Official: Merc R-class revealed

The revised Mercedes R-class crossover has been revealed.

Speaking at the car's launch in New York, Joachim Schmidt, Mercedes sales boss, said the new R-class was the "sportiest and most versatile crossover ever" and described the new cas as "our answer to worldwide demand for cleaner SUVs".

Modifications to the R-class’s styling include a new front grille, headlights, bonnet and wings. LED daytime driving lights are optional. Mercedes has also made new trim options available in the R-class’s seven-seat cabin.

See the Mercedes R-class pictures

Other options include air suspension with adaptive damping.

Improved versions of the two R-classes currently available in the UK will be offered: the short-wheelbase, rear-drive R300 CDI Blue Efficiency and the long-wheelbase, all-wheel-drive R350 CDI 4Matic.

Both use seven-speed auto gearboxes. The R300 CDI’s fuel economy has been improved to 37.2mpg from 34mpg, and its CO2 emissions have been cut by 20g/km to 199g/km.

The biggest changes are to the R350 CDI. Power from its 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine rises 40bhp to 261bhp and torque increases by 81lb ft to 457lb ft. Emissions are down to 223g/km from 246g/km and the car’s fuel consumption is now 33.2mpg instead of 30.4mpg.

The revised R-class will reach UK showrooms in September. Prices are expected to start at about £40,000, a small increase over the current levels.

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