- First-class comfort and lots of space: The Mercedes-Benz “Grand Sports Tourer” (GST) concept
- VISION R 320 CDI: A near-standard one-off vehicle closely reflecting the later model series 251
- ALU-BEAM paint with high-gloss effect: Targeted light reflections bring design lines to life
- Premiere at the Mercedes-Benz Museum: An R-Class can be experienced there for the first time
No. 2/2026: Mercedes-Benz VISION R 320 CDI
Grandiose aesthetics: A muscular shape, generous glass surfaces for lightness and openness, a spacious interior and all of this enveloped in an extremely elegant silver tone –that is how the VISION R 320 CDI attracted attention. This was the case when it made its appearance at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2005 – and now again in the special “Youngtimer” exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. This one-off study from the company’s own vehicle collection is a highlight.
Courage to try new things: Not a van, not an estate car, not a saloon in the classic sense: more than 20 years ago, back in 2002, the VISION GST did not simply announce a new model – it embodied a new vehicle category. Mercedes-Benz called the concept the “Grand Sports Tourer”. In 2005, the near-standard VISION R 320 CDI concept car was presented in Geneva. A sporty, luxurious touring car that showcased space. The R-Class (model series 251) was launched on the market in the same year.
Ultra-fine paint: The ALU-BEAM paintwork of the concept vehicle choreographed the light, sharpened edges and made surfaces even more vivid through targeted light reflections. Mercedes-Benz used the newly developed ALU-BEAM process for the first time worldwide. The metallic pigments were processed particularly finely to create the special effect. They measured only 30 to 50 nanometres instead of 100 to 300 nanometres. As a result, they blended even more uniformly into the surface, reflected the light more intensively and significantly enhanced the gloss of the paintwork.
Lounge character: The powerful design language was continued in the vehicle interior. The striking design of the instrument panel as well as the door and tunnel panelling signalled performance. The upper part of the instrument panel, the armrests on the doors and the seat surfaces were finished in the colour “mohair beige”. With a lighter colour, the other interior components provided a subtle contrast. Trim strips and mouldings enhanced the stylish elegance of the interior. The panoramic glass sunroof allowed plenty of light into this R-Class, merging the outside with the inside.
First class: Offering maximum comfort and plenty of space, the vehicle delivered on its special promise. Measuring almost five metres in length, the VISION R 320 CDI had the format of a luxury-class saloon – and looked even bigger inside. Headroom, shoulder room and seat spacing took on new dimensions.
Stylish travel: The Grand Sports Tourer was designed as a 4+2-seater. In the first two rows, there were ample individual seats. Behind these was a two-passenger bench seat, which meant that a total of six people could be accommodated. Clear messaging: when you get on board, you are not just driving, you are travelling in style.
Typical of the time: The rear passengers enjoyed entertainment via flat screens in the backs of the two front headrests, while the corresponding DVD player was housed in the centre console. This was cutting-edge technology for mobile entertainment in the 2000s – and fits in perfectly with the special “Youngtimer” exhibition, which also includes contemporary fashion to impart the lifestyle of the time.
Practical luxury: In addition, the rear of the vehicle offered great variability. The seats could be folded down individually, and the rear centre console could be removed in a few simple steps. This increased the loading volume as required for luggage or leisure gear. Comfort also means the ability to take life with you.
Top technology: And because life is always in a state of flux, the drive and chassis of the Grand Sports Tourer combined dynamism with comfort. The air suspension ensured a high level of ride comfort and optimum contact with the road surface. The then new V6 diesel engine with 165 kW (224 hp) and an impressive 510 Newton metres of torque was another prerequisite for dynamic driving pleasure: powerful, effortlessly superior, suitable for long journeys. And 4MATIC all-wheel drive meant safe driving whatever the weather. Six other Mercedes-Benz concept cars also had a modern CDI diesel engine under the bonnet in Geneva in 2005 – all in ALU-BEAM paintwork.
Contemporary witness: Spatial thinking, love of technology, lifestyle – the Mercedes-Benz VISION R 320 CDI was a driving force for these and other values. It made the spirit of the 2000s tangible. And the brand’s unwavering conviction that comfort and dynamism could be combined at the highest level.
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