Mercedes Banks on Diesel in 2006

Motoring Channel Staff - 23/11/2005

Mercedes local subsidiary has revealed that its new Grand Sports Tourer - also known as the R-Class - is due to arrive in Australia half-way through next year.

Furthermore, the German-based luxury car maker has announced its intention of doubling the availability of diesel-powered cars in Australia over the next twelve months, which will include a diesel-powered R-Class.

Following the diesel push by other German brands, Mercedes-Benz will introduce new diesel variants of the B-Class, R-Class, E-Class Estate and a yet to be confirmed fourth model. Rumours suggest this will be a range-topping S-Class V8 diesel.

"Mercedes-Benz diesel engines are ideally suited to all vehicle categories. It is not just their fuel consumption and environmental credentials that make them a practical choice. In terms of performance and comfort, diesel engines are today the equal of petrol powerplants," said Horst von Sanden from the Mercedes Car Group.

The recently launched B-Class petrol variants will be joined by a 4-cylinder B 180 CDI (which outputs 80kW), boasting fuel consumption figures of 5.6 – 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres (combined consumption), mid next year.

The Estate variant of the E 280 CDI will join the Saloon in the third quarter of next year, sporting 140kW of power, 440Nm of torque and fuel consumption figures of 7.6 - 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres (combined consumption).

Mercedes-Benz remains positive that its new diesel-powered models will take off in Australia, and makes mention that it has built more than seven million diesel passenger cars and is a leader in the development of diesel technology to bolster its case.

Currently, four diesel models are on offer in Australia including the C 220 CDI, Viano 2.2 CDI, E 280 CDI Saloon and ML 320 CDI. The new V6 powered E 280 CDI, boasting 140kW of power, went on sale in September, replacing the previous 5-cylinder E 270 CDI. Similarly, the V6 ML 320 CDI which was released this month, boasting 165kW, replaces the previous ML 270 CDI.

In the early 1950s the 170 D kicked off volume sales of diesel passenger cars in Australia. Since then thousands of Australians have purchased a Mercedes-Benz with a diesel engine.

Getting back to Mercedes' new R-Class, and the company is making sure consumers understand that the new minivan is as much about sporty handling dynamics as is it about taking the family to and fro. As such, a range of distinctive AMG components will be available for the entire R-Class range (short and long wheelbase models), including 19-inch AMG alloy wheels.

The AMG wheels feature size 255/50 R19 tyres all round. The wide track not only means that they fill the wheel arches, lending the side view a distinctly sporty feel, but they also further enhance the new R-Class’ handling.

The entire body styling kit for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class - which will be available in 2006, consists of deeper front and rear aprons, with a design that is typically AMG with enlarged air intakes ensuring a muscular look. The two diagonal struts and two horizontal louvres in the front apron give the R-Class an even broader, lower-slung appearance and, in conjunction with bi-xenon projection-beam headlamps, the AMG front apron also features integral circular fog lamps, ringed in chrome.

The AMG rear apron continues the muscular design, and the black inlay and chromed scratch protection in brushed stainless steel create a unique look. In visual terms, AMG body styling for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is based on the design of the Vision R 63 AMG show car, a particularly dynamic interpretation of the new R-Class which was exhibited for the first time at this year's International Motor Show in Frankfurt.

Beneath the bonnet of this show car the new AMG 6.2-litre V8 engine provides the performance to match the look, with a peak output of 375kW. For more info on the wild V8-powered people mover, click here.