Just posted some pic's of the R Class
 

Since the new R Class is essentially going to be in the E Class price range and I can see some similarity to the lines of the present E Class wagon, I thought I would post 3 pictures from the Geneva show. The lines are beautiful and it is the Ultimate wagon in my estimation. You can go to the GST forum or just click on the Cox URL below in my signature.

I am committed with a order deposit and cannot wait until Fall :)

Wow, that is very nice and has a great cutting edge yet elegant design. Good choice!!

Nice ride Jack.
I seem to see alot of the CLS in this cars styling.... Could this be the new trend for design with MB.... I kinda hope so..... :y

Hmmmmm I was thinking that the R-class might be our next vehicle. When I first saw pictures of it I was quite impressed. Nevada Jack's photo's show a more 'bulky' vehicle.

Hmmmmm

Oh well bye for now,

John
From a cool morning in Torquay

Great looking vehicle - definitely on my list to see when I'm shopping next!! Great choice - can't wait to the pics when you get it!

I had not thought about the CLS similarity H on an H but you are right. After looking again, the slope of the roofline and hood are similar. Having driven MB's wagons for so many years this just excites the hell out of me...:-)

Hey John...I thought the exact opposite. The early shots gave me the impression of a minivan look, but in these shots it looks much lower and the lines more sleek. It is a "BIG" vehicle for sure and I am anxious to see the final US version in real life.

The wife and I were talking about having a 3rd kid. If we go ahead the R-class is looking pretty attractive at the moment :y Very classy for a family 'van' :)

I agree...hope I am not disappointed when I see the real thing. Right now it looks great to me and my check is written...:-)

"R" Class
 

Want to really get an idea of what it will look like? Check out the chrysler Pacifica. As a minivan, they look pretty good. From what I hear the "R" Class will be the same car with a lot of different badging and the like. Made in the same place, so what can you expect? My son might like it but I am past needing to haul the tennis team.

I Don't Think So
 

I think the "R" is to be made in the same plant as the "M" in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. That plant was recently doubled in size for this.

I have to disagree somewhat with your post...except for the "tennis team" situation..:-)

The Pacifica is a "minivan" and I don't think the R Class can be called that. What you hear that they will be the same car with different badging is just not true. There is very little, if any, common on the two cars. It is not made in the same place...yes both made in the USA but not in the same factory.

Do the research on the R Class and compare the "details" with the Pacifica and I think you may change your perspective a little.

BTW...22 previously owned MBZ's...3 SL's, 4 wagons, diesels, gas and sedans of all shapes and sizes...been driving them since the early 70's. I guess we both like the line.

How many does it seat? I only see two headrests in the back.

There are two fold down seats in rear facing forward. A 4+2 arrangement. Go t the MBUSA site and click on the Vison R Class GST logo on the opening page...there are pictures of the concept and inside available.

Correct.

Not enough trunk space in that cut-off body to fully replace the E-class wagon by the look of it. More of a people mover and a short one at that. Prettier but less practical that the current E wagon.

Thanks for posting. :)

The R will have more trunk space than the present E wagon per the specs I have seen. Also the word short should not be used with this car...200" the last figure I saw which makes it longer than the E wagon.

I just cancelled my deposit for a E 350 wagon based on the latest pictures and what I have read about the R Class. If successful I could see this eventually replacing the wagon as we know it today. I may change my mind when I see if for real but I doubt it...:-)

Hi Nevada,
Reading all the new posts has confirmed my own personal observations, to me the vehicle does not have the sleek 'European lines that I like. (it is my own personal liking). When I first saw your pictures I thought "'crikey' it looks very American'" There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that look, and no doubt it will sell well. A few months ago we saw pictures of what I believe was some sort of Chrysler Estate car. This vehicle had a similar 'bulky' front. I appreciate how most members like it, and I am definitely NOT trying to criticise this new model. It might still grow on me, plus other European manufacturers might follow suit.

I look forward with great interest to read any further information you might get on this new vehicle. Finally I was under the impression that it was going to be slightly better refined than the present E-class? Is the R-class going to replace the E, or is it going to fit in just beneath the S-class?

Bye for now,
John

I can understand your views John...as I understood the concept, the long wheel base model will not be sold in Europe. If that means this model or a shorter version I don't know. The B Class is a smaller version and will sell in Europe starting in mid-summer. It is quite a bit different than the R.

My understanding from a dealer here is that it will be priced slightly above the E Class and depending on the engine selected and options, it could approach the S Class. One dealer said the base would probably be close to $54000??? There is no information available about the engine options. I would like to see the V6 350 (or the V6 CDI...HAHAHA) but it may be introduced with the present V8 (a bad move if it happens) or the new V8. That would make a big difference on the base price.

There is a GST Forum and I will post any new information there. This is the E forum and I don't think its fair of me to keep posting R Class data.

Another cloudy rainy day in Las Vegas (really not our thing...:-)

Wow... Thats impressive.... From the pic's you posted, I also was under the impression it was smaller than the E.... I'm guessing because of its sleek styling and curved roof line, it gives the car a more scaled down look (which I like B.T.W). Good luck with your decision... :y

R Class update
 

My dealer claims the new R Class will price close to $65,000.00. Apparently MBUSA does not want it competing with the M Class and are going to position it as a higher priced SUV alternative. I did see both the prototype of the R Class and the Pacifica side by side at the Detroit auto show two years ago. It looks like the Pacifica prototype has evolved into the production version of the R Class and of course we all know how disappointing the Pacifica ended up being in production form. I still have hope for the R, but guess we will just have to wait and see it in person. I just hope it stays closer to its original idea than the Pacifica did. I also hope Nevada Jack is right and that it can be had for the 55K sum rather than the price quoted by my dealer. At 65 K it will be relegated to being a limited production niche vehicle IMHO.

The Pacifica is a front-wheel drive derived car, based on the old Chrysler LH platform (300M, Concorde, Intrepid). The R-Class is based on the W164 ML-Class. Other than the concept and the parent company, there's nothing to connect them.

I tend to agree with your dealer about the $65000 delivered with options. The $54000 figure that I got was an estimated base price. He also stated that it could be considered a Niche vehicle when introduced and in the terms of pricing that would mean "sells at list." I expect with a 350 V6 engine and desired goodies the car will run over $60000.

As far as the Pacifica and the R are concerned, I would agree with the post by RohithT that they are two totally different cars, both in style and technical specifications. I think the vehicles we see at the Paris show and the Geneva show are pretty darn close to production models and I like you are anxious to see the final USA version with options.

Hi Jack,
Everything I have read tends to point towards your upper figures. It is supposed to slot in just under the S-class. It will be interesting to see if the 400CDI V8 will be offered. I would guess yes, as both the E and S-class have this option.

At present the 400CDI is not offered in RHD format on any of the models, but with a newly designed body that might change?

I still like some of the pictures I have seen where the front has a more 'seek' sloping grille etc. so please do not think I am dismissing this vehicle out of hand. Time will tell. :y

Regards,
John

A sunny afternoon in Torquay

Hi John...I think you (European market) will get the full range of engines while we in the states will have only the gas V6 350 and V8 *** until the low sulphur fuel appears in volume here. Then we may see the V6 and V8 diesels.

As far as pricing I agree and it will be above the E and below the S, and also above the new ML. If other pricing is any indication, then the V6 model would be the lowest base with lots of options up and the V8 would be a loaded car at the top of the pricing structure with less options and more standard goodies.

As always what you get and what we get will differ greatly...so we will compare notes in detail I am sure when details are available. I am ready now but MB is not cooperating...:-)

Best to you...Jack