flugplatz originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz and Toyota plants halted by tornado outage

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota

Tornadoes are wreaking havoc in the southern United States, causing Mercedes-Benz and Toyota to put the brakes on production at each of their respective Alabama manufacturing facilities. Mercedes-Benz builds GL-Class, M-Class and R-Class vehicles in Tuscaloosa, while Toyota's Huntsville plant produces V6 and V8 engines for the Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks and the Sequoia sport utility vehicle.

Both facilities are closed at the moment, and power outages are affecting many areas in the South. Reps for Toyota and Mercedes have stated that their plants will remain closed through the weekend.

[Source: Automotive News | Image: Butch Dill/AP]

Mercedes-Benz and Toyota plants halted by tornado outage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz issues recall over leaking fuel filters

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for the 2011 E-Class, GL-Class, M-Class and R-Class due to leaky fuel filters. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration, the vehicles' O-ring may not have been properly lubricated, and thus, can result in fuel spilling out onto roads, causing unsafe conditions for other drivers.

NHTSA's bulletin specifically cites that diesel fuel comes out of these leaky fuel filters, but our friends at The Car Connection have confirmed that this recall does, in fact, apply to both gas- and diesel-powered vehicles. Approximately 2,300 vehicles are affected by this recall, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall is expected to ramp up sometime this month.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: NHTSA via The Car Connection]

Mercedes-Benz issues recall over leaking fuel filters originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mercedes readying first-ever TV ads for R Class

Zach Bowman — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

As it turns out, you have to do a little more than build the Mercedes-Benz R-Class in order to get buyers to come take them off of your hands. Since the big Silver Arrow crossover first sauntered onto the scene back in 2005, Mercedes-Benz has done very little advertising, and as a result, consumers can't quite figure out what to make of the vehicle. According to Automotive News, that may be about to change. The company says that it will spend up to 15 percent of its total fall advertising budget on spots for the luxury people mover.

The ads will be geared toward wooing young families and will crop up during shows like CSI and Grey's Anatomy as two 15-second spots - one at the beginning of the commercial break and one at the end. Beyond that, we're not exactly sure what to expect from the commercials.

The move is part of a concerted effort to turn R-Class sales figures around. By May of this year, Mercedes-Benz had only managed to move a paltry 1,223 of the crossovers off of the lot. With a fresh face and plenty of advertising bucks headed toward the R, the German automaker says it hopes to see a double-digit percent sales increase compared to current numbers.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automotive News]

Report: Mercedes readying first-ever TV ads for R Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is better by a nose

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Diesel, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not too long ago, there was a time when all of the vehicles in an automaker's portfolio weren't required to wear the same uniform. Each model could be its own unique expression of the brand's strengths without being forced to schedule an appointment with the corporate plastic surgeon. Granted, some marques lost a bit of identity with scads of mismatched children running around the lot, but the world's automotive variety pack was considerably more interesting. If you didn't like the face on one product, but wanted to stick with the brand, there were a plethora of options to choose from.

That's not the case anymore. We live in a world of increasingly unified automotive design, and while that's resulted in a few products missing the mark in a big way (we're looking at you, Acura), just as many manufacturers have created some real winners by spreading the corporate face among its progeny. Dodge's decision to share the Ram grille across its line was one of the best moves the company has made in recent history, and Ford and Chevrolet have similarly benefited from strong familial design cues.

Now Mercedes-Benz is looking to walk down the same path by spreading its upright grille to the 2011 R-Class. The move isn't so much of a shot in the arm as a shot of espresso for the Silver Arrow's awkward duckling, but it should help the luxury people mover blend in amongst its more beautiful brethren.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is better by a nose

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is better by a nose originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Mercedes-Benz releases onslaught of 2011 R-Class images

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:15:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class people-mover gets a fresh new exterior for the 2011 model year. Not only does it incorporate the automaker's new corporate face, with the dinner-plate-sized logo in the middle of the grille, but the rear end has been smoothed out and the whole package looks a lot sleeker (as sleek as an R-Class can be, anyway). In all, we like the refreshed appearance, as it really tones down the bulgy proportions of the big R, and if you're shelling out top dollar for a family hauler, you'll certainly want to look your best while cruising to Costco.

