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-   -   Mercedes Benz R Class Indian package-full details (exclusive) (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/88849-mercedes-benz-r-class-indian-package-full-details-exclusive.html)

Mercedes Benz R Class Indian model package:

• launch date: Mid october 2010.
• ex showroom price: Rs. 61-63 lakh approx.
• Only one variant-R 350 7G tronic petrol.
• long wheelbase model.
• 4MATIC all wheel drive standard.

Specifications:


Key equipment:


Standard Features for Indian model:


Panaromic sunroof, keyless go and reverse camera are NOT standard.

Paint shades:

Somehow i feel this is a car that will give all those people who want to buy a BMW GT another option.

I fail to see why only petrol option is available. Diesel would have been more practical for Indian conditions - long range, freedom to choose any bunk. Somehow I suspect people will deviate to GL rather than this unless wants a petrol engine only for refinement.

MUV's don't have much market in India, I think this is just being launched for the heck of it.

Can't get the idea why merc would launch this with the petrol, when it has a fantastic diesel engine abroad.
The LWB version is better suited agree, but the pterol engine and only choice of 4MATIC baffles me.

By pure instinct , i feel this car isnt going to create ripples at all. IMO only a few would sell and perhaps sale of the R class might not go on for long

No diesel? One word, RETARDED !!

I know of many Mercedes owners who are very happy with Innovas as their regular/ spare use cars, some even swearing that Innovas are the next best deal after Mercedeses when it comes to passenger comfort (though I feel otherwise). So Mercedes might be thinking that the R Class might find a few takers. A Diesel would have helped though, but do MBIL know something that we don't know yet about Diesel- petrol pricing policy?

BTW, The R41 18 inch alloys mentioned in the spec- sheet are not there in the pictures.

Everyone I have met who have driven this say it is much better than it looks. Plenty of them in China of all places. Might have appeal for large wealthy families. Also expect a lot of them to be used under EPCG for corporate delegations

Actually the package itself is quite tempting for all the practicality and close to the image of MPV I'd like to get. However there are two things that I perceive going against it:

1. Estimated price within the GL band (+/- 10%). Bigger and macho is better in India. Why would not one choose GL over this one. (Agreed GL +2 seats are not as good as this one but still)

2. Choice of fuel. Diesel would have given it a longer range and lower running costs.

I'd seriously consider this if it were priced around 50 odd lacs with a 350 CDI :D Nonetheless its good that MB India is at least giving its buyers different options.

Its a mini-van. I agree with the fact that Innova is next to Mercedes but what about SUVs like the Q7 and GL? Q7 costs lesser and is several times better. They are taking a wrong move here.

You worded my thoughts. It's high time the companies realize Diesel is the favorite fuel among Indian masses. Irrespective of the segment, Diesel sells.

compared to tbe Honda CRV , I think this is much more VFM .

I personally would love to have this kind of a vehicle if I had that kind of money (have a Innova right now).
The diesel one would have made more sense giving it more range to the tankful.

I know someone who owns an R Class in Europe and swears by it. However, that's Europe and this is India. I disagree with you that MUVs don't have a market in India. Fact is, they do (just check the Innova's sales). However, its premium MUVs that don't have a market. Anyone spending 70 lakhs on road wants style, image & brand (just ask Volvo). I doubt the R Class is going to find too many takers. After all, not too many customers with a 70 lakh budget and a single car in their garage. They could very well buy a premium sedan or SUV, AND an Innova (for when an MUV is required).