Final Configuration for my new R Class
Comfort Package (Folding Mirrors, Auto-dimming mirrors, Cargo Cover)
Trim Package (Exterior Chrome Trim, Interior Ambient Light Pkg)
Lighting Package-B-Xenon Lights (Active Light Sys.,Cornering Fog Lamps)
Premium Package (Panorama Sunroof,COMAND DVD Nav,HK Sound,PowerTailgate,Power Rear Quarter Windows)
Airmatic Air Suspension Package (ADS-Adaptive Damping Sys.)
Multicontour Seats (Driver /Passenger)
Thermotronic Climate Control (4 Zone Climate Control, Infrared Glass)
Parktronic
Wood Leather Steering Wheel
CD Changer (In Glove Compartment)
Rear Seat Center Console
Keyless Go
Heated Front Seats
Sirius Satellite Radio
iPOD Integration Kit
18" 5 Twin Spoke Alloy Wheels
The nice thing about this deal (at this point) is I don't know what it is going to cost me since MB had not announced final pricing of the Options and the Base Price is not yet known. I estimate the MSRP to be about $74,000.
So the long wait since they announced the concept in 2002 is over. I will continue to post information as it becomes available. Happy days coming
Congrats!
Congrats!
I am looking forward to delivery...
R350- $48,000 (plus $775 destination charge)
R500- $55,500 (plus $775 destination charge)
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R350- $48,000 (plus $775 destination charge)
R500- $55,500 (plus $775 destination charge)
If the 350 MSRP is $48k, that's an $8k spike over the ML350 MSRP. The R's interior is nice, but I don't know if one more seat, quirky exterior styling, and a lower body are worth the ~$10k (practically speaking) jump over the ML, at least IMO...
If the 350 MSRP is $48k, that's an $8k spike over the ML350 MSRP. The R's interior is nice, but I don't know if one more seat, quirky exterior styling, and a lower body are worth the ~$10k (practically speaking) jump over the ML, at least IMO...
As far as making a quicky, simpified comparison between the two as to the increase value of the R over the ML being justified, all I can say is drive them and compare. If you still feel that way then buy the ML and save the $10,000.
I encourage you to sit in the middle of the rear seat in the ML and see whether you still feel that it seats 5. Pretty darn uncomfortable if you ask me-- I say it is a four seater.
I encourage you to sit in the middle of the rear seat in the ML and see whether you still feel that it seats 5. Pretty darn uncomfortable if you ask me-- I say it is a four seater.
That may be one reason but the two cars are totally different in looks, style, interior design, size, weight, etc. As far as the ride similarity, that is also open to question at this point and I hope some magazine will do a test with each. The R weighs about 200 pounds more than the ML and it is about 15" longer, as well as being 6" lower so that has to have some effect on the ride qualities. I understand where you are coming from but "no reason to consider the R" based on seating capacity alone is a reach.
I hope I interpreted your remarks correctly....:-)
Maybe I am generalizing too much from my own situation, but I would not consider buying the R if I didn't need room for more than four (apologies for use of the double negative). The world is your oyster if you need to seat only four. The number of choices is almost mind-numbing, with the ML being just one of many possibilities.
If you need to seat 5 or more, welcome to the world of the minivan my friend. Sure some sporty SUVs seat 7, but they leave little room for storage when the 3rd row is up and I have yet to sit in one in which the legroom in the third row is adequate, and I'm not even that tall. Or you can go the route of a Chevy Suburban or similar vehicles, but I am not inclined drive a large truck in the city.
As for styling, the designers did a pretty good job with the R, except for the front end as I have pointed out earlier. Styling is not what drew me to the R though. It was a combination of functionality, comfort and horsepower. In terms of practicality and price, the Honda Odyssey Touring has the R beat. The Odyssey lacks the refinement, comfort and styling though.
I really just see the R as a bigger more vesatile wagon with a new style and look so I am buying it. I have never picked a car for it's practicality and price...if I had I would never have experienced the many MB's I have driven through the years.
I think your and I are coming from the same direction on the R Class...something different with a lot of nice goodies and technical features.
I can't recommend any one-seaters, but I really enjoy my 2 seat SL.
I can't recommend any one-seaters, but I really enjoy my 2 seat SL.
I just talked with my dealer..all the September builds are what they call "Factory Forced" builds and the vehicles can not be altered. We could not find one with my specs so that means my build date will shift to first decade in October...:-(
One September car was perfect...it had all the options I wanted except for the Lighting Pkg! What bean counter figured that listing out...I can't imagine not ordering the car without the Bi-Xenon option...? Anyway, October is the new date and BTW, the base pricing is accurate as posted earlier by AutoSpies.
I owned 3 SL's and my wife (rest her soul) loved them.







