Mercedes-Benz R-Class
| Mercedes-Benz R | |
|---|---|
Mercedes-Benz R 350 Grand Edition | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | DaimlerChrysler (2004–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2017) |
| Model code | W251 (SWB) V251 (LWB) |
| Also called | R-Class Grand Sports Tourer |
| Production | August 2004–September 2017 |
| Model years | 2006–2013 (worldwide) 2014–2017 (China) |
| Assembly | United States: Vance, Alabama (2005–2014) Mishawaka, Indiana (AM General: 2015–2017) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size luxury MPV |
| Body style | 5-door estate |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive / four-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W251 |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz M-Class Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SsangYong Rodius |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.0 L M 272 V6 3.0 L M 276 V6 3.5 L M 272 V6 3.5 L M 276 V6 5.0 L M 113 V8 5.5 L M 273 V8 6.2 L M 156 V8 3.0 L OM 642 V6 diesel |
| Transmission | 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic 7-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2,980 mm (117.3 in) LWB: 3,215 mm (126.6 in) |
| Length | SWB: 4,922 mm (193.8 in) LWB: 5,156 mm (203.0 in) |
| Width | 2006–2008: 1,922 mm (75.7 in) 2009–2017: 1,958 mm (77.1 in) |
| Height | SWB (2006–2008): 1,674 mm (65.9 in) LWB (2009–2017): 1,661 mm (65.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 2,130–2,375 kg (4,696–5,236 lb) |
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a mid-size luxury MPV introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 2005 for the 2006 model year. Following the success of the smaller A- and B-Class MPVs, Mercedes in collaboration with coachbuilder Stola presented a concept vehicle, Vision GST (Grand Sports Tourer), at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show and a second one, Vision R presented at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, subsequently introducing the production version at 2005 New York International Auto Show. The R-Class was manufactured in Vance, Alabama until 2015 when its production was shifted to Mishawaka, Indiana for a smaller volume production until 2017.
The R-Class (W251) shared its platform with the M-Class (W164) and GL-Class (X164) and was available in two wheelbase lengths: standard 2,980 mm (117.3 in) and long 3,215 mm (126.6 in). The R-Class was sold in the United States and Canada in long wheelbase only. The R-Class in both standard and long wheelbases were sold internationally until the end of 2013 with exception of China where R 320 and R 400 with long wheelbase continued to be sold until 2017.