chilledbenz

Just a few more pictures of a test mule. You can get a better idea of the new head light treatment, but not really ha ha. Hopefully with the 2010 model set to debut here shortly, we will be getting some pictures of a production model on the net.

BallJack

So they're just changing the lights I guess?

cyeung65

I have seen these a couple months ago and am not sure these are 2010 Mule pics - but perhaps some prototye testing for the next gen R using the current chassis/body.

The GL and ML received some minor lighting changes for 2010 and they are already on the showroom floors. See benzblogger.com

Why the shroud of secrecy for the R class this late in the game? If they are facelifting the R, why didn't MB release it when the GL and ML got facelifted?

Then again, the facelift could happen for the 2010 model - but because supply still exceeds demand for the R, MB is holding release of the 2010 R?

chilledbenz

A whole new R comes in 2013. So this is supposedly a refresh of the current R class, with new headlights, bumpers, grill, and wheels. The 2010 ML and GL are indeed in show rooms already, but the R is being delayed, most likely because of these new updates. They might be trying to pass it off as a 2011 and will wait to release it to the public till late December early January.

The previous poster could be on to something with the thought that maybe its the 2013 version just stuck in a current body, car company's are known to do that to throw people off. Doesn't really make much sense to hide the updates as they aren't that drastic.

troymir350

Actually, the 2010 should be almost the same as 09. They will change the diesel to the R350 Bluetech and a few other bits. But, in March at the Geneva Auto Show Mercedes will show the redesigned 2011 R.

cyeung65

Hmmm. This is making some sense. The MB dealer I purchased from said there will not be a 2010 R - but did not suggest what the futre of the R would be. This seems quite contrary to the traffic on the internet. Perhaps, they are correct in that MB will hold on releasing a 2010 model until 2010 1/2 as a 2011? Production of 09 Rs was seized since Spring and maybe they won't crank it up until 2011?

troymir350

Actually, there has not been any stop of production. The first 3 weeks of August, MB built 567 Rs in AL. I didn't go back any further and I didn't check for sure, but those are not likely MY09 vehicles.

I would expect MY10 vehicles soon, but as I said MY11 will be the redesign. I'll check on launch schedules for MY11, but your point could be valid that MY10 will be short.

claimweb

See here ..
http://www.mercedesbenzclub.it/forum...20785&start=15

chilledbenz

2010 R classes are on the lots now. I haven't been able to check them out, but my dealerships online inventory shows a 2010 R arrived early this week. Hopefully Benz will get around to updating their website. They are painfully slow at doing so, the ML450 Hybrid as been on lots for nearly a month now and no word what so ever about it on the website.

cyeung65

There is a white 2010 at one of the Houston dealers. No notable appearance changes. I would have snapped a pic if it weren't for my broken Blackberry camera.

The suspicions about the spy pics continue....

chilledbenz

The mbusa site has been updated for 2010. The above photos are now known as the next R class and not the 2010. Apparently the new headlights, grill, and tail lights won't come till 2011,if they come at all. If a new R is due in 2012 it wouldn't make sense to do the updates for only one year. At any rate the changes that did happen for 2010 are as follows.

Standard 19'' AMG Wheels
Metallic Steel Grey Paint
Metallic Palladium Silver Paint
R320 Bluetec goes to R350 Bluetec

P1 now includes (only listed what changed, more options are included):
4gb hard drive with music register
memory package (seats,mirrors,steering wheel)
power folding mirrors
power steering column
auto dimming mirrors
The harman kardon system and the seven seat options have been removed from P1.

P2 is now just keyless go and the harman kardon sound system.
The 2nd row sunshades, 3 zone climate control, and rear air conditioning have been dropped from P2.

The Sport Package stays the same but upgrades the 19' wheels to 20'.

Heated steering wheel now available as an option.
As mentioned above the 3 zone climate control and seven seat options were dropped from packages but are now available as stand alone options.

VelociRaptor

Yep, we been building 2010 models since July.

hmp10

I've pretty much decided my next family hauler will be an R-class Bluetec. I've driven the R500 and R350 as loaners, and I test drove the diesel engine in an ML-class this weekend (couldn't find a diesel R-class in the entire Chicagoland area) and was very impressed. I'm in no particular hurry (the '04 Lexus RX it will replace hasn't turned 30,000 miles), and I would hate to buy one only to have the next generation come out shortly afterward.

Can someone give me a definitive date for the next-generation R-class release? 2010 as a 2011? 2011 as a 2012? Any risk M-B is just going to give up on the R-class in the near future?

(By the way, there's a 2007 R63 on eBay right now with only 47 miles on it. It has only been titled to the manufacturer and was in dealer storage. I was considering it but found the warranty start date was tolled in January 2006, so it's almost out of factory warranty -- plus I need 7 seats. However, M-B dealers can sell an extended warranty on it surprisingly cheaply, due to the low mileage: $2798 for a 5/75k warranty, and $6212 for a 7/100k warranty. I had a 2004 SL55, and anyone would be crazy to own an AMG without a warranty unless they just like setting fire to stacks of money.)

VelociRaptor

We built a 2011 model today......its bad *** just for a face lift. Check out my thread.

yenlard55

so i would assume the engine hasn't changed at all? were still looking at the same v-6?god this thing could use a bit more horsepower squeezed out of it. its been a great car for our family. but........this thing is just so heavy.

chilledbenz

There has been nothing written or rumored about the engine. Its still too far off in the planing department to have any hard facts on that. There is a new v6 thats currently only in the SLK in the states, its strange how they never put it into the C class or even the new E class. Maybe by that time a direct injection engine will be ready who knows.

pman

thanks for the info,but can you tell us the release date?

VelociRaptor

Sorry, dont know when.