WK: Mercedes just unveiled one vehicle in two versions, the R350 and R500, but it heralds another significantly made
for American-taste design. It’s too big to be viable for many sales in Europe and it looks big in person. Pictures make
the R-Class a little ganglier that in the sheetmetal. Inside, the big Benz coddles the driver and five passengers.
Legroom is great for all positions but the $50,000 price will assure that many will be directed to the Pacifica
for the “it’s not a minivan” vehicle. Barely average in terms of the MB model line, the CLS is more
significant.
Grade: C
DT: I’m not sure what Mercedes is trying to do. Their main need is to up their
reliability and customer satisfaction. So they introduce a completely new platform that is a risk. Sure, studies say
more people are moving from SUVs to CUVs (crossover utility vehicles) but that doesn’t mean a Mercedes branded CUV will
work. Their M Class and CLS will do well, but this…not too sure.
Grade: C-