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Mercedes-Benz R300L 3.0 V6 (A) Review
26 Apr 2011|28,048 views
I have a thing for classic cars. My eyes glue to one every time I see a classic. It's probably almost the same as how I would react if I see a beautiful lady with snake-like body and fearless eyes. Every time I see a classic automobile on the road, something tingles in me and every so often, I'll tell myself that I'm going to get one just like this.
But of course, it never happens.
So it somehow becomes second-nature for me to notice a car, or a bike for that matter, that isn't very common on our roads. I mean, it isn't very difficult really. It's always the few familiar faces like the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Fit/Jazz, BMW 3-Series and Volkswagen Golf GTI that you see. Thus, when cars such as the Land Rover Freelander 2 or the Saab 9-3 SportCombi appear from a blind spot, the tendency to dwell on the cars is higher.
Of late, while cruising around town in a classic car of mine, I caught a lucky glimpse of the R-class. The movable mass made a right turn and it caught, not just my eyes, but the passengers in my car as well. The people mover isn't a rare car, but it sure is nice to see one on the road. After all, it's a one-of-a-kind car in the German arena.
Exterior
Revisions on the front end have transformed the once laid-back MPV into a bolder and angrier car, with the bonnet looking more arrow-shaped and radiator grille being wider. All these tweaks give the R-class a strong presence of the latest look from the family that bears the three-pointed star badge.
But of course, it never happens.
So it somehow becomes second-nature for me to notice a car, or a bike for that matter, that isn't very common on our roads. I mean, it isn't very difficult really. It's always the few familiar faces like the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Fit/Jazz, BMW 3-Series and Volkswagen Golf GTI that you see. Thus, when cars such as the Land Rover Freelander 2 or the Saab 9-3 SportCombi appear from a blind spot, the tendency to dwell on the cars is higher.
Of late, while cruising around town in a classic car of mine, I caught a lucky glimpse of the R-class. The movable mass made a right turn and it caught, not just my eyes, but the passengers in my car as well. The people mover isn't a rare car, but it sure is nice to see one on the road. After all, it's a one-of-a-kind car in the German arena.
Exterior
Revisions on the front end have transformed the once laid-back MPV into a bolder and angrier car, with the bonnet looking more arrow-shaped and radiator grille being wider. All these tweaks give the R-class a strong presence of the latest look from the family that bears the three-pointed star badge.
 |
Additionally, the new headlamps are more contoured and lustrous and are accompanied by fog lamps on each side of the reshaped bumper. And despite its oversized looks, the car retains its handsome lines by the sides, conveying a sense of dignity, pride and, above all, security to potential buyers of Mercedes-Benz.
The focus of the revision is on the front end of the car as changes on the rear are less dramatic. Modifications on the tail lamps have been polished to inspire more elegance while the bumper is now more domineering, translating into an overall effect that has given the MPV a dictatorial road presence.
 |
Interior
Like most of the models in it stable, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class has a host of luxurious amenities, with its cabin being an epitome of gentle good taste and top quality materials.
Apart from the walnut trims which blended elegantly with the black leather upholstery, the centre console sports gauges that are large and straightforward, with a fit and finish that befits an upscale vehicle. But a gearbox is something you will not find here. The R uses a column-mounted shifter to change gears and it does take a while to get use to it.
For a full-sized MPV, first and second row of seats can comfortably accommodate passengers and driver without compromising leg, hip or shoulder room. Hell, you could even sit cross-legged with three adults in the second row.
Like most of the models in it stable, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class has a host of luxurious amenities, with its cabin being an epitome of gentle good taste and top quality materials.
Apart from the walnut trims which blended elegantly with the black leather upholstery, the centre console sports gauges that are large and straightforward, with a fit and finish that befits an upscale vehicle. But a gearbox is something you will not find here. The R uses a column-mounted shifter to change gears and it does take a while to get use to it.
For a full-sized MPV, first and second row of seats can comfortably accommodate passengers and driver without compromising leg, hip or shoulder room. Hell, you could even sit cross-legged with three adults in the second row.
