2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Mercedes completes the R-Class with the R 280 CDI and the R 63 AMG. While the athlete was equipped with 510 hp, it can be traveled comfortably even with the weakest engine.
By Thomas Flehmer
Seven months after the start of the R-Class in Europe, Mercedes has expanded its model range. After the R 320, R 350 and R 500, which had already been introduced, the R 280 CDI entry-level model and the top-of-the-line R 63 AMG form the pole of the range. The most powerful and the weakest engines should make the R-Class even more attractive for the European and German markets. By June 30, 2006, Mercedes had sold 21,000 units worldwide. However, 10,000 pieces of the space glider manufactured in Tuscaloosa remained in the USA.
280 with a short wheelbase only
The 280 CDI 4Matic is therefore probably the “most German” in the R-Class. In contrast to the land of unlimited possibilities, due to the larger parking space problems, the “little ones” are only available with a short wheelbase and only 4.92 meters in length instead of 5.18 meters. While the wheelbase of the long versions, popular in the USA, is 3.22 meters, European customers can be satisfied with the 280 with 2.98 meters. You don't feel cramped inside.
On the contrary: the 4 + 2-seater looks and is extremely spacious. Legroom is provided on all four seats, but the third row of seats is more suitable for people under 1.70 meters. If the rear seats are folded down, however, you have up to 2385 liters of luggage space available.
Bonds from the 320s
In addition to the length and some assistance systems for safety, there are only differences to the class siblings under the bonnet. The six-cylinder common rail diesel is borrowed from the equipment of the 320. Thanks to the aluminum crankcase and cast-in gray cast iron cylinder liners, it weighs just 41 kilograms. But weight only plays a minor role in the 280.
Because with an unladen weight of 2220 kilograms, the R-Class is quite a heavyweight. You can tell when you accelerate. The seven-speed automatic has to work to mobilize the car. But in the end, 140 kW / 190 PS and a maximum torque of 440 Nm between 1400 and 2800 rpm are completely sufficient. The 100 km / h mark is passed after 9.8 seconds, at 210 kilometers an hour it is over. But whoever opts for the entry-level model with permanent all-wheel drive will not be so concerned about the lawn, but more about traveling. 9.3 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers specified by Mercedes are another argument for the small colossus.
Flashing brake lights
It looks different with the R 63 AMG. In the 6.3-liter eight-cylinder, you can reach 100 km / h in just 5.1 seconds. 375 kW / 510 PS and a maximum torque of 630 Nm underline the ambitions of the top model. The pithy sound does the rest of the driving pleasure. It is maintained up to a top speed of 250 km / h before the electronics curb the irrepressible forces.
Both have the new security features in common. Brake lights, which flash quickly in the event of an emergency stop, provide a more effective warning of rear-end collisions, the “Distronic” proximity control system (1798 euros) reduces the speed and activates the brake if you drive too close to the vehicle in front. With the “Linguatronic” voice system (458 euros), the driver can make calls, operate the audio system and the navigation system without having to take his hands off the steering wheel. The concentration stays on the road.
Expensive top athlete with a sense of family
The built-in reversing camera (522 euros), which can safely point the long vehicle into the parking space, is just as useful. Actively ventilated comfort seats keep the shirts dry even at high temperatures and despite the air conditioning. But these useful aids are only a small part of the seemingly endless list of surcharges that whip up the base price of the 280 CDI of 49,068 euros.
The R 63 AMG is almost twice as expensive: Markus Rubenbauer, Head of Product Management for the M-, R- and GL-Class, titled “Top athlete with a sense of family” changes hands from 96,976 euros.
