German Car Forum

..and you still are. He's just more negative.

Only when it comes to "some" of BMW products!

Either way, this is a good facelift for the R-class. Now if it was the next generation model, then I could see getting upset about it.

Just kill the bloody car once and for all.

Why?

You know the rules...Mercedes-Benz doesn't make mistakes. Whatever changes they have to make to the R-class to prove that they will.

Looks a lot better already. Finally this van gets a proper look instead of the "confused fish"-impression it currently has.

I've always loved the self-contradiction in your posts, HOH. Keep it up!

^ lol

The front of this facelift looks very well resolved this time. Pretty, almost.

I like the improvements. But, overall the reason US buyers don't like the R is the general asthetics of the vehicle. This FL doesn't do much for this. I was hoping they would flatten out the hood and give it a few rugged features.

Just changing the lights and the side mirrors should help though. I hope they spruce up the inside.

Word is the R will be discontinued after 2013.

Nice chop! Looks good!

You and Huck are right!

Odd rendering

^Wow I like that. The sharp lines give it a much more defined look.

Ouch. So it's that bad?

Not a lot of R classes here. I've seen more ferraris than the R63 amg.

I wouldn't tuning in the death clock for the R-Class just yet. Expect Mercedes to keep a very close eye on the sales of the 5-Series GT which is a highly similar car. If it turns out to be a moderate success then you can be sure to see the R-Class develop into something similar. Very much the same way BMW heavily studied the R-Class while developing the 5-Series GT.

It's a cat and mouse game with both manufacturers learning off each other. The X6 is a replica of the CLS and the GLK is a replica of the X3.

I agree, but the CLS and X6 are only similar in the way that they are both crossovers. For the rest nothing really...

That is directly from Mercedes. MB could make the R work if styled right. Sadly they have their head up their butt on many marketing things.

^If the next generation model was more "SUV" like and less van shape, do you think it would sell well? Or is the R-class just in a touch spot because of the GL-class?

If you don't mind, can you tell us how customers reactions were/are to the R-class?

In terms of concept they are highly alike. Both are re-skinned versions of highly mass produced cars -- E-Class and X5 --- and thus have very low development costs. Price points are exactly the same, targeting the highly lucrative upper middle class which is large enough to demand an annual production between 15,000-20,000 of each car.

Like-wise Audi and Mercedes have joined a segment developed by the BMW, the small SUV segment i.e X3. It's quite a save approach to copy and that's the cautions approach Audi have adopted. The only niche car they have is the R8 V8 which is considerably less costly than any flamboyant mid-engine exotic.

Mercedes are most certainly aware that the R-Class is in misery but the facelift will give the car an additional three years lease on life -- enough time for Mercedes to evaluate the 5-Series GT and subsequently decide on whether to axe the model or not. I think that the car should transform into a life style product and step away from its current utilitarian shape. One of the reasons why the model is failing is that family couples are opting for SUVs while potential corporate clients favour the more functional Viano, leaving the R-Class as a car that nobody wants. And with the entry of attractive SUVs like GLK, Q5 and 5-Series GT there are very few reasons to buy the R.

- Rendered: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Facelift - MotorAuthority

The C-classish front lights make this a decent vehicle. Still too van-like though.

In combination with the "Grand Edition" the R already gets the LEDs…

I like my R just fine - something to be said for a slippery (low coeff. of drag) and large people hauler that is one of the most comfortable MBs you can drive at high speed. You have to really drive one to appreciate it's benefits - I'm reminded of the Porsche Panamera - when you only have exposure to its pictures the effect is less impressive. I'd certainly consider "upgrading" to the 2011 pictured above though - a decided improvement / modernization.

I like the view from above. That 2nd row center piece could be converted into a humidor, or Maybach Zeppelin inspired fragrance dispenser.



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Mercedes-Benz Italia - Vetture

Full Article >> 2010 Mercedes R-Class Facelift Newest Pictures Less Disguised