Not much has changed underhood - Mercedes-Benz is still offering the naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 as well as the well-received 3.5-liter Bluetec turbodiesel. The interior gets a mild freshening, as well, and we must say, it looks like a wonderful place for long-distance cruises. Click through the gallery below to see over 100 high-res images of the 2011 R-Class.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Pics Aplenty: Mercedes-Benz releases onslaught of 2011 R-Class images originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: Mercedes R-Class hits the refresh button for 2011

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

Today at the 2010 New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz showed that it's still behind the all-but-forgotten "Sports Tourer" when it unveiled the heavily restyled 2011 R-Class. The minivan-that-isn't-a-minivan has had a rough life up to this point. It was never really marketed well by Mercedes, and the droopy snout never really helped. Like Jennifer Gray though, it's amazing what a new nose can do for you.

The 2011 model adopts the automaker's new corporate face with its larger three-pointed star resting inside that upright rectangular grille. It does just enough to butch it up and make the front end handsome. Although in profile, it does look a bit like an extended wheelbase Honda CRV with that sloping D-Pillar. Out back there's also a revised rear bumper with integrated reflectors, new lenses and a new black diffuser below the bumper.

Interior changes are small, and Mercedes only announced an R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R350 4MATIC model for the U.S. for 2011. The 3.0 liter BlueTEC V6 with 210 horsepower and 400 ft-lb of torque is capable of 18/24 miles per gallon, giving it a range of more than 500 miles or just about two tankfuls to Wally World. Pricing wasn't announced, but the new R-Class should be priced similar to the 2010 models, or $51,675 for the R320 BlueTEC and $50,175 for the R350 4MATIC. Live pics below and the full presser from M-B after the jump.

Gallery: New York 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Continue reading New York 2010: Mercedes R-Class hits the refresh button for 2011

New York 2010: Mercedes R-Class hits the refresh button for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #172: YUGOMANIA!

Dan Roth — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Cadillac, GM, Hyundai, Infiniti

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Sam and Dan kick off Episode #172 of the Autoblog Podcast with guest Jason Vuic, author of a historical treatise on the Yugo.

Alex Nunez joins us afterwards for news items. We cover sights coming to the New York Auto Show, including the next Mercedes R-Class, Infiniti QX56, Cadillac CTS-V Wagon and Sonata Hybrid, among other topics. We babble for an hour and twenty and then split.

Autoblog Podcast #172: YUGOMANIA!

In the Autoblog Garage:

Toyota Prius

News:
Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
Infiniti QX56
Mercedes-Benz R Class
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hosts:
Alex Nunez, Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid

Guest:
Jason Vuic, author of The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History

Runtime: 1:16:45

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #172: YUGOMANIA! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brawnier 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class leaked ahead of New York debut

Steven J. Ewing — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

The R-Class has had a rough life. Not only did it suffer from odd, disproportionate styling, but Mercedes-Benz never really marketed the vehicle the way that it should have, choosing to position it as a "sports tourer," rather than the obvious upscale family hauler that it is. Dismal sales ensued. Makes sense, then, that the 2011 R-Class benefits from a slightly more comprehensive overhaul than the standard mid-cycle refresh usually entails.

Right away, we must say that the R-Class's new schnoz is a giant leap forward from drooping proboscis of the outgoing car. New, more chiseled headlamps accent a larger, more upright grille and a less angular hood. The revised lower fascia features the automaker's new quad foglight design - something we've already seen on the E- and GL-Class. Not much has been changed out back, save the standard mid-cycle enhancements (revised taillights and a tweaked bumper).

