Top Class on show from Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz revealed its R-Class 'Sports Tourer' at the Melbourne Motor Show today, alongside the all-important new S-Class which is due for release this month. The R-Class goes on sale in May.

Using historic footage of S-Class' past as background, Mercedes claimed its latest range-topper has added new meaning to the tradition of quality and innovation signified by the 'S' model designation. Two S500Ls graced the Mercedes stand, equipped with the company's new 5.5-litre V8 which motors the big luxury car from standstill to 100km/h in 5.4sec; almost one second faster than the outgoing S-Class.

The new S also boasts several safety innovations, including 'Brake Assist Plus' which uses radar sensors to maintain a safe travelling distance between the S-Class and a vehicle ahead, and 'Night View Assist' which shines invisible infra-red light down the road at night, while a camera records an image that's displayed on the instrument panel in place of the speedo. The S-Class range starts with the S350 with a 3.5-litre V6, rated at 200kW and 350Nm.

Like all of Mercedes-Benz latest passenger car releases, the performance/luxury people-mover R-Class will also feature a high level of safety equipment as standard. Unlike some overseas markets Australian R-Class deliveries will feature PRE SAFE -- M-B's "anticipatory protection system."

The system detects critical handling situations and prepares occupants and the vehicle for collision by tightening the driver and front passenger's seat belts, adjusting the front passenger seat to the optimum position and automatically closing the sunroof. Mercedes says R-Class will reach 100km/h from standstill in under 7sec while the V6 diesel-engined variant will return better than 9.0lt/100km (combined consumption). The R-Class is available with seven-speed automatic as standard and will kick off at around $85,000.

CarPoint's coverage of the local launch of the new Mercedes S-Class will be published next week so be sure to return for our review.