Mercedes breaks luxury-car mould - Introduction

'Dynamic space': that’s Mercedes' slogan for its new R-Class and – we’ve driven it months before it goes on sale in the UK next spring.

While you could call it a £50,000 MPV, Mercedes refers to the R-Class as a ‘Grand Sports Tourer’. It is an attempt to combine the best bits of a sporty saloon, estate, MPV and 4x4 to create the ultimate family car.

Underneath, the R-Class uses a chassis derived from that of the new M-Class 4x4. It also shares the same engine range and four-wheel-drive system and will be available in standard and long-wheelbase versions.

The R-Class takes Mercedes into new territory. For a start, it looks like no other model in its range, with bold styling that borrows much from the Vision GST concept car first seen in 2002. From the side there’s a hint of E-Class estate but the unusual two-part headlamps, pronounced raised bonnet and sharply creased sides are a departure.

Inside, the R-Class’s six-seat layout is an attempt to blend S-Class luxury car comfort with MPV versatility. All four rear chairs recline individually and can be folded flat to leave a van-like loadbay – ideal for when that antique wardrobe or 40-inch plasma TV needs to be moved.

Full pricing and specification details – even the on-sale date – have yet to be finalised, but we know that the R will arrive next spring and cost between £42,000 and £52,000.

What are its rivals at that price? Well, the Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90 both offer four-wheel drive, excellent refinement and seven-seat interiors. So too will Mercedes’ own all-new G-Wagen, which will use the same platform and engines. Click through the links to find out what the R-Class has to offer.