Merc's king-size crossover gets an update. Is it really still desirable?
WHAT'S NEW?
This is the mandatory facelift of the R-class, Mercedes-Benz's gargantuan crossover that combines SUV drivability MPV versatility.
The most prominent exterior change is the front end, while buyers can now opt for a seven-seat layout (called Family) aside the usual six-seat format (known as Executive).
Now that big petrol motors are becoming rather out of fashion, Mercedes-Benz has omitted the 3.5-litre V6 petrol of the R350 from the range and retained only the 3.0-litre V6 diesel-turbo for the R300 CDI.
Don't let the badges fool you. The pre-facelift R280 CDI uses the same 190hp diesel of the R300 CDI and has been merely renamed to comply with Mercedes-Benz's new badge strategy _ just like the ML300 CDI is now known as.
Although prices of luxury imports from Europe have generally fallen due to more attractive foreign exchange rates, the diesel R-class costs basically the same as before.
While the R280 asked for 6.23 million baht, the R300 retails for 6.44 million in Executive form and an additional 100k with sunroof option (as tested here).
Despite gaining an extra seat, the Family variant has a less luxurious interior, and comes with less digital features and equipped with smaller 18-inch wheels in place of the Executive's 20-inchers.
WHAT'S COOL?
It may only be a facelift, but the change up front is worthwhile. The headlights look sleeker and more modern than the bug-eyed appearance of yore, while the new grille is truly imposing to match that big body.
The R-class remains a comfortable car for long distance cruising, thanks to a quiet interior, big seats (the third row is more for children) and supple ride. In fact, Benz fans who are starting to get bored of the ubiquitous S-class could find the R-class as an alternative to be chauffeured driven.
To match the body's opulent size, the interior comes with sumptuous levels of quality so as to explain the solid build and fine materials.
WHAT'S NOT?
Although there's nothing exactly wrong with the 190hp/440Nm diesel V6 _ it still accelerates well and overtakes others on the road quite convincingly _ performance in the R300 can never be described as brilliant.
This is especially noticeable if you've owned an S350 CDI which uses the same 3.0-litre block but has higher 211hp/540Nm outputs for more shove at medium to high speeds. You start to wonder: why does a 2.25-ton barge like the R-class get lesser power than the 2-ton S-class?
And while the R-class's 20-inch wheels give the car the right proportions, it can make the ride fidgety on cracked road surfaces and bridgenecks.
Last and not least, the R-class isn't being offered with a long wheelbase body anymore, so interior legroom isn't that exceptional. Actually, the R-class doesn't have that kind of true MPV package, whereby not much metal is sacrificed for the engine compartment.
BUY OR BYE?
That the R-class only sells in small numbers in Thailand comes as no surprise, because it's big _ and arguably unnecessary _ body could be a deterrent for buyers. And to top it off, Mercedes these days is all about saloons, coupe{aac}s and roadsters to Thais.
The R-class might be compelling to big wallets wanting more than five seats. But if that's really the case, there are several other high-end MPVs, particularly from the Japanese camp, that will do the trick at lower prices.
But again, you could argue that the R-class has some good bits of the ML-class SUV and E-class estate if you don't need more than two rows of seats. But in essence, we'd say that sticking to either those two traditional body styles seem to be a better way out.
Despite the merits of the R-class, its execution is more flawed than perfect. So, it's bye-bye for us.
The traditional alternatives
ML300 CDI
Priced between 5.99-6.199 million baht, the ML sport-ute is easier and quicker to drive than the R-class. As well, it scores with trendier looks. Both the ML and R are relatives, explaining the common fascia inside, platform, 4x4 running gear and 190hp diesel motor.
E250 CGI ESTATE
The most sensible option with the best level of car-like dynamics and estate practicality, priced at 4.949 million baht. Too bad there isn't a CDI diesel to choose from, instead of just the 204hp 1.8-litre petrol-turbo version.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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