Spring 2009

Versatile R-Class
Versatility is one of the key features of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class, a multi-use vehicle that performs superbly in the city, on the highway, along side roads and even on less-smooth terrain.

In short, the perfect choice for people who need adaptability: the R Class can be used for business trips in Hong Kong and over the border in China, taking the kids to soccer or tennis classes, or heading out to the countryside with the entire family seated comfortably in its the roomy interior.

Whatever the circumstances, it is a dream car to drive, equipped with features specifically designed for today’s busy world, when it is essential to keep in constant touch via telecommunications. The R-Class makes that a total cinch, with its sophisticated bluetooth system that ensures mobile phone pairing, a keypad on the audio system for instant dialling and an on-off button on the steering wheel.

Total Concentration
In fact many more functions can be controlled from the steering wheel, in line with the Mercedes-Benz philosophy of trying, wherever possible, to simplify the driver’s tasks. Take the gears, for example, capable of being shifted using steering wheel buttons, meaning the driver can keep total concentration on the road ahead, ensuring there is less chance of an accident happening.

But if misfortune does occur, there is no better place to be than in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. The marque has long been lauded for its exceptional safety features, with constant innovations introduced to ensure that the driver and passengers are at minimal risk.

The safety features of the R-Class – or any Mercedes Benz model, for that matter – are far too numerous to list in full here, but a few examples serve to illustrate the care and attention that is taken by the engineers in Germany. The Neck-Pro head restraints, standard in R-Class models, offer solid protection in the event of a collision, helping to prevent whiplash, while the Pre-Safe system anticipates potentially dangerous situations on the drive ahead, adjusting front seats and seat belts accordingly.

Passenger Cell
There is more, much more. Airbags help reduce the risk of injury in a serious accident, with the front devices triggered in one, or two, stages, depending on the severity of the impact. The passenger cell itself has energy-absorbing front and rear sections; high strength steel and other features provide protection in the event of side impact.

Another exclusive Mercedes-Benz safety feature is Headlamp Assist, whereby the lights are activated automatically, so the vehicle can easily be seen. The vehicle features standard bi-xenon headlights with their active light function, dynamic range adjustment, cleaning and cornering light function.

Safety is, of course, paramount when taking the family on a drive. The R-Class is particular suitable as a family model: the R 350 L model can seat seven people in comfort, along with sporting gear such as tennis racquets, footballs and skateboards.

That ample interior space means it can be adapted for many different purposes during the week. A company director with interests in southern China, for example, might want to use the R 350 L to take senior staff on factory visits, cruising over the border, down the highways and along the rougher minor roads. The R 350 L would be just as suitable as a hotel shuttle vehicle to whisk guests from the airport, or around the city; car rental companies would also be attracted by its versatility and carrying capacity.

Smooth Ride
Whether used in downtown areas, or further afield, a smooth ride is guaranteed by the extraordinary 7G-tronic transmission system, so slick and quiet that passengers are barely aware a gear change is in progress. The driver can choose the mode flicking between gears, without lifting a finger from the steering wheel, using the easily-accessed change paddles.

A supremely smooth journey is also enhanced by the comfortable seating in R-Class models; a number of different configurations are possible, depending on the number of passengers on board.

Driver and front passenger sink into executive style seats, similar to their favourite armchair at home. The control panel facing the two front-seat occupants is a pleasingly harmonious interplay of convex and concave forms, tautness and fluidity, edges and curves, shadow and light. That mood of peaceful harmony is enhanced by the soft-feel coating given to switches and knobs, the soft armrests and the aluminium and fine wood trim elements.

Even without seeing the inside, it is immediately apparent that this is a classy five-door vehicle, capable of standing out wherever it is driven, in the city, on the open road or along back lanes. The R-Class models can pack plenty of punch, too. The R 350 L model fitted with V6 petrol engine has enough power to nip away quickly from the lights and allow fast acceleration in higher gears; hitting 100 km/h from a standing start takes a mere 6.1 seconds.

Watching Movies
While the world goes by in a blur, passengers can listen to CDs on the in-house system or, if the optional rear-sear entertainment system is fitted, watch DVD movies on screens integrated into the head restraints.

Among the many add-ons available are rear roof spoilers, bicycle carriers, roof-boxes for stowage space and even an i-Pod kit that integrates with the stereo system. Sun-lovers will like the idea of a tilting/sliding panoramic glass roof. In Model R 350 L, these are standard equipment, far bigger than rival models, that floods the spacious interior with light.

The chance to opt for that kind of individuality is one of the many reasons people choose Mercedes-Benz models. In the case of the R-Class, and its model the R 350 L, the inbuilt versatility is also a major lure, knowing that the vehicle can be used effectively for myriad different functions.