Think Mercedes Benz and the words ‘regal’, ‘class’, ‘style’ and such seem to have a knack of finding their way into your mind. This company never keeps its repertoire stagnant too long, and has recently added a new chapter in their three-pointed star-studded line-up to our shores, with the introduction of the R-Class, a large upmarket family car.
This Merc is a super-luxurious estate, with slightly smaller proportions than your average MPV. And that’s a good thing, since this car doesn’t look like an altered popcorn box with wheels at either end. Far from it. If anything, this car is handsome, with the new large Mercedes grille taking prime position in the facia and nice details like bi-xenon headlamps and LED running lights. The car is beautifully contoured with lots of flowing lines and small details coming together seamlessly in a way that somehow only German engineering can achieve. And coupled with a powerful 272 hp engine that accelerates to 100 km/h from standstill in 8.3 seconds, the R-Class will eat up the motorway like Jughead with the munchies.
Inside, this people-mover oozes luxury, with a generously appointed interior and high quality materials. There’s even climate control for the second row of seats! The R is practical too, with enough space to seat seven in comfort, although with little luggage. However the last two rows of seats fold to form a flat loading bay, and that means you won’t need to call movers and packers when you decide to move to your new place. On a long drive, the brats can be kept entertained in the rear with its two TV screens that can be connected to their Playstation, while you sink into those generously bolstered seats listening to Mark Knopfler’s lead solo blow your mind through Harman Kardon surround sound.
Okay, so it’s practical, luxurious and stylish. But at a price of around `60 lakh, how many will pay this much, when there are other popular choices like the BMW X5 or the Audi Q7? Somehow one gets the feeling that our super-competitive market is not R-eady.
The writer is a automotive expert and is the former editor of a national car magazine.