The new
Mercedes-Benz R350 CDI L is one of the best kept secrets in motoring. Yes
folks, the luxury German vehicle manufacturer not only produce sleek saloons and
curvaceous cabriolets, they also offer consumers a highly credible people carrier. So, let's
see what this prestigious machine has to offer.
The new Mercedes-Benz R350 CDI L is the long-wheelbase version of this capable
vehicle, so it has seven seats rather than the five fitted to its smaller sibling. These are
arranged in three rows so R-Class occupants have plenty of shoulder room. All the seating
positions are very comfortable, as you would expect for £ 44,675, but the front passengers
are particularly cosseted by the heated electric leather seats.
Now, being a high-end Mercedes-Benz the new R350 CDI L has a smooth and flexible
engine. This 3.0-litre V6 265hp unit propels luxury loving motorists to 62mph in 7.7
seconds, and on to a mighty 146mph.
This diesel powered people carrier also averages
33.2mpg and manages up to 40.4mpg on the extra-urban cycle. That is perfectly
respectable considering the vehicle's mass.
The R-Class' handling is everything a motorist could reasonably expect from a vehicle
of this class. This means the four-wheel drive chassis provides plenty of traction, the
seven-speed automatic transmission is smooth, and it has excellent body control. The R-
Class also features 'airMATIC' (is that a real word) suspension that can be set to normal,
comfort, or sport.
The Mercedes-Benz R350 CDI L has never been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but it should
be a reasonably safe place for those who occasionally park in ditches. This is partly due
to the six air-bags, large crumple zones, and anti-lock brakes. The R-Class also has
the 'PRE-SAFE' system that tensions the seat belts, adjusts the driver's seat, and closes
the sunroof prior to an accident. Very clever, and very reassuring.
So, there we go. The new Mercedes-Benz R-Class – one of the best kept secrets in
motoring has now been exposed.
By Stephen Turvil
Thu, 21 Oct 2010
