German car maker Mercedes-Benz continues to elevate the features of its R-Class. The introduction of the new R 280 CDI 4MATIC und R 63 AMG 4MATIC models, which will become available this autumn, spurred the expansion of the touring SUV's product range to five engine variants. The result is the extended output range of the six and eight-cylinder engines from 140 kW/190 hp to 375 kW/510 hp.

Aside from the quality Mercedes catalytic converter that come along with the car, Mercedes-Benz will also equip the R-Class with additional driver-support systems that will ensure further driving convenience. Other than innovations such as the radar-based DISTRONIC proximity control system, the comfort-enhancing systems will be available with actively ventilated front seats, LINGUATRONIC voice control system and a rear-view camera for safe and easy parking. The driver's stress level as measured by the heart rate is significantly lower in the R-Class than in other rival vehicles.

The R-Class's thrilling level of long-distance comfort evidences, which makes a very important contribution to driver-fitness safety, is provided by scientific studies conducted by DaimlerChrysler Research.

Committed to its role as a trend setter, Mercedes-Benz has built a completely new vehicle concept with the R-Class that blends exemplary traveling comfort and a high level of variability with a huge loading capacity of up to 2385 liters, a sophisticated design and the extremely high level of safety typical of a Mercedes. Having such features, this 4+2-seater gives today's drivers the real pleasure for a car that is ideal for the family, recreation, travel and work - in short, for every use imaginable. Moreover, the touring SUV is also available in two body variants, which differ in their wheelbase dimensions (2980 millimeters or 3215 millimeters) and their lengths (4922 of 5157 millimeters).

The diesel engine range available for the R-Class will be added with a further six-cylinder engine, also equipped with a third-generation common-rail direct injection. Aside from the R 320 CDI 4MATIC (165 kW/224 hp), Mercedes-Benz will also be offering the new R 280 CDI 4MATIC, which can yield a power of 140 kW/190 hp. The result would be R-Class’ top speed of 210 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 9.8 seconds, and this would be made possible due to its powerful torque of 440 Nm (from 1400 to 2800 rpm). Combined fuel consumption is 9.3 liters per 100 kilo-meters. The new R 280 CDI 4MATIC, therefore, can travel for more than 850 kilometers on a tank full of fuel.

Furthermore, the V6 diesel engine features a high-pressure pump (1600 bar), piezo injectors, and a variable nozzle turbine (VNT) turbocharger. With these, low emissions and smooth operation are ensured. Two oxidation-type catalytic converters and a maintenance-free particulate filter are also some of R 280 CDI 4MATIC’s standard equipments.

Its six-cylinder unit is mated with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. This is electronically operated by the driver by means of the DIRECT SELECT lever on the steering column. The R 280 CDI 4MATIC is exclusively available with a 2980 millimeter wheelbase.