All engine models are partnered as standard by the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, which itself comes with a noteworthy new feature in the form of DIRECT SELECT. This electronic transmission control system has allowed Mercedes engineers to dispense with the conventional automatic selector lever in the center console and to replace it instead with a lever on the steering column. Additional gearshift buttons on the steering wheel enable drivers to manually preselect the seven forwards gears, just like in a Formula One racing car. This allows the power reserves of the six and eight-cylinder engines to be harnessed to optimum effect in any driving situation.


Permanent all-wheel drive, the electronically controlled 4ETS traction system and ESP team up to offer topnotch driving safety and keep the new R-Class safely on course, even in very bad road conditions. These systems all make up part of the vehicle's standard specification, as does air suspension for the rear wheels. Mercedes customers also have the option of AIRMATIC all-round air suspension. This is inter linked with the ADS Adaptive Damping System, offering motorists the facility of raising the body by up to 50 millimeters when driving along rough roads. At high speeds above 120 km/h, the body is automatically lowered by 20 millimeters to reduce wind resistance.



Dimensions: first-class spaciousness and luggage capacity up to 2385 liters

Measuring 5157 millimeters from nose to tail, the body of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class is akin to a luxury saloon in size but is considerably more spacious inside. This is due primarily to the sophisticated vehicle concept and a dimensional design that has been ingeniously planned right down to the finest detail. Take the seat spacing, for instance, which amounts to 920 millimeters between the first and second rows, while the second and third rows of seats are separated by 840 millimeters. Moreover, the second-row seats can be adjusted individually fore and aft, thereby increasing the seat spacing to as much as 990 millimeters. The maximum distance between the second and third rows of seats (depending on seat position) is 920 millimeters.


Likewise, the figures for headroom (rear: up to 1027 millimeters) and shoulder room (front 1530 millimeters, rear up to 1514 millimeters) take the levels of space and comfort aboard the Mercedes-Benz R-Class into a new dimension.


Each of the vehicle's six passengers can sit back and relax in comfortable individual seats which offer the added luxury of armrests in the second row. The list of optional extras includes a center console between the individual seats in the second row with extra stowage compartments along with large cup holders for holding both cups and bottles upright during the journey.


Families who are keen on sports and recreational activities and who are looking for a versatile car that can adapt to all manner of transportation tasks quickly and easily are also catered for by the new R-Class as only Mercedes knows how: the four seats in the rear fold flat individually, allowing the load capacity to be expanded to as much as 2385 liters (VDA measuring method), a figure which clearly eclipses the load space offered by estate cars. Loading and unloading is particularly straightforward, courtesy of the level load floor measuring over 2.20 meters in length and the generously proportioned EASY-PACK tailgate, which is available with remote-control opening and closing as an optional convenience-enhancing feature.


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