As for seat number six and seven, it gets a little tricky. Don't get me wrong, there is more than adequate room for heads and shoulders for two full-sized adults but not for long journeys. And if long rides are inevitable, second row passengers will have to sacrifice leg space, which isn't a tough job thanks to the easy entry system that allows the seats to move forward and back easily.
But when the hindmost seats aren't utilised, cargo space is massive, making it perfect for ferrying the family to the afternoon picnic or beach outing. But when all seven seats are in place, cargo space decreases by a few notches despite its length of over five metres.
Nonetheless, the interior of the R300 remains posh without over-looking its functionality purpose - a factor that cars need to attract buyers over from their competitors.
But when the hindmost seats aren't utilised, cargo space is massive, making it perfect for ferrying the family to the afternoon picnic or beach outing. But when all seven seats are in place, cargo space decreases by a few notches despite its length of over five metres.
Nonetheless, the interior of the R300 remains posh without over-looking its functionality purpose - a factor that cars need to attract buyers over from their competitors.
 |
The Drive
Despite being the least powerful engine in the R-Class stable, this heavyweight 3.0-litre V6 powerplant is effortless. It does feel a tad slower than the official time of 9.7 seconds for the sprint to 100km/h suggests but considering the fact that it has a weight of over two tonnes to pull, it's no dirt of its shoulders.
On highways, the R300 boasts a sturdy feel with no evidence of weakness over tough and rough surfaces. This in turn translates into excellent handling and refinement when behind the wheel. There is good suppression of unnecessary noises and the only sound that permeates through is the jingle from the V6 engine under the arrowhead.
Besides, with this R producing 231bhp and 300Nm of power and torque respectively, there's plenty on tap whenever you need it. And the creamy 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission does help a fair bit too while steering is direct with positive feedback and satisfying weight.
Given its stature as a luxury cruiser, the titanic's weight starts to have a negative effect around bends and corners, making it obvious to the driver through its unrelenting attitude and body roll. It's clumsier than, say, a Honda Stream RSZ round the curves, making the sporty outlook a mismatch to the feel.
Despite being the least powerful engine in the R-Class stable, this heavyweight 3.0-litre V6 powerplant is effortless. It does feel a tad slower than the official time of 9.7 seconds for the sprint to 100km/h suggests but considering the fact that it has a weight of over two tonnes to pull, it's no dirt of its shoulders.
On highways, the R300 boasts a sturdy feel with no evidence of weakness over tough and rough surfaces. This in turn translates into excellent handling and refinement when behind the wheel. There is good suppression of unnecessary noises and the only sound that permeates through is the jingle from the V6 engine under the arrowhead.
Besides, with this R producing 231bhp and 300Nm of power and torque respectively, there's plenty on tap whenever you need it. And the creamy 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission does help a fair bit too while steering is direct with positive feedback and satisfying weight.
Given its stature as a luxury cruiser, the titanic's weight starts to have a negative effect around bends and corners, making it obvious to the driver through its unrelenting attitude and body roll. It's clumsier than, say, a Honda Stream RSZ round the curves, making the sporty outlook a mismatch to the feel.
Even so, all on board will be too comfortable to complain which makes perfect sense given that the R-Class is a luxury cruiser that hauls the family. Thus, Merc emphasised very much on the ride comfort, allowing the MPV to glide over harsh surfaces with a silk-like approach.
Conclusion
The R-Class boasts a spacious and comfortable interior that can fit the whole family without much difficulty. Unfortunately, it's often a model that's overlooked by customers. No doubt that this is one car that isn't for everyone, but it sure is worth the look.
Personally, I'll go for an SUV rather than an MPV because of the rugged and cooler perception it exudes. But for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, it's certainly a car I would love to be seen in. It's almost an alternative to prestige 'off-roaders'.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The R-Class boasts a spacious and comfortable interior that can fit the whole family without much difficulty. Unfortunately, it's often a model that's overlooked by customers. No doubt that this is one car that isn't for everyone, but it sure is worth the look.
Personally, I'll go for an SUV rather than an MPV because of the rugged and cooler perception it exudes. But for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, it's certainly a car I would love to be seen in. It's almost an alternative to prestige 'off-roaders'.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
I have a thing for classic cars. My eyes glue to one every time I see a classic. It's probably almost the same as how I would react if I see a beautiful lady with snake-like body and fearless eyes. Every time I see a classic automobile on the road, something tingles in me and every so often, I'll tell myself that I'm going to get one just like this.
