How time flies – it has been four years since Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the R-Class here, and that timeframe can only mean one thing: a facelift.
So here it is, in R 300 L form, what MBM tags the “new-generation R-Class.” The vehicle, which was introduced earlier this week, arrives on these shores bearing a new face and assortment of refinements and features, as would be be expected in a facelift job.
The front section has been completely reworked, with a new, horizontally structured bonnet lending the car better width. Also new are the vehicle’s wings, radiator grille and surround, and the headlamps and bumpers (with chrome underguard) have also been completely redesigned. As with current fashion, the R-Class gets integrated LED daytime driving lights slapped on it.
Continuing on the exterior revisions list are modified exterior mirror housings and a new wheel design, and at the rear gets a new bumper covering, modified tail lamps and integrated tailpipe trim.
Inside, the US-made seven-seater gets new materials and colour combinations, and new to the standard equipment list is a rear seat entertainment system, with two 8-inch LCD screens mounted behind each of the front seat head restraints.
The R 300 L features the M272 3.0 litre V6, the same as found in the C 300 AMG, so it’s 231 hp at 6,000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm for this one too. The second-generation 7G-tronic box on this one features new bearings and couplings, and operates with different oil pressures.
The tranny also has a new torque converter with a slip-reduced lock-up clutch for minimal take-off lag, and the unit features standstill decoupling, which reduces transmission input torque in Drive during idling. The slip-controlled clutch is engaged as soon as the driver releases the operating brake, ensuring no delay when the vehicle moves off.
Elsewhere, the R 300 L has Airmatic suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS) fitted as standard, and besides the host of Merc driver assistance technologies (Linguatronic, Parktronic, Pre-Safe, Thermotronic) on call, there’s stuff like Blind Spot Assist, which makes changing lanes significantly safer.
The R 300 L is available in two versions – there’s the one with 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, and then there’s the sportier version equipped with 20-inch 5-spoke AMG alloy wheels, and these go for RM470,888.00 and RM478,888 respectively. If you prefer a R 350, well, that one’s available on order too.
Gallery of launch photos after the jump.
[zenphotopress number=999 album=1705]
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finally…it got much better lookin headlight
spot 2nd row seat sit higher than front seat a.k.a espace..cool
like we average joes can afford it
Getting an Aplhard instead of this if you want space and comfort
see, even merc do facelift.. not only proton and perodua..
Front lamp looks a bit like Camry
for me..its better get a vellfire than this junk..
this is not a junk… u want it, u buy it, u dislike it, leave it. Velfire is too common among us, especially, when it has almost the same look like alphard. you want an extra eyes on u, this is the car.
where the 5 spoke sport rim. the one in the picture is fugly
Do we get the seating option of 6 seats instead of the bench behind the driver?
We don’t normally compare luxurious brands with non-luxurious ones. If Cherry build a RM500K car with plenty of comfort and space, how will we perceive it?
There is a China car which resembles RR, real one, I think that one is not cheap either. Ssangyong Chairman, will I buy it?
My long awaited dream will soon come true…. R300L.
The R-Class rides smoothly comfortably spacious, makes you feel safe without being consciously so.
480K is good buy.
R-Class makes statement about You! without You! uttering words.