Mercedes R-class facelift (2010) first official pictures

This is the facelifted Mercedes R-class, unveiled today at the 2010 New York auto show. 

It lives, and in the UK the new model will only be available as an entry level, rear-drive R300 CDI and a top-spec, long-wheelbase R350 CDI.

The R300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2WD (to give this big beast its full name) is 7% more efficient than before but still offers the same power and performance. The more snappily titled R350 CDI 4MATIC is also more economical (its 33.2mpg bettering its predecessor by 2.8mpg) but also more powerful, with outputs of 261bhp and 457ft up from 218bhp and 376lb ft. Performance is improved too, with 1.2 seconds cut from the 0-62mph time.  

Visual tweaks consist of a completely new front end including wings, bonnet, grille bumper and lights, which give the R-class an more upright nose akin to the GLK and platform-sharing ML and GL. Merc claims the side profile has 'coupe-like lines' but we can't see any such thing, while the rear benefits from new bumpers and revised LED lights.

Performance figures for the two UK models are below.

Model

 
Engine

 
Power

 
Torque

 
0-62mph

 
Top speed

 
Fuel efficiency

 
Emissions

R300 CDI

2987cc V6

187bhp

325lb ft

9.5secs

134mph

36.2mpg

206g/km

R350 CDI 4MATIC

2987cc V6

261bhp

457lb ft

7.7secs

147mph

33.2mpg

223g/km

UK sales of the facelifted Mercedes R-class start in September 2010.

By Ben Pulman