But of course, it never happens.
So it somehow becomes second-nature for me to notice a car, or a bike for that matter, that isn't very common on our roads. I mean, it isn't very difficult really. It's always the few familiar faces like the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Fit/Jazz, BMW 3-Series and Volkswagen Golf GTI that you see. Thus, when cars such as the Land Rover Freelander 2 or the Saab 9-3 SportCombi appear from a blind spot, the tendency to dwell on the cars is higher.
Of late, while cruising around town in a classic car of mine, I caught a lucky glimpse of the R-class. The movable mass made a right turn and it caught, not just my eyes, but the passengers in my car as well. The people mover isn't a rare car, but it sure is nice to see one on the road. After all, it's a one-of-a-kind car in the German arena.
Exterior
Revisions on the front end have transformed the once laid-back MPV into a bolder and angrier car, with the bonnet looking more arrow-shaped and radiator grille being wider. All these tweaks give the R-class a strong presence of the latest look from the family that bears the three-pointed star badge.
But of course, it never happens.
So it somehow becomes second-nature for me to notice a car, or a bike for that matter, that isn't very common on our roads. I mean, it isn't very difficult really. It's always the few familiar faces like the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Fit/Jazz, BMW 3-Series and Volkswagen Golf GTI that you see. Thus, when cars such as the Land Rover Freelander 2 or the Saab 9-3 SportCombi appear from a blind spot, the tendency to dwell on the cars is higher.
Of late, while cruising around town in a classic car of mine, I caught a lucky glimpse of the R-class. The movable mass made a right turn and it caught, not just my eyes, but the passengers in my car as well. The people mover isn't a rare car, but it sure is nice to see one on the road. After all, it's a one-of-a-kind car in the German arena.
Exterior
Revisions on the front end have transformed the once laid-back MPV into a bolder and angrier car, with the bonnet looking more arrow-shaped and radiator grille being wider. All these tweaks give the R-class a strong presence of the latest look from the family that bears the three-pointed star badge.
|
Additionally, the new headlamps are more contoured and lustrous and are accompanied by fog lamps on each side of the reshaped bumper. And despite its oversized looks, the car retains its handsome lines by the sides, conveying a sense of dignity, pride and, above all, security to potential buyers of Mercedes-Benz.
The focus of the revision is on the front end of the car as changes on the rear are less dramatic. Modifications on the tail lamps have been polished to inspire more elegance while the bumper is now more domineering, translating into an overall effect that has given the MPV a dictatorial road presence.
|
Interior
Like most of the models in it stable, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class has a host of luxurious amenities, with its cabin being an epitome of gentle good taste and top quality materials.
Apart from the walnut trims which blended elegantly with the black leather upholstery, the centre console sports gauges that are large and straightforward, with a fit and finish that befits an upscale vehicle. But a gearbox is something you will not find here. The R uses a column-mounted shifter to change gears and it does take a while to get use to it.
For a full-sized MPV, first and second row of seats can comfortably accommodate passengers and driver without compromising leg, hip or shoulder room. Hell, you could even sit cross-legged with three adults in the second row.
Like most of the models in it stable, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class has a host of luxurious amenities, with its cabin being an epitome of gentle good taste and top quality materials.
Apart from the walnut trims which blended elegantly with the black leather upholstery, the centre console sports gauges that are large and straightforward, with a fit and finish that befits an upscale vehicle. But a gearbox is something you will not find here. The R uses a column-mounted shifter to change gears and it does take a while to get use to it.
For a full-sized MPV, first and second row of seats can comfortably accommodate passengers and driver without compromising leg, hip or shoulder room. Hell, you could even sit cross-legged with three adults in the second row.
As for seat number six and seven, it gets a little tricky. Don't get me wrong, there is more than adequate room for heads and shoulders for two full-sized adults but not for long journeys. And if long rides are inevitable, second row passengers will have to sacrifice leg space, which isn't a tough job thanks to the easy entry system that allows the seats to move forward and back easily.