Interior changes are minimal, which is fine, since we've never really had a problem with the ~~sports tourer~~ people mover's cabin. Look for the typical array of Mercedes-Benz technology features, as well as a new AMG sport interior, which includes different seats, a better steering wheel with shift paddles, a new lighting package, and stainless steel pedals. As for powertrains, we expect the standard V6 engines - both petrol and diesel - to be offered. Us? We're secretly crossing our fingers for the return of the R63 AMG.

Check back later this week for full details from the New York Auto Show. In the meantime, click through the gallery below to see preview shots of the new R-Class. Hat tip to Ashley!

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Preview

[Source: eMercedesBenz]

Brawnier 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class leaked ahead of New York debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: R-Class facelift

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Wagon, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

The R-Class won a design award, went on tour with the Rolling Stones, was dropped in price, and still sold so poorly that Mercedes admitted the car was a failure. Yet M-B head man Dieter Zetsche said the car isn't going away, so as one does with continuing product, the R-Class is getting some face and tail work done. Those who whisper about such things indicate that the car will end up looking more like the B-Class. We're not sure that will help it, since it looks much like the B-Class already and that car isn't exactly a looker, either. We think the R might be better served if Mercedes could explain why anyone should choose it over the E-Class wagon or GL-Class SUVs... and when the GLK arrives, well, good luck to you, R-Class.

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: R-Class facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes cutting production in Alabama

Michael Harley — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz

As consumer demand for thirsty vehicles continues to wane, Mercedes-Benz is being forced to slow production at the Alabama plant which manufactures their GL- and ML-Class SUVs and the R-Class crossover. Sales of Mercedes domestic trucks fell to 5,090 vehicles in June, representing an 11.9 percent decline from the same period last year. The move marks the first time in more than a decade of U.S. production, that the German automaker has reduced output due to market and economic conditions. The cuts will affect more than 4,000 of the plant's employees, and unfortunately will trickle-down to hurt the countless other companies who provide just-in-time components to support Mercedes production.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Mercedes cutting production in Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes admits R-Class was a failure

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:11:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

click above to view more images of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class

That the R-Class has not been the most successful vehicle in the history of Mercedes-Benz is no big secret, but after staunchly espousing its virtues for year, the automaker has finally admitted it. And as any recovering addict could tell you, admitting you have a problem is the first step on the long road to recovery.

Mercedes had pegged production of the crossover at its Vance, Alabama, plant at 50,000 units annually, with half of that staying in the United States. Last year, however, American dealerships sold only 18,000 units. According to Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche, the R-Class "has definitely not lived up to our original plans."

Mercedes is planning a replacement for R-Class, and while it could retain the same big CUV/wagon set-up, the next R is more likely to take another format altogether. Mercedes biggest competitor at BMW, meanwhile, is evidently thinking otherwise with the X6 crossover it just unveiled yesterday.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Gallery: 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Mercedes admits R-Class was a failure originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes takes R-Class down a notch

Chris Tutor — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Mercedes-Benz

After selling only 18,168 samples of their R-Class in 2007, even after dropping the base price by $5,000, Mercedes will try taking the uber-wagon downmarket in 2008.

For starters, the cheapest R-Class you can get next year will be the 268hp R350, which has a V6 and does without all wheel drive to come in under $43,000. Originally, the cheapest R350 started at around $48,000. Other R models will retain standard AWD.

In the past, spotting a 500 HP AMG R63 has been difficult, probably due to its $80,000 price tag. Spotting one now will be even harder. All 2008 R-Class models will get the body cladding of the 2007 AMG (pictured above) and 18" wheels, but not the performance mods. No AMG R-Class will be offered in 2008.

The most expensive R next year will be the 221hp R320 CDI at just over $46,000.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes takes R-Class down a notch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shots: BMW V-series mule

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:09:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, BMW

With Audi and Mercedes rampantly trying to fill every conceivable segment, BMW has been stepping up development of its own niche vehicles, including the X6 CUV and now, a contender in the it's-not-a-minivan crowd, the V-Series.

The 3-Series wagon-bodied prototype supposedly foretells what BMW plans to pit against the Mercedes R-Class, sporting third-row seating and a somewhat higher ride height.

