carpersn

According to the C/D article (which unfortunately only really previewed the 500 instead of both) the writers take was "even though its 302 horsepower doesn't seem up to carrying the R500's two and a half tons." Doesn't bode well for the 350 does it? Which has been my main concern even though i've already got it on order. Luckily the dealer understands that while i've put my name and money down, i'm going to walk if not satisfied when it arrives. Especially when by the end of the year it looks like they'll be giving away Escalades and Navigators, which i really don't want, but hey...i don't want an anemic $60,000 Mercedes either (and i'm not willing to pay +$70k at this point in my life).

MB Fanatic

I really do not think that the new engine is anemic. It has plenty of power and it sure as hell is capable of moving the R class. If it can move the ML350 I drove with little ease then the R has nothing to worry about.

carpersn

Do you realize, however, just how much larger the R class is than the M?

MB Fanatic

a few hundred pounds between the two is not going to make that big of a difference. The engine has plenty of torque available on tap to move this damn vehicle. I am sure Mercedes would have used a different engine with more hp/torque if it had felt that car was underpowered.

I for one am waiting for the AMG version with the new 6.3 litre engine that I am expecting will be detuned slightly.

We will have to wait and see what the reviews are going to say about this car. But from what it looks like right now I have no doubt that it will be a fine automobile that well balanced.

Nevada Jack

You did not include the first part of the C/D sentence. "The 5.0-liter V-8-powered R we sampled ran up and down the scales without breathing hard, even though..." There is no problem with the V-8 and I am sure the V-6 will handle the R Class with ease. It is used on the E Class wagon and sedan (not exactly lightweights) and there are no complaints that I have heard.

268HP can hardly be called "anemic." If you are tempted by a Escalade or Navigator because of price advantages, then worrying about whether the V6 in an R Class will be able to propel it is moot. Spend the $60,000 + and get yourself a real car...:-)

Nevada Jack

You indicate "you have a R350 on order." You are the only other one (besides myself) on this and other forums that has one on order. Would you mind sharing what your build date is and what options you have selected? Just curious and probably be helpful to other readers. Thanks

(reference carpersn entry above)

carpersn

Nevada...my vehicle is spec'd out as listed in my thread titled "My Netstar Page"...i would repost but am not at my home computer now. I am quite sure that the 350 will be adequate, but have also had experience with driving the E3204Matic wagon I've got against the ML320 I used to have and there was NO COMPARISON in acceleration. A few hundred pounds is very meaningful and as stated, i'm not yet where you are in willing to spend >$70k for my family hauler. It gets put through too much from the family...

Nevada Jack

You and I have totally different requirements...I don't have a family to haul around and just want a nice big all purpose wagon. I can certainly see where the R would take a beating with a family running wild in the rear....:-) I cancelled an order in February for a 350 wagon and decided I would splurge on the R after following it for 4 years.