Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Jun 11, 2010

Drive system and chassis: Drive for economy

In addition to the economical petrol variants adopted from the preceding model, with their customary effortless power delivery and high drive comfort, a range of optimised diesel engines enhances the appeal of the R-Class. With a fuel consumption figure of 7.6 l/100 km (combined NEDC consumption), the R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY requires around 7 percent less fuel than its predecessor, the R 300 CDI without BlueEFFICIENCY technology.


R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: low fuel consumption MPV

As with all BlueEFFICIENCY models from Mercedes-Benz, the R-Class features a whole range of measures to reduce fuel consumption. In addition to the direct-injection diesel engine and the low-friction powertrain, these measures include weight reductions achieved through the use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels in the bodyshell and weight-optimised light-alloy wheels. Aerodynamic exterior mirrors and underbody panelling lower drag, while 235/65 R 17 tyres reduce rolling resistance. A controlled fuel pump and energy-saving electrohydraulic power steering also lower the energy requirements. A display indicating the current fuel consumption and a fuel consumption computer enable the R-Class driver to check fuel efficiency at any time, and adapt the style of driving as necessary.

Economising can be fun: the new V6 diesel with 195 kW (265 hp) and 620 Nm

The new R 350 CDI 4MATIC is entering a particularly sporty league, and combines the high performance of a V8 model with the low fuel consumption of an economical V6 variant. It is happy with just 8.5 litres of diesel (combined NEDC consumption) per one hundred kilometres, thereby undercutting its predecessor by 0.8 litres – yet is able to offer significantly enhanced performance. While previously the maximum performance topped out at 165 kW (224 hp), the V6 diesel engine now boasts 195 kW (265 hp) as well as massive torque of 620 Newton metres. This powerful package is celebrating its world premiere in the new R-Class, and enables the sportiest of all diesel-powered R-Class models to achieve effortlessly superior levels of performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.6 seconds, while the top speed is 235 km/h.

This evolutionary stage of the successful V6 diesel engine was realised with improved engine management in the form of new-generation control units and new software, new sensors and actuators, and more efficient after-treatment in the maintenance-free diesel particulate filter system with reduced back-pressure. In addition to more effective cooling of recirculated exhaust gas using a variable bypass valve, the in-engine measures include a reduction of the compression ratio from 17.7:1 to 15.5:1, an optimised VNT turbocharger with low-friction shaft bearings for greater agility and high output, new injection nozzles and revised ducting in the intake tract. A whole package of measures has resulted in substantial fuel savings: these include generally lower in-engine friction, more efficient thermal management, an improved compound oil pump and modified cylinder head cooling.

R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC: as clean as a petrol model

With the R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz is offering one of the cleanest diesel models in the world. The V6 engine achieves an output of 155 kW (211 hp) and substantial torque of 540 Nm. Compared with its predecessor, this model also manages to achieve reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions while providing enhanced performance. Equipped with highly-effective AdBlue© exhaust gas after-treatment, the compression-ignition engine consumes an average of 0.3 of a litre less, at 8.4 litres (combined NEDC consumption) of diesel per one hundred kilometres, generating in the process the same level of emissions as a comparable petrol engine. As a result, this model currently already meets the emission values planned for 2014 according to the EU6 standard. BlueTEC is a technology developed by Mercedes-Benz for the effective reduction of emissions by diesel vehicles, especially nitrogen oxides. In this process, AdBlue®, a non-toxic, aqueous urea solution is injected into the stream of exhaust gases. This releases ammonia, which breaks down up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter (Selective Catalytic Reduction).

Effortless power delivery with high drive comfort: The petrol variants in the R-Class

The range of petrol engines has three variants, and gives the R-Class a high level of drive comfort together with effortless power delivery and a moderate fuel consumption. The V6 petrol engine of the rear-wheel drive R 300 develops 170 kW (231 hp), accelerates the R-Class from zero to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and provides a top speed of 222 km/h. The combined NEDC fuel consumption is 11.1 l/100 km. The all-wheel drive R 350 4MATIC with a 3.5-litre V6 engine develops 200 kW (272 hp) and a maximum torque of 350 Newton metres. Despite this extra output and performance (top speed 230 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds), the R 350 4MATIC consumes only 0.5 l/100 km more (combined NEDC fuel consumption) compared with the R 300. This low difference in consumption once again demonstrates the high efficiency of the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

In the top-of-the-range R 500 4MATIC, the 5.5-litre V8 engine with 285 kW (388 hp) and a maximum torque of 530 Newton metres guarantees impressive performance figures. A sprint from zero to 100 km/h is absolved in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.

Geared up: 7G-TRONIC as standard in all models

All R-Class models are equipped with the latest-generation of the innovative
7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The Fuel Efficiency variant of the seven-speed transmission has new bearings and couplings. Different oil pressures and a new, low-friction oil help to reduce friction and churning losses. The new torque converter with slip-reduced lockup clutch likewise improves efficiency and aids fuel economy. In addition, standstill decoupling lowers fuel consumption. This technical feature reduces transmission input torque in "D" when the car is at rest, for example at traffic lights. This lowers the stress on the engine, making for lower fuel consumption, better vehicle acoustics, greater comfort at standstill and smoother idling. The slip-controlled clutch is engaged as soon as the driver releases the operating brake, ensuring no delay or quality compromise when the vehicle moves off.

Stability pact: the well-proven suspension of the R-Class

The R-Class has a dynamically active and comfortable suspension with high safety reserves as standard. All model variants have steel springs, and in the 5+2-seater variants and the top R 500 4MATIC model self-levelling rear air suspension is included as standard. This self-levelling rear air suspension is available as an option for all other models. The AIRMATIC package with air suspension, the Adaptive Damping System and level adjustment improves both ride comfort and handling dynamics, and is likewise optionally available for all R-Class models.

Copyright © 2010, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.