Mercedes-Benz said this week that they classify their new R-Class range as a grand sports tourer.Speaking at the media introduction of right hand drive models, prior to their UK on sale date of 6 April 2006, Mercedes said, 'The 2.2 tonne, six seat R-Class is a totally new premium vehicle that combines functional roominess for leisure and travel. In addition it has the dynamics and elegance of a sporty saloon.'Mercedes also said the new model range combines the flexible seating configuration of an MPV, the road presence and four-wheel drive functions of an SUV, high performance petrol and diesel engine options in keeping with its sports car performance capabilities and the high quality interior, ride and seating comfort of a large saloon or estate car.Dermot Kelly, Managing Director of the Mercedes Car Group in the UK, said at this week's media launch, 'Although the R-Class combines the best and most versatile features of very different models, this is no 'compromise' vehicle. It will create a whole new sector. One of our brand values is innovation and the R-Class underlines this.'In the UK new car sales sector where cars cost over £30,000, Mercedes said that 40 per cent of sales are for SUVs, 25 per cent are saloons, 7 per cent are estates and MPVs account for just 1 per cent of the market. The new R-Class combines all the features offered by these vehicles in their new model. Mercedes believe that in the UK the majority of customers buying the new R-Class will be conquest sales. They do not think their existing customers will be moving from other models in their range, a line-up of vehicles that now has 21 different styles and types of bodyshells.Although Mercedes were being coy this week when it came to the number of expected R-Class sales in the UK it is thought that around 2,500 units will be sold this year. The new R-Class completes the 'Sports Tourer' family from Mercedes that includes the A-Class and B-Class ranges.Prices for the new R-Class models range from £38,475 up to £51,490. Optional SE and Sport upgrades add a further £2,950 to the prices. Between 80 to 90 per cent of UK R-Class customers are expected to order the SE or Sport upgrades. There is also a further comprehensive range of extra cost items of specification so the R-Class can be tailored to the customer's exact requirements.The R-Class comes in two wheelbase lengths, Standard and Long. The Long wheelbase model has a wheelbase with an extra 235mm of length giving more legroom for the middle row passenger and easier access for the second and third row passengers. The overall length of the Standard models is 4922mm and the Long variants are 5157mm. The Long wheelbase models cost £1,500 more than the comparable Standard wheelbase versions.Both wheelbase configurations have flexible seating for up to six passengers using three rows of two seats. The middle and rear rows of seats can be folded down to provide a flat load carrying floor area. Seventy per cent of UK customers are expected to choose the long wheelbase models and 60 per cent of customers will opt for the relatively new 320 CDI diesel engine. Around 25 per cent of registrations will come from fleet sales and Mercedes expect the vast majority of customers will be private buyers or user-chooser company car customers.All models have full time 4MATIC four-wheel drive and a seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Mercedes say that by using a seven-speed transmission the engines use 20 per cent less rpm for improved fuel economy. Much of the drive train for the new R-Class is similar to that used by Mercedes for their M-Class up-market 4x4.At launch the R-Class will be available with three engine options. The R 320 CDI diesel with a 3-litre, 6-cylinder 224hp unit, the R 350 with a 3.5-litre 6-cylinder 272hp petrol engine and the R 500 which has a 5-litre 8-cylinder 306hp petrol unit. Two further engines will be added to the R-Class range later this year. These will be the R 280 CDI diesel and the R 63 AMG petrol units.Designed and built in the USA, Mercedes-Benz said the new R-Class is the first to market in this new sector and similar concepts due to go on sale soon include the Audi Q7, BMW V5 and the Maserati Kubang GT. Other more conventional competitors are the Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne and saloon and estate version of the BMW 5/7 Series and Audi A6/ A8 ranges.Mercedes also announced their next new model range for the UK, the GL heavyweight off-roader, will go on sale in September this year.Back to the R-Class. This is a big vehicle with a big image and visually it is very impressive. I can see the appeal to a wide range of customers everybody from VIP company transport for chauffeured executives to family use and as it is all-wheel-drive there might be a number of owners attracted to it who feel under pressure to move out of what are perceived to be anti-social bi 4x4s into something that looks more big car or MPV.The luxury, status of the brand and the versatile seating will be big reasons to buy this vehicle. Without date the Long version is by far the most practical. If you want six luxury seats or less seats ands more load space it is ideal, at a price. I'm not convinced the packaging of the seating is class-leading in the way the seats are accessed or folded away and with all six seats in use any luggage space is minimal.The car is filled with luxury and safety items so you travel in a great deal of style. Being all-wheel-drive it holds the roads well giving excellent adhesion even on the flooded roads we encountered this week. The jury is out though on whether the optional AirMatic suspension really works. Where it was fitted to our test models the Sport setting needed to be selected to minimise the soft and rather 'detached' ride. There was considerable pitching fore and aft, which might not be appreciated by passengers, and it did nothing to enhance the driving dynamics. Some other Journalists didn't agree but I wouldn't bother personally, I much preferred the conventional system and it saves money. It is already an expensive vehicle.Pick of the range for me was the anticipated best selling version, the 320 CDI Long wheelbase with SE specification. Priced at £42,925 this too came with a whole host of extra cost option, everything from a DVD navigation system, to heated front seats to larger 19 inch alloy wheels and so the price was pushed up to £48,315.The recently introduced 3-litre, V6, direct injection, turbocharged diesel engine we know is a real gem. Probably the best around currently. With 224hp and a massive 510Nm of torque, coupled with the excellent 7-speed auto transmission and four wheel drive, is more than adequate for this big car. Top speed is 134mph and the 0-62 acceleration time of 8.8 seconds is impressive.The installation of the diesel engine is really first class. It is so quiet there is no indication that it is a diesel unit at all and it is delightfully responsive. It really is a good combination on the open road or in town.The rejuvenated Mercedes brand just keeps turning out really impressive new models and new or revised engines as they fight back against the likes of BMW, Audi and Aston Martin. Add the R-Class to the list. I know it's a niche product for well-healed corporate or private buyers but it is mostly very impressive.MILESTONES. Mercedes-Benz R-Class 320 CDI L SE. Price: £42,925 (as tested £48,315). Engine: 3-litre, V6, common-rail direct injection turbocharged diesel, 224hp, 510Nm of torque from just 1,600rpm. Transmission: 7-speed automatic, permanent four wheel drive. Performance: 134mph, 0-62mph 8.8 seconds. Fuel economy: 30.4mpg, (26.8mpg actual), CO2 253 g/km. For: Big, relatively roomy, stylish, loads of safety equipment as standard, good to drive. Against: Traditional MPVs have easier to fold seating arrangements; AirMatic suspension (if fitted) detracts from the driving experience, pricey of course.