R-class due in May

MERCEDES-BENZ has brought forward the launch date of its R-class people-mover, which will be sold in Australia from May.

To be priced from about $85,000, the R-class six-seater wagon will make its public debut Down Under at next month’s Melbourne motor show.

It will be offered with a 225kW 5.0-litre V8 (R500), 200kW 3.5-litre V6 (R350) and 170kW 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel (R320 CDI), all of which are paired with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and drive all four wheelson a permanent basis.

Traction control, stability control and Mercedes’ “pre-safe” anticipatory occupant protection system will be fitted standard.