The R280 and R 350 shows how understatement can cause quite a stir. The V6 engine, with its four valves per cylinder and continuously variable camshaft adjustment, is one of the most powerful engines in its class. Generating 272 hp, R 350it demonstrates great pulling power for quick bursts of speed. The V6petrol engine also allows for relaxed cruising in the upper gears – and the consumption figures are impressively low.

And to ensure pure, unadulterated driving pleasure, the standard-fitted automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC, fitted as standard in the R 350, changes gear for you.

(R 280: fuel consumption combined: 10.9–11.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 260–265 g/km; R 350: fuel consumption combined: 11.1–11.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 265–270 g/km)[1]

The V8 petrol engines combine all the virtues you would expect from an R-Class: concentrated power, comfort and the smoothest, quietest possible ride. In the R 500 4MATIC, this is all down to an engine design based on three valves per cylinder, which makes room in the combustion chamber for two spark plugs. Ignition is phased, depending on the load and driving style. This more intensive use of fuel results in optimized consumption and emissions figures. The engine's technical credentials read as follows: 306 hp of power and a maximum torque of 460 Nm. The R 500 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. And the standard 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission changes gears for you.

(R 500 4MATIC: fuel consumption combined: 12.9–13.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 306–311 g/km) [1]