Mercedes-Benz R-Class 2010 overview

We already had a look at the new R-Class 2010 generation and we agreed in our design review of the Mercedes R Class that things changed for the better for this new model. The review of the interior of the R Class completed this picture, and we concluded that if you want to be happy about your car and enjoy a lot of space and technology you might want the new R Class for yourself. We also presented the engines that power the new R Class, but we said almost nothing about the technological features of the new R Class. It is now time to make it up to you.

As you may have noticed there is no obvious gear shifter on the central console. At first we thought we were dealing with an automatic transmission version of the car. And we were right about it, but we have still been surprised by this approach since it is not a widely spread choice for a Mercedes model. What we later found out is that all the R Class models are fitted with the well know automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC as standard. If you did not know, this is an automatic gear box with a seven speed configuration. What is new about this transmission is that the new R Class has also a fuel efficiency version of this gearbox with numerous improvements meant to reduce friction inside and increase the efficiency of the power output. Besides these enhancements the gearbox is decoupling during the time the car is stopped at traffic lights which also helps the fuel economy and the comfort of the passengers. This was achieved without any penalty to the dynamics of the car. The new R Class will move on as soon as you take your foot off the break pedal. These kinds of details are usually not paid the amount of attention they deserve. But these details are the ones which make the difference and add a lot to the premium character of the car. In case you might miss a gear shifter note that the 7G TRONIC transmission of the R Class has a DIRECT SELECT lever on the steering column and even shift paddles placed on the steering wheel. This kind of features ad more flavor to the special mix that the R Class is between a van, an SUV, a family car and a sporty vehicle.

The engines of the R Class can successfully power any variant you might think of: sporty or economical.

The suspension of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The R Class has steel spring suspensions on all models as standard which provide the exact amount of comfort expected from a Mercedes car, especially a R Class, without compromises which could affect stability or safety of the car.

A nice surprise is the fact that if you are going to choose a seven seats configuration or the mighty R 500 4MATIC, then what you’ll get as a standard fit will be the air suspension with automatic self leveling of the car’s rear. This means that your R Class won’t look loaded even if you’ll stuff it to the max. But this feature is not for looks mainly as it improves the car’s handling and road behavior when it is under heavy load, which in the case of the R Class is a very natural fact.

But don’t worry, since even if you’ll choose another model from the R Class range you’ll still have the option of fitting the AIRMATIC air suspension on your car as well as the Adaptive Damping System. It means paying extra but the AIRMATIC suspension is worth it, especially if you love comfort in a car. It is much better to hover than to roll, isn’t it? Since the R Class is meant for a comfortable and relaxed driving the AIRMATIC suspension should be on your smart pick list.

Safety features of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Mercedes paid a lot of attention to the safety of the R Class model. The car has eight airbags doubled by smart electronic systems which guard passenger safety like PRE-SAFE, or warning in case of tire pressure loss to name just a few.

PRE-SAFE works in a very clever manner. In case the car’s ESP or Brake Assist System detects a critical situation, the PRE-SAFE system

Overall, the Mercedes R Class scores very well in all safety chapters. Both active and passive safety features are connected to offer a safe driving, assist the driver when needed or offer the maximum possible protection just in case the worse happens up to making the assistance easier after the accident.

R Class has a long list of optional extras so you can personalize your car almost any way you want, starting from exterior and interior special design packages up to entertainment or other features that will considerably enhance your daily experience in the new R Class.

You might also like these related posts:

1. 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Interior| Versatility and equipments of the new R-Class
2. 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Design Review