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Mercedes-Benz R-Class soldiers on

 
7 3,479 views Jan 20, 2009

2010 mercedes benz r class facelift spy shots december 007

2010 mercedes benz r class facelift spy shots december 003

2010 mercedes benz r class facelift spy shots december 003

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There's something to be said for persistence, especially in the face of rejection, but in the case of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, persistence may not be enough. The slow-selling crossover has hit its zenith, but is still short of the hopes Mercedes had for it when it debuted in 2005.

Built in the U.S. at the company's Vance, Alabama plant, the R-Class has continually come up short of its goals. But Mercedes doesn't seem bothered with the poor performance, reports Automotive News.

"We have reached the level we can sell it. We plan to stay at this volume," said Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.

Selling about 2,500 vehicles per month at its height in 2006, the R-Class has steadily declined in sales since, totaling just 7,733 units in 2008. And despite the lack of enthusiasm for the car in the marketplace, the vehicle isn't headed for the graveyard yet, with another facelift scheduled for 2010.

That facelift, previewed in spy shots captured by our photographers, comes after a milder rejuvenation in 2007. This time around, the updates are expected to be more extensive, including a revised front, rear and interior, with the exterior touches bringing the vehicle's appearance in line with Mercedes latest cars, featuring more angular styling and a prominent grille.
2010 Mercedes Benz R-class facelift spy shots

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 mercedes benz r class facelift spy shots december 007




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Comments (7)

  1. ma_azlan avatar azlan Posted: 1/21/2009 4:43am PST

    i dont know about this car, i think its very overpriced not because its not worth it but just that no one will pay that amount of money for a *** looking people mover. for this to work i think merc should maybe do what honda did with the odyssey, the low sleek look. so this this can be cool not just practical.
     
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  2. ma_JSH avatar JSH Posted: 1/21/2009 5:28am PST

    Mercedes is keeping the R-Class because they don't have anything else to fill that slot. Mercedes built Plant 2 in Vance specifically for the additional volume planned for the R-Class. It has been a complete flop and has never sold even 1/3 of the planned volume. However, it is built on the same platform as the M-Class and GL-Class. The Vance plants have flexible assembly lines that allow any of these vehicles to be built at the same time. If Mercedes killed off the R-Class that would divide the overhead costs of the Vance plants over a even smaller volume.

    BTW, the Mercedes' engineers that I dealt with all agreed that the R-Class is the best vehicle built on that platform. With the lower center of gravity it handles much better than either the M-Class or GL-Class. However, it is visually different than a traditional SUV so it doesn't sell.
     
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  3. ma_airship avatar airship Posted: 1/21/2009 6:51am PST

    Own a BlueTec R class. Its seems like a S class wagon. Own a 2003 SL 500 so with a background of a heavy foot I can report 20 MPG around town and up to 28 plus at 65-70 on the highway. That's a 5000 lbs car!! A great family car for the 5 of us. The power curve of the engine is more useful than the specs would show. Not a stoplight racer but the pull of the engine round town to pass and on the highway is impressive. Second row seat for the kids is like a limo with great leg room, use the third row for their friends and is just fine, but keep it folded most of the time for the added cargo space. It is a big car but with the BlueTec I can at least let the kids know we are doing the right thing, and they asked. Priced out in the low 60's. Life has rewards, but please don't compare to Honda, GM or the others. If all we wanted was just transportation we would walk. Great car.
     
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  4. ma_danDAN avatar danDAN Posted: 1/21/2009 7:25am PST

    I think this is a good car...it looks good for a people carrier and it is expensive but if you're a soccer mom and you don't want an SUV anymore there isn't really anything else as the new Chrysler Voyager is horrendously looking.
     
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  5. ma_www.mywheelsonwalls.com avatar www.mywheelsonwalls.com Posted: 1/21/2009 11:18am PST

    This car is currently on my shopping list as it checks all the boxes I need in a car!!! And the fact that they dont sell well eliminates the Bob/ me too factor.......
     
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  6. ma_azlan avatar azlan Posted: 1/22/2009 4:41am PST

    id honestly take a honda odyssey over one of these, i dont care if its less practical or less comfortable, its won best people mover countless times and its incredibly cheaper.btw it look ten times better.
     
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  7. By Lee Posted: 12/28/2009 11:03pm PST

    This is the greatest car on planet earth.
    I have a 2006 R350 bought new and am proud and honored to drive this luxury lear jet without wings. It is a bargain for the price and is actually priceless.
     
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