GregW / Oregon

In an article on the forthcoming M-B R-Class GST ('05 introduction as '06 model), AutoWeek (12/29/03) has this to say about the ML:

"R-Class will be built at Mercedes plant in Alabama alongside the second-generation M-Class, with which it will share its engines, seven-speed automatic gearbox, permanent four-wheel drive and air suspension.

While the hybrid is under consideration (4.0L V8 + electric = 313 hp & 634 lb. ft.) for eventual sale in the United States, production versions will first come with a range of V-6 & V-8 engines--from a base 3.5 liter V-6 all the way up to a 6.3 liter V-8 in a range-topping RL-63 AMG model that's rumored to pack 500 hp."

Sounds good--my '98 will be in need of replacement!

Darkmann

Greg, was this an net report or paper? Is there a URL for us to link to? I'll go to AutoWeek's site anyway. Thanks for the info.

GregW / Oregon

This was in the weekly magazine. Here's a link to the article on the magazine's website, though:

AutoWeek article on R-Class

tcpgv

I like the design. However, expect a boat load of problems since it's built in the same plant as the M-Class. The CLK also had a lot of problems.

I recommend waiting 4 years before buying it. The exerience from the M-Class shows that it takes 4-5 years or more when producing a new model before they get it right.

Click link below to see a list of 50 M-Class problems in 4 years.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/foru...start=1&fid=29

vraa

Oh my, that's a long time!

GregW / Oregon

I don't disagree with your assertion that a new model is going to have problems that need to be sorted out, however remember when the ML was introduced it was also in a new plant in a new country for M-B with new workers and suppliers.

I would not expect the 4 years to hold true.