But when the hindmost seats aren't utilised, cargo space is massive, making it perfect for ferrying the family to the afternoon picnic or beach outing. But when all seven seats are in place, cargo space decreases by a few notches despite its length of over five metres.
Nonetheless, the interior of the R300 remains posh without over-looking its functionality purpose - a factor that cars need to attract buyers over from their competitors.
But when the hindmost seats aren't utilised, cargo space is massive, making it perfect for ferrying the family to the afternoon picnic or beach outing. But when all seven seats are in place, cargo space decreases by a few notches despite its length of over five metres.
Nonetheless, the interior of the R300 remains posh without over-looking its functionality purpose - a factor that cars need to attract buyers over from their competitors.
|
The Drive
Despite being the least powerful engine in the R-Class stable, this heavyweight 3.0-litre V6 powerplant is effortless. It does feel a tad slower than the official time of 9.7 seconds for the sprint to 100km/h suggests but considering the fact that it has a weight of over two tonnes to pull, it's no dirt of its shoulders.
On highways, the R300 boasts a sturdy feel with no evidence of weakness over tough and rough surfaces. This in turn translates into excellent handling and refinement when behind the wheel. There is good suppression of unnecessary noises and the only sound that permeates through is the jingle from the V6 engine under the arrowhead.
Besides, with this R producing 231bhp and 300Nm of power and torque respectively, there's plenty on tap whenever you need it. And the creamy 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission does help a fair bit too while steering is direct with positive feedback and satisfying weight.
Given its stature as a luxury cruiser, the titanic's weight starts to have a negative effect around bends and corners, making it obvious to the driver through its unrelenting attitude and body roll. It's clumsier than, say, a Honda Stream RSZ round the curves, making the sporty outlook a mismatch to the feel.
Despite being the least powerful engine in the R-Class stable, this heavyweight 3.0-litre V6 powerplant is effortless. It does feel a tad slower than the official time of 9.7 seconds for the sprint to 100km/h suggests but considering the fact that it has a weight of over two tonnes to pull, it's no dirt of its shoulders.
On highways, the R300 boasts a sturdy feel with no evidence of weakness over tough and rough surfaces. This in turn translates into excellent handling and refinement when behind the wheel. There is good suppression of unnecessary noises and the only sound that permeates through is the jingle from the V6 engine under the arrowhead.
Besides, with this R producing 231bhp and 300Nm of power and torque respectively, there's plenty on tap whenever you need it. And the creamy 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission does help a fair bit too while steering is direct with positive feedback and satisfying weight.
Given its stature as a luxury cruiser, the titanic's weight starts to have a negative effect around bends and corners, making it obvious to the driver through its unrelenting attitude and body roll. It's clumsier than, say, a Honda Stream RSZ round the curves, making the sporty outlook a mismatch to the feel.
Even so, all on board will be too comfortable to complain which makes perfect sense given that the R-Class is a luxury cruiser that hauls the family. Thus, Merc emphasised very much on the ride comfort, allowing the MPV to glide over harsh surfaces with a silk-like approach.
Conclusion
The R-Class boasts a spacious and comfortable interior that can fit the whole family without much difficulty. Unfortunately, it's often a model that's overlooked by customers. No doubt that this is one car that isn't for everyone, but it sure is worth the look.
Personally, I'll go for an SUV rather than an MPV because of the rugged and cooler perception it exudes. But for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, it's certainly a car I would love to be seen in. It's almost an alternative to prestige 'off-roaders'.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The R-Class boasts a spacious and comfortable interior that can fit the whole family without much difficulty. Unfortunately, it's often a model that's overlooked by customers. No doubt that this is one car that isn't for everyone, but it sure is worth the look.
Personally, I'll go for an SUV rather than an MPV because of the rugged and cooler perception it exudes. But for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, it's certainly a car I would love to be seen in. It's almost an alternative to prestige 'off-roaders'.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Mercedes-Benz R-Class R300L (A)
CAT B|Petrol|9km/L
Horsepower
172kW (231 bhp)
Torque
300 Nm
Acceleration
9.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Mercedes-Benz R-Class
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