2012 Mercedes Benz R-Class Diesel MPV launched in India, at a price of INR 58.9 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi

Mercedes Benz India has launched the R-Class MPV with a turbodiesel engine under the hood. Previously available only with petrol power, this luxury MPV from the three pointed star brand gets a 3 liter, V6 turbo diesel engine mated to a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. The engine generates a peak power of 265 Bhp while peak torque is a considerable 620 Nm. The power and torque figures for this car will take this car to a top speed of 235 Kph with very imperssive acceleration as well, given that the nought to hundred sprint comes up in just 7.6 seconds, a timing that will shame many a sedan.

2012 Mercedes Benz R-Class MPV Front

These performance figures certainly make the 2012 Mercedes Benz R-Class the fastest MPV in India. Mercedes Benz claims a fuel economy number of 11.25 Kpl for the R-Class, which is very impressive given the performance on tap. The R-Class is a very unconventional car in the luxury car segment of India, which is dominated by sporty sedans and butch SUVs. In fact, the R-Class is the only luxuryMPV offering in India given that none of Mercedes Benz’s competitors, Audi and BMW, have a luxury MPV in their line up globally.

That said, convincing the luxury car buyer to choose an MPV over a sedan or an SUV will be the big challenge for Mercedes Benz in India. Though extremely practical and comfortable, the MPV still plays second fiddle to sedans and SUVs as the image of the MPV as a people mover doesn’t really fit into the luxury segment. However, the R-Class comes with a seating capacity for 7 persons, making it the most capacious luxury car sold in India and that should strike a chord with the luxury car buyer looking for a viable luxury car to transport a large family. Also, the luggage space of 635 liters is another factor that will make the R-Class a good people mover.

: 2012 Mercedes Benz R-Class MPV

: 2012 Mercedes Benz R-Class MPV Rear

: 2012 Mercedes Benz R-Class MPV Side Profile

: 2012 Mercedes Benz R-Class MPV Front

The R-Class comes with a 4MATIC all wheel drive system, which makes it a grippy option for all but the most testing road conditions. The MPV features an air suspension, which provides a cushion like ride quality even over broken surfaces. The MPV comes with a range of creature comforts like power adjustable seats, AC vents even for the third row of passengers, a three zone automatic climate controller and an electric sunroof. The MPV is packed to the gills with safety equipment, like all Mercedes Benz cars. The 2012 Mercedes Benz R-Class 350CDI 4MATIC luxury MPV will be imported into India as a completely built unit(CBU).