Little is known about the V-Series yet, but if KGP's spies are to be trusted, we should expect to see BMW's newest people-mover hitting the market sometime in 2010.

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy shots: BMW V-series mule originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz reveals updated R-Class with more features

Alex Nunez — Fri, 11 May 2007 07:33:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

Click image for photo gallery

For 2008, Mercedes-Benz has performed a series of updates on its R-Class people mover (Mercedes calls it an "SUV Tourer" -- identity crisis, anyone?), and as was previously reported, RWD-only variants are now in the mix. There's quite a bit more to the update than just that, however, and Mercedes is certainly hoping that the new choices customers face will help punch up the car's sales numbers. In the US, for example, the R-Class is down 38-percent versus last year (through April). Just in case variety isn't enough, the cost of entry is getting dropped several notches as well, with starting prices several thousand Euros lower than the outgoing model's.

The '08 R gets revised front and rear fascias, but the changes are subtle. In front, the round foglamps and trapezoidal, AMGish-looking surround to the lower air intake are the key identifiers. Both short and long-wheelbase editions are being offered, and new, more flexible seating options allow the luxo-MPV to haul five, six or seven passengers in comfort. Naturally, the usual assortment of creature comforts and convenience features is part of the overall package.

A range of gasoline and diesel engines is available, with Mercedes' 388-horsepower 5.5L V8 motivating the range-topping R 500 4MATIC. The only transmission available is MB's 7G-TRONIC seven-speed auto.The R280, R280 CDI, and R350 are available as RWD-only vehicles (In fact, the R280 gasoline-powered car is only available in this configuration). The 4MATIC roster is made up of the R280 CDI, R320 CDI, R350, and R500. There's no word yet on whether or not the ridiculously powerful R63 AMG will make a return sporting the new threads. Additional details, including the Euro price breakdown, are in the Mercedes press release pasted after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Gallery: 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz reveals updated R-Class with more features

Mercedes-Benz reveals updated R-Class with more features originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Merc R-Class may come in RWD flavors

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 03 May 2007 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

Perhaps more R Classes will roll off dealer lots if only the rear wheels push the car, instead of all four. Auto Telegraaf reports that Mercedes will soon build the base R Class with RWD as standard, and will lower the price in a bid to change the SUV's fortunes.

As everyone is aware, the 4-matic Mercedes R-Class has not met with the success Mercedes expected of it. The car's massive interior is well-appointed, so the R Class' problems seem mostly due to style and price. An R 500 costs more than the much better looking ML 500, and only a bit less than the much better looking GL 450. Mercedes touts the Grand Sport Tourer's driving dynamics, but how many R Class buyers are looking for premium driving prowess in a people-mover that looks as unsporting as the R? On that note, the newer, less expensive R will come in for revised styling. The R will also have access to the 5.5-liter V8, but there's no word on which engines will go with the RWD models.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Merc R-Class may come in RWD flavors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's people mover comes into focus

Chris Tutor — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 16:52:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, BMW

Leave it to BMW to, OMG, make getting groceries and hauling toddlers very, very sexy. Car magazine reveals an exclusive look at what should be part of the BMW 3-Series line up in the coming years.

The renderings of this new people-hauler resembles Mercedes' R-Class, although BMW's four- or five-seater is reported to be much smaller. According to Car, the BMW's maximum cargo space is only 26 cu. ft., while the seven-seater R-Class can swallow 92 cu. ft. with all seats folded. The magazine says the new addition to the 3-series will be closer to the size of Renault's Grand Espace which can seat up to six. Car magazine also made it clear that the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class wagon are BMW's targets.

There's no word on whether this new people mover will be for sale in the U.S., but considering the lukewarm reaction to the R-Class and Chrysler's Pacifica, our hopes aren't high. That said, Car magazine reports BMW expects to sell as many as 120,000 copies a year.

[Source: Car]

BMW's people mover comes into focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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