2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Design Review

12 Jun 2010

12 Jun, 2010 Mercedes-Benz, R Class

Following it’s debut at the New York International Auto Show, the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class 2010 model is finally released. Let’s have a look at it and see what the new model has to offer.

Obviously, the first impression on the car is determined by the way the car looks. The design of the car, especially in our time, has a lot to say about it’s character.

But in order to understand correctly what the new R-Class is trying to say, we also have to have a peak back, at the former model.

The former R-Class model was closer to a MPV, a multi purpose vehicle, or a family van, to give it a name some people like to use frequently about this kind of car, especially because it’s design was closer to the one box design cars, where the engine compartment and the windshield form just a small angle, in order to leave you the impression that they are one. In essence, the R-Class was more than that. The aerodynamic shape with it’s down pointing nose and the distinct design among other Mercedes-Benz models, were clear clues that the R-Class was not primarily a van, even if many looked at it that way. And generally vans are not known for being too sporty or too luxurious. The general opinion about them is that these cars are built for one thing: to offer more space than a SUV or a break model, basically the maximum of space possible for a passenger car.

As the early design sketches of the former R-Class show, the car was designed to have a very aerodynamic look.

This aim was achieved successfully by Mercedes-Benz designers at that time as the finished R-Class model proved.

The reason for this introduction has a very solid base: the fact that the design of the new R-Class is a very clear statement regarding the status of the car and at the same time, if you know where to look, you’ll find out that the new R-Class is a equilibrium of many elements. The way the Mercedes-Benz designers managed to combine so many things into one shape is remarkable.

Let’s take it step by step and see why.

First of all it’s the R-Class legacy. The new model has to show a link with the former model. In terms of exterior design, the new R-Class took something from the line of the old model, and you can notice this especially if you look at the car from an angle. Once you see the emblem and the shape of the car you can easily guess what it could be. The shape of the back pillar might also play a role in this. The previous R-Class was intended to have a more dynamic look, and this was achieved by the angled design of the engine compartment of the car, which seemed to go up, while the line of the roof was going down, towards the back of the car, to further emphasize it’s dynamic capabilities. The new R-Class model, however, preserves something of the line of the previous model, even if the front design of the car seems more robust than it’s predecessor.

If you look at the front of the car you’ll probably notice some resemblance with the GLK-Class SUVs. And if you consider the fact that the R-class has the 4Matic all-wheel drive technology available for most versions, then it is no surprise. In fact it is natural for the new R-Class to relate to the legacy of the brand. This does not mean that the car borrows design elements from the SUV models, it is more like an evolution of the car towards that segment.

The headlights of the new R-Class have been redesigned, and even if there is some resemblance with the ones of the GLK, the shapes have been polished to inspire more elegance and smoothness, compared to the design of the GLK which is dominated by angles and lines.

Studying more the frontal appearance of the car it is easy to notice the use of led lights both for the signaling indicators placed on the mirrors and for the daytime driving lights incorporated into chromed insertions. A chromed underguard is also available as optional making the car look more like a SUV from the front.

The radiator grill of the new R-Class 2010 model has also been redesigned. It is now bigger and wider, which also has some technical advantages, allowing more air both for the air intakes and for the cooling of the engine.

The side view of the car shows the great care that have been given for obtaining perfect proportions equilibrium. The design emphasizes the car’s length without breaking the harmony of shapes that meet the eye also inspiring a dynamic feeling.

The R-Class has a rear design that is simple, symmetrical and shows the car’s width generation an impression of stability. Very nice overall.

In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz has created a new R-Class with a very special look: refined elegance, civilized dynamism, clear but very inspired SUV design elements. The car itself, due to these facts is a statement in itself of a potential owner: “I am doing very well, I am in control and I enjoy it elegantly”. This way way, the new R-Class is not only a very well done successor of the previous model, redefining it’s own standards, but, at the same time, Mercedes-Benz managed to make the car appeal to certain individuals, which means a very specific market target for the new